PTFC overcome strugglers

With Chichester in free-fall towards to Division 2, and Peacehaven boasting an impressive away record, to many the only surprise will have been the margin of victory.

Shaun Saunders made only one change to the side which started against Sidley last week, with Carl Dunk returning to the side in place of Ryan Bradley, and Peacehaven where ahead within 5 minutes.

With their first venture into the Chichester area, referee Nigel Baker had little option but to point to the spot following a handball and Carl Dunk stepped up to fire Peacehaven into an early lead.

A big scoreline looked on the cards as Peacehaven extended their advantage 5 minutes later when Carl Dunk's cross fell perfectly for Matt Fleming, and he drilled the ball home from outside the box.

Midway through the half they had the chance to go further ahead when a foul on Chamal Fenelon resulted in another penalty decision, but this time Hitchman saved Dunk's spot kick to keep the home side in the game.

Chichester's only real chance of the half saw Ben Vassollo produce a good save from Adams, but the majority of the action was in the opposing area where Dunk, Murray and Fenelon all looked capable of scoring at any moment.

The second half continued in the same pattern with Peacehaven dominating possession but unable to add to their lead. Fenelon was unlucky not to register his first goal for the club and as the half wore on it was increasingly obvious there was no way back for Chichester.

Tom Levitt was introduced to the action, making a welcome return after a 3 month absence, but within 5 minutes the injury curse which has plagued Piddinghoe Avenue this season was to strike again. Wade Johnson's clattering challenge on Rob O'Toole earned him a red card, and O'Toole an ankle injury which will keep him sidelined for 4 - 6 weeks. Ironically he was replaced by Adam Kneller who was returning from a 6 week lay-off !

It may have been a predictable victory, and Peacehaven will have tougher challenges to face before the season ends, but Shaun Saunders will be happy with the way his side controlled the game for long periods - and the fact that, for the first time this season, they kept a clean sheet for a second game in a row.