City, Sids and Stags get friendlies off to good start

Our local football teams have swung into pre-season friendly action – and although some have fared better than others results-wise, no-one will be too worried about losing a game in the first week of July.

Chichester City, newly promoted to the Isthmian League south-east division, got their build-up off to a winning start on the Isle of Wight. They beat an IOW rep side 2-0 with goals from former Pagham forward Callum Overton and University of Chichester student Lukas Jones.

City head to Arundel this Saturday.

Selsey, who will again be in division one of the SCFL this season, hosted Wessex League high flyers Horndean at the High Street Ground and lost 4-0, but bosses said it was a great run-out for their young team on a beautifully prepared pitch.

The Blues host Worthing on Saturday and AFC Portchester next Tuesday.

Sidlesham, also of SCFL division one, started their preseason programme at home to division two Bosham and were comfortable 4-2 winners with two goals from Ryan Chittock and one each from Simon Whall and Josh Butress.

The home side were missing several regulars so the game gave opportunities for reserve players to stake a claim for first-team football.

Sids welcomed Tom Bayley and Tom Jefkins back to the club and handed new signing Tommy Harding a debut.

Apart from a spell straight after half-time when Sids conceded two goals in five minutes, the hosts controlled the game. Ryan Chittock stood out in the centre of the park but manager Steve Bailey was pleased with the whole group.

Off the pitch at Sids, things are progressing nicely, the committee have plans to smarten up the clubhouse and surroundings.

With regards to the search for a new manager, no decision has been reached.

Bailey, who has taken over as chairman, said: “If the right person comes along who can commit to the club on and off the pitch I’ll step down, but until then I’ll continue assisted by Alfie Bunker, Simon Whall and Shane Brayson.”

Midhurst, another SCFL division one team, kicked off with a 3-1 win away to Hampshire team Whitchurch.

There were debut goals for Matt Rowland and Danny Lane and one for Kieran Carter in a positive display.