Parsons red card turns game and sees City suffer Lilywhites defeat

City’s four-match winning run in the Southern League Premier South was halted this afternoon with a 2-1 defeat against Chichester City at Oaklands Park, in a game which turned on Harry Parsons’ sending off. Despite falling behind early City swiftly levelled and were in control of the game before Parsons saw red on the stroke of half-time.

Missing injured captain Joe Raynes and new signing Adam May, City suffered a further setback on four minutes when Chebby crossed for Bridle to put the home side ahead. City were only behind for seven minutes. Harvey Wiles-Richards’ long clearance was flicked on by Callum Wood and Donovan Wilson stole in to shoot goalward where a deflection off Davidson saw the ball loop over keeper Evans. City took control of the game following the equaliser. Pedro Elawar fired a good chance narrowly over on 21 minutes then Parsons saw his 36th minute shot well-saved by Evans. Eight minutes later Parsons was involved in the games turning point. Tussling with Hutchinson as an overhit  ball forward went out for a goal kick, and with both players on the floor, he pushed out at the defender who immediately held his face. After consulting with his assistant, referee Mr Lamping showed City’s joint top scorer a red card.

Showing they weren’t going to try to hold on for a point City introduced Reuben Reid for Elawar at the break and the striker looked to have put the Romans ahead three minutes into the second half. Evans could only parry Matt Bowman’s 30-yard shot out to Reid who neatly fired home but an offside flag halted the celebrations. Chichester restored their lead just past the hour mark when Pattenden converted another Chebby cross. It took a stunning Wiles-Richards save ten minutes later from Pattenden’s close range header to prevent City falling further behind. City threw three further attackers on with 15 minutes left but they couldn’t find a late leveller and for a third successive time this season opened a new month with a defeat.