Chichester victors in nine-goal thriller

Olton & West Warwick put three defenders on two-goal Alex Pendle [Chichester Observer/Kate Shemilt photo]

Chichester scored three goals in 12 second half minutes to overturn a 3-2 deficit and beat National League Western Conference rivals Olton & West Warwicks 5-4 in a nine goal thriller.
They twice took a first half lead, but seven minutes into the second period, the Midlanders’ were in front themselves, only for Chichester to launch a terrific comeback.
Ollie Baxter and Alex Pendle got the first half goals for Chi, only for Fareham-raised Steve Batten to scored twice and then Chris Rawlings (43) give Olton the 3-2 advantage.
But Olton were blown away as strikes by Alex Messenger (49), Pendle (59) and Andy Sparshott (61) put Chichester 5-3 up.
Peter Jackson’s fourth goal for Olton five minutes from time set up a nerve racking finale, but Chichester hung on to boost dressing room confidence ahead of Sunday’s derby with Havant.