MATCH REPORT: Wimborne Town 0-1 Chichester City

After all that encouraging friendly fun in the sun, a second goal-less defeat in three days left players, management and supporters bemused, bereft and bewildered. Despite dominating the possession and goal-attempt stats, The Magpies were unable to find the net. The game was decided by a controversial penalty on 20 minutes as the visitors made the most of their first-ever visit to Wimborne.

Manager Tim Sills made four changes to his starting XI after defeat at Frome on Saturday: Cam Munn, Owen Roundell-Prince, Joe Smith and Fin Toghill all making their first starts of the campaign.

Chichester, playing in sunshine yellow, were first to make their mark on the match – at both ends. A rapid break down the left by Chebby resulted in an inviting cross, then a strong back-pass had ‘keeper Evans scrambling across his goal as the ball went narrowly wide of his post. Another rapid counter-attack needed Charlie Wooding to race back and disrupt, before, on 17 minutes, Kai Crampton had to make a brilliant double-save low down by his post after a surging run and shot, and then a close-range follow-up from the rebound. With the hosts still to get into their stride, the visitors took the lead on 20 minutes. A ball over the top was chased down the inside-right channel by a rapid attacker (who looked offside to your in-line match reporter), he pushed the ball beyond the onrushing Crampton with little chance of getting to it, before falling over the keeper; referee Parsons took his time before pointing to the spot. Bridle despatched his kick into the bottom corner with aplomb.

Wimborne huffed and puffed but didn’t trouble The Lillywhite’s ‘keeper for the rest of the half: Max Bustamante’s blockbuster following Owen Roundell’s long throw was bravely blocked; Lewis Williams headed Bustamante’s cross over the bar; and multiple set-piece deliveries into the danger area had no end product.

Chichester started the second-half with a spell of confident possession. But on 51 minutes, Wimborne had their best chance of the evening. A crunching mid-field tackle sent the ball spiralling beyond Chichester’s back-line for Williams to race onto; one-on-one with shot-stopper Evans the young forward opted for power but his strike flew wide of the upright.

Roared on by the crowd, Wimborne applied pressure to Chichester’s defence: Fin Toghill’s twinkling feet made room for a cross; Williams volleyed over the bar; Joe Smith headed wide; Cam Sullivan crossed invitingly into the danger area. But it wasn’t until the 85th minute that Evans had to make a save when he was well-positioned for Seuny’s shot. His second save was in time added-on when Will Fletcher’s header from Josh McQuoid’s clever lob was at a comfortable height. In between those saves, the visitors came close to doubling their lead when Lawrence was sent clear down the left only to be denied by another good save from Crampton.

After five additional minutes, referee Parsons gave a final blast on his whistle. Credit to Chichester’s well-organised defence who were like wasps round a strawberry scone when attackers were about to shoot. Three hours without a goal will be a worry for manager Tim, who shared supporters’ disappointment and frustration at the end of the game. Of course, it’s a marathon not a sprint, but it would be good to get out of the starting-blocks.

Team: Crampton, Roundell-Prince, Roberts, Edmondson, Bustamante (Fletcher 60'), Toghill, Wooding (McQuoid 60'), Carmichael (Seuny 73'), Munn (Sullivan 81'), Williams, Smith.

Unused Sub: Wright

Att: 610

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