New kit - but no new dose of cup success for Bosham

Broadbridge Heath snared a 2-0 win in extra-time to book their passage to the semi-final.

Both teams started nervously but the visitng Blues gradually gained momentum, Michael Wood getting two sharp shots on target only for keeper Simon Hasted to deny him on both occasions.

Bosham were struggling to get going, with the midfield misfiring and the attack less than fluid in the opposition half.

The crowd were starting to wonder where a goal was going to come from and as the game wore on, the inevitable thought of ‘one goal will be enough’ seemed about right.

During the second half, Broadbridge looked the more likely to get it. Wood and substitute Miles Hamilton found more and more time and space down the flanks and provided a stern test for the Bosham back-line.

On several occasions the Blues saw chances go narrowly wide after the ball shot around the box with the Reds failing to clear their lines.

The match went into extra-time and eventually, the Blues found their scoring touch when it most mattered to see off the resilient Reds and make progress.

First Rob Godfrey burst into the Bosham box with a late run and, via a deflection, opened the scoring.

With Bosham still reeling the Blues surged forward and a few minutes later doubled their lead when Mortimer got through the tiring defence and fired a low shot into the corner.

Bosham boss Tony Hancock said: “Players and staff are gutted at the result but the better team deservedly went through.”

Chichester reserves await this weekend in the Intermediate Cup.

BOSHAM: Hasted, Stent, Dowden, Blanshard, Jack Hancock, Probee, Maunder, Docherty, Hartley, Joe Hancock, Redman. Subs: Hillier, Bracher.

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