Leaders' three-goal burst is too much for Chichester City

SECOND-PLACED Rye are still breathing down tbe necks of league leaders Pagham after recording a comfortable success at Chichester.

Adie Girdler’s men managed to match their tough opponents for the opening 20 minutes but then three goals in quick succession killed off any chance of an upset.

Matt MacLean struck on 21 and 23 minutes and centre-half Phil Rhodes headed in from a free-kick three minutes later with the Chichester defenders reeling.

Rye’s leading marksman Scott Ramsay had to retire injured early in the contest, and although MacLean and Luke Woodley also hobbled off later on, City simply had too much ground to make up despite showing improved form in the second half.

The best chance from the home side arrived on 66 minutes when Ben Vassallo broke through with only the keeper to beat, but Josh Pelling saved well.

Late on, Matt Short produced an equally good stop when Sam Adams sent in a stinger but the recent City mini-revival was over.

CITY: Short, Carrington, Doran, Browne, Bass, Waite, Briggs, Archbold, Reed, Vassallo, Edwards. Subs: Turvey, Cotton, James.

CHESTER BROWTON