Sussex County League Division One

Redhill 1

Chichester City 1

IT WAS a frustrating start to the season for title-chasers Redhill who were held to a draw against another team who no doubt expect to be topping the league themselves, Chichester City.

The Lobsters opened the scoring on 12 minutes through returning striker Andrew Dalhouse, but were pegged back just three minutes later when a cross into the box was turned into his own net by left-back Leon Dussard.

Redhill manager Marcus Alcindor was pleased with the goal-scoring chances his side carved out.

"We had more of the opportunities and more of the possession and we didn't put them away. But it was encouraging that, first game of the season, we created those opportunities," he said.

"The ball just didn't go in the back of the net; Lee Radford just missed, [Andrew] Dalhouse just missed, those two were outstanding though.

"It was good to see Asher Hudson back as well. First game of the season is normally scrappy but both teams played some nice football."

Winger Calvin Headley was equally unhappy with the draw, but believes the Lobsters still have what it takes to win the Sussex County League title.

"It was a good performance, but we came out with a draw which wasn't what we wanted. But you don't get what you want everytime," he reasoned.

"Nothing really was amiss for me; we scored for them and without that, I didn't see them scoring. Chichester are a good side, but so are Redhill. I still think we can win the title."

Redhill started the match with some good attacking football that saw a Chris Hubbard free-kick go just wide before Hubbard, again, delivered a great corner that defender Jon Difford, arriving late in the box, almost directed goalwards.

Chichester soon took the game to Redhill, forcing a save from Chris May while Nytram Dixon-Baker was well positioned to clear the rebound off the line.

The pacy Lee Radford caused Chichester problems, and after his run through the middle, keeper Tony Harrop saw his parry fall to Dalhouse who made no mistake opening his account for the new season.

However just three minutes later Chichester were level after ex-Portsmouth professional Liam Horsted and Graeme Gillman put the Redhill defence under pressure.

The visitors could have gone ahead after May's goal-kick fell straight to a waiting striker but the Chichester player's attempted lob sailed over the crossbar.

Chichester continued to attack before the break with George Way getting a shot away despite a crunching tackle by Difford.

Minutes later Dixon-Baker was on hand with his second goalline clearance of the game after May was caught out of position.

Both sides had chances in the second half including Radford sliding in inches away from a Charles Ofusuhene cross and a shot by the superb Steve Leigh.

The last chance of the game fell to defender Dixon-Baker who put a Headley free-kick just wide of the left post.

Redhill: May, Howell, Dussard, Difford, Dixon-Baker, Ofusuhene, Hubbard, Hudson (Stagg), Dalhouse, Headley, Radford (Elliott). Unused subs: Ellis, Nicholas, Alcindor.

UNDER 16s are being given the chance to watch Redhill's assault on the Sussex County League title for free when they attend with a full-paying adult (£6). The offer is available for all home game until the end of the year.