Davidson delivers as City secure a winning return
Ryan Davidson’s 90th minute header gave Chichester the points as they returned to Oaklands Park to play on their new 3G surface for the first time.
Isaac Bello’s strike in the first half had put Chi in front only for Louis Evans to seemingly earn the Bears a share of the spoils with 13 minutes of normal time to go.
But Davison ensured that the club’s 150th anniversary party, and their return home after half a season hosting matches at Bognor, would not be spoiled.
Kyle O’brien came in at left back for City, Joe Moore slotted in to centre-mid, and Ben Pashley made an appearance at the heart of defence.
Joe Clarke conceded a dangerous set-piece on the edge of his penalty area after just 30 seconds, Zac Young took this and Kieran Magee made a save before denying a follow-up overhead kick.
The hosts got going as Bello, Ethan Prichard and Connor Cody – back from Whitehawk – combined well.
Prichard pulled the first stop out of Heath’s Alfie Hadfield for the first corner which O’brien whipped in before linking up with Conrad Honore.
Prichard broke up an Evans-young move and neat skill from Moore instigated an attack after Pashley dealt with Mason Doughty.
Josh Clack was fouled and Hadfield gathered Prichard’s free-kick. Clarke blocked an
Evans delivery and the Bears No7 felled Prichard for the first booking.
Bello scored City’s first goal at a refurbished Oaklands Park, rounding Hadfield and finding the back of the net for his second in two games.
Soon after, Bello was bundled over by Gideon Acheampong. O’brien took the free-kick and a flick by Honore was cleared.
In a lively second half, Heath had their moments and on 77 minutes, Davidson gave away a free-kick, receiving a yellowcard.evansslottedthis calmly round the wall for the leveller.
Chi kept pressing – and were to be rewarded for doing so.
Prichard’s cross-shot was diverted by Hadfield for a corner. Evans cleared this one for another better one that was firmly headed home by Davidson to give Chi the win, the perfect ending to the return home.
Chichester are at Oaklands Park again on Saturday against Phoenix Sports (3pm).