Holding leaders can lift us again
Chichester City boss Miles Rutherford is hoping a midweek draw with Isthmian south east leaders Ramsgate can spark an upbeate end to the season – after a poor run which ended their play-off hopes.
Ethan Prichard scored twice – including one from the spot – as City led 1-0 and 2-1 against the Rams at Oaklands Park, but a late equaliser meant they had to settle for a point.
The result followed a run of five straight defeats which put paid to City’s hopes of ending in the top five, hopes which had come alive in a stunning run of seven wins and two draws.
Rutherford said he hoped the midweek point would inspire the players to go on another unbeaten run between now and the end of the campaign.
Chi have two Sussex derbies over Easter – they go to play-off-chasing Whitehawk on Saturday then entertain East Grinstead on Monday.
Rutherford said: “Losing three games in eight days in Kent at the start of March ended our season. It ruined the momentum we’d built up.
"We’ve struggled since then and when we went to Corinthian, who were bottom, last week, we were way short. We had players unavailable and had a bad day, losing 2-1. We were on a downer.
"But on Tuesday night against Ramsgate, we said to the players there’s no point just turning up for the final few games, and we then showed that when we work hard we can get results.”
Rutherford said City’s bosses had analysed their campaign and felt they should be in the play-off places. Had they taken six or so points, instrad of none, from those three Kent visits, they would still be in with a shout of the promotion knockouts
But he said the fact they were still on course for a top-half finish was creditable.
The club are already looking at the squad for next season as they aim to build on this season’s efforts – but admit it is not easy for them at step four of the non-league pyramid.
Rutherford said: “We hope to get the 4G pitch in some time next year and that will help us progress as a club.
"We’ve not got a big budget and it’s been a struggle but we have plans.”