This was a satisfying victory for Shoreham as they beat Chichester City 2-1 in a hard fought league encounter at Middle Road. Shoreham had several players missing and for the second game they played with a makeshift defence. To their credit they were magnificent throughout and offered great protection to Michael Hunter in the Shoreham goal. Chichester came with a reputation as one of the more fancied sides in the league but Shoreham matched them all the way to eventually take all three points.

In a high tempo game it was Shoreham who created the first chance when a Johnston cross was headed over the bar by Ryan Bradley. Minutes later Chichester's on form striker, Ben Vassallo, was put through but his firmly struck shot was well saved by Hunter in the home goal. Shoreham suffered a setback when Richard Hudson had to go off after a reoccurrence of an old injury. Both sets of defences were generally on top as the forwards struggled to find any real space.

The game was confined to the midfield area for the most part and at times the sheer pace of the game threatened to spill over as there was a few spicy tackles. Chichester continued to threaten occasionally and on 40 minutes Briggs cut inside for Chichester and saw his shot fly over the bar. Two minutes later Brockway's shot invitingly across goal but there was no one to apply the finishing touch. As half time approached Chichester were very lucky not to concede a goal when Broadbent cleared his lines after good work by Bradley. Half time Shoreham 0 Chichester City Utd 0

Shoreham started the second half by conceding possession too often which led to the home defence being placed under unnecessary pressure. Gradually they settled into their rhythm and, with Keehan pulling the strings in midfield, they turned the game around and most of the play was happening in the Chichester half.

Both teams created chances but as the game looked to be heading for a scoreless draw great play by Bradley in winning the ball back saw him pass to Lee Eastman and his low cross was forced into the net by Owen Callaghans perfectly timed run into the area. With six minutes remaining Chichester showed their quality and pushed forward moving the ball quickly and creating a lot of danger from wide positions.

For the second game running Shoreham scored in the 92nd minute when a sizzling shot from Bradley was blocked by the outstanding Matt Short and substitute Josh Clayman, who had a great game, followed up to score and secure the victory. 2-0 to Shoreham.  A minute later James Temple tapped home a consolation goal for Chichester City after a rare misunderstanding in the Shoreham defence.

Shoreham had outstanding performers all over the park. The defence was really solid at the back while in midfield Eastman and Keehan were awesome with their competitiveness and willingness to chase down every ball. Callaghan and Boddy were constantly brought into play and were always a threat down the flanks. Upfront  Ryan Bradley often battled alone as he fought for every ball and his tireless energy often unsettled the Chichester defence.

There were two candidates for MOM- Michael Hunter had a brilliant game in goal as he dominated his area and showed great positional sense and a clean pair of hands to every ball that came his way. Lee Denyer however deserves the accolade tonight as he was brilliant throughout- dominant in the air, composed on the ball and often making timely interventions whenever there was a sniff of danger.

Match reporter: Pat Callaghan.

MOM: Lee Denyer