Chichester City suffered a heartbreaking exit from the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon as two injury-time goals saw them fall to a dramatic 3-2 defeat against SE Dons at Oaklands Park.
The Lilywhites appeared to be heading into the third qualifying round before a late collapse turned the tie on its head. Despite goals from Lloyd Rowlatt and Isaac Bridle, the Sussex side could not hold out against their ninth-tier opponents.
The visitors, who play two levels below Chichester in the football pyramid, secured the “giant-killing” victory thanks to goals from Bohui and a stunning late brace. With the match seemingly under control, SE Dons struck in the third and fifth minutes of added time through Hand and Teniola to snatch the win and the prize money.
Under The FA prize fund rules, winning clubs in the second qualifying round receive £3,375, while losing sides like Chichester City take home £1,125.
Sussex success for Horsham and Eastbourne
While there was disappointment at Oaklands Park, other Sussex representatives enjoyed a more productive Saturday. Horsham secured their place in the next round with a professional 3-0 victory away at Walton & Hersham, though they were forced to be patient.
Dom Di Paola’s side did not break the deadlock until the 81st minute when Charlie Hester-Cook found the net. The floodgates opened thereafter, with Jamie Yila doubling the lead in the 88th minute before Daniel Ajakaiye added a third in the final moments of the game.
At Priory Lane, Eastbourne Borough also progressed with a comfortable 3-0 win over Windsor & Eton. The side controlled the contest from the early stages to ensure their name remains in the hat for Monday’s draw.
Crowborough Athletic provided the most goals of the afternoon in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Hampton & Richmond Borough. The result means the two sides will meet again in a replay, expected to take place on Tuesday, 22 September, to decide who advances.
Bognor Regis Town secure league points
With much of the focus on cup action, Bognor Regis Town continued their Isthmian League South Central campaign. The Rocks capitalised on their home advantage at Nyewood Lane to record a 2-0 victory over Harrow Borough, providing a boost for the local faithful following the cup exit of their neighbours in Chichester.
What happens next?
The draw for the FA Cup third qualifying round is scheduled to take place on Monday, 21 September at 1pm. Supporters of Horsham, Eastbourne Borough, and Crowborough Athletic will be watching closely to see their potential opponents for the next stage of the competition.