LEW’S TWO FOR BUCKS

BUCKLAND ATHLETIC extended their long unbeaten run and ended that of Chichester City in an enthralling contest that was played in slippery conditions.

The hosts were perhaps just shading the match when they fell behind in the 26th minute.

Athletic winger Lloyd Gardner received the ball just in from the touchline and found that no defender came to apply pressure.

Gardner advanced infield five yards before walloping a 20-yard strike that was heading for the top corner as soon as it left his boot.

Ten minutes later, Bucks midfielder Richard Groves charged out of defence, played a beautiful one-two with Gavin Hammon and then set up Jared Lewington to make it two.

Chichester worked hard after the break, with striker Scott Jones proving a handful for the Athletic defence whenever he had the ball, while Josh Clack worked tirelessly down the right wing.

It was Jones who handed the Lilywhites a lifeline, rising at the far post to head his side back into the match midway through the half.

City continued to apply pressure and Dan Heggarty should have done better when a cross found him unmarked, but he could only head the ball straight at Bucks keeper Grant Fisher with the goal gaping.

Athletic made the match safe with 12 minutes to go, Lewington again doing the damage as he pounced on a loose ball to fire home from 12 yards.

The Lilywhites kept going and Jones had an effort disallowed for offside.

But despite further home pressure, it was the Devonians who progress into the last 16. STAR MAN: Scott Jones (Chichester) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★