Chichester City Reserves look back on their big moments in the league after recently winning the South East Counties Division 1 West title.
After the Rusthall defeat in the second week of the season it was clear that the team had too many players and it was going to be hard to work to keep a consistent approach in games.
Unfortunately, this meant that we had to release several players from the club, something we have never had to do before and something we never want to have to do again, as we are all about creating opportunities for ladies and girls to play football.
This, however, looks like it was the turning point in the season, as the 18 players that were selected to stay have worked hard together. The team haven’t lost in the league since and have only drawn one game in the process (again to Rusthall).
Eastbourne started the season very well and were scoring a lot of goals, so in October when we met them we knew we had to play well, which we did and won the game 5-1.
We then went 7 games without conceding a goal and climbed to the top of the table.
The next big game was Wivelsfield Green in October where we won 4-0, causing problems for the side who were also playing well.
December saw us put eight past Eastbourne and almost certainly put them out of the title race.
January saw hardly any play because of the weather and then in February we put seven past Wivelsfield to end their hopes too. This then meant as long as we won our remaining games the title would be ours.
Rusthall, the only side to be really able to catch us if we slipped up, drew 1-1 with Bexhill United Reserves on Sunday, meaning that a draw or more would win the title this Sunday (30th March 2014) with two games to spare.
Our opponents were to be Milford & Witley but for the first time in their history they were unable to raise a side and forfeited the game, meaning Chichester are awarded the three points and clinch the title. Not the way they the team wanted to achieve it but they have worked so hard all season that they deserve it.
The Reserves are looking forward to Saturday 7th June when they receive their trophy and medals as champions of the division.
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