City edged out by title-chasing Rebels

City pushed title chasing Worthing all the way but ultimately returned from Sussex empty-handed after a 2-1 defeat this evening.

An early Ewan Clark shot tested keeper Covolan but it was the home side who enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges. However, they failed to test Harvey Wiles-Richards and as the half progressed City began to grow into the game. Covolan was called into action again on 29 minutes to divert Jordan Alves’ free-kick over the bar. Neither side could fashion any further openings before the break.

The deadlock was broken three minutes after the restart when Spong’s 20 yard shot found the corner of the net. The Rebels look to press home their advantage but Wiles-Richards produced several excellent stops to keep them at bay. And on 72 minutes City silenced the home crowd when Kieran Parselle rose to head home Elliott Frear’s corner. Moments after Alex Fisher had strong penalty appeals waved away Worthing regained the lead. A cross was headed into the air and, despite clearly impeding Wiles-Richards, Cashman turned the ball home from close range. Fisher had the ball in the net five minutes from time but his volley was ruled out by an offside flag and this would be the final scare for Worthing.