Fareham find Chi win on last Page

Kieran Page grabbed a late winner as Fareham nicked a 3-2 victory at Chichester to keep alive their hopes of finishing Western Conference runners-up.
With Bristol University on the brink of the title, its effectively between Isca and Fareham who finishes second – the Exeter side going into the final two rounds of fixtures one point ahead and with a vastly superior goal difference.
Chichester twice took the lead in the Fareham derby, attacking down the flanks and taking free hits quickly, one such move culminating in Joe Bugden giving the city side the lead.
Soon after goalkeeper Alex White spread himself to deny Chichester the opportunity to double their lead, writes Mike Vimpany.
The opening quarter provided plenty of passion but a somewhat scrappy watch, Fareham beginning to keep possession for longer spells and equalising from a counter-attack, set up by Chris Davey and finished by sibling brother George.
Fareham goal joy as short lived as soon after Jack Lerwell controversially converted a penalty corner – Fareham claiming the ball didn’t cross the goal-line, but with no VAR or goal-line technology, the goal stood and Chichester led 2-1.
To compound Fareham’s misery, teenager Dylan Coleman was sin-binned for ten minutes following a physical challenge.
However, this proved the catalyst for a vastly improved second half performance by Fareham, who built their moves with greater confidence and began to enjoy more possession, with Niall Stott setting up the moves and the visitors’ midfield combining to greater effect.
Higher up, the evergreen James Seager produced his best spell of the season. His combination with Alex Jackson on the edge of the circle saw the teenager find a defender’s foot and Chris Davey tuck away the resulting short corner to make it 2-2.
With the restored Coleman linking effectively with Saints fan Sam Ratliff, Fareham looked increasingly threatening, but soon they were down to nine men with Jackson and Seager both sent to the cooler.
As Fareham creaked, White twice made match saving saves – his fine goalkeeping proving the inspiration for the visitors to snatch a late winner through the influential Kieran Page.
A trademark right wing attack found Ratliffe on the right shoulder of the circle. His strike into the near post area was met sharply by Page, whose deflection was decisive.
Fareham play their final home match of the season against fourth-placed Ashmoor at Henry Cort on Sunday, 1.30.

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