Heath exit Velocity Cup to Chi Rocket
Heath made the journey west to Chichester on Tuesday night for the second round of the Velocity Cup. Both managers choosing to make a number of changes from the sides in league action at the weekend.
For Heath this meant starts for Holden, Gballou, Ghannam, Lindsey and for new signing Chimaechi Eze who signed on loan from Crystal Palace.
The opening period was cagey with both sides feeling their way into the game, Heath showing some good interplay but were unable to create a clear chance. Chichester’s threat appeared to be mainly on the break as their pacey forward line were able to get in behind the Blues on a number of occasions.
Chichester slowly took control of the first half and were able to make the breakthrough in the 28th minute when Joe Moore was allowed to beat his man and find a pocket of space before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
A worrying moment in the 36th Minute had the physios of both sides onto the field of play as three players clashed in the Heath box chasing a through ball, Darryl Siaw and Billy Collings coming off worse and the later being clearly impacted throughout the remainder of the game. The big keeper showing remarkable bravery to remain on the pitch despite being in obvious pain.
Heath’s best chance of the half came shortly before half time when Eze skillfully beat his man on the left flank before cutting in onto his right, his powerful shot unfortunately flew wide of the far post.
Heath’s performance here was reminiscent of Saturday with our second half performance being significantly stronger than the first. Heath were dominant throughout the second 45 but couldn’t quite find the goal their play probably deserved. In truth Chichester were holding on towards the end but managed the game well and were able to progress to the next round.
Man of the Match: Nabeel Ghannam