Chichester were brought back down to earth with a 3-1 defeat at City of Portsmouth in South Premier division one.

After beating Old Georgians the previous week, Chi were hoping for another good result but they produced only sporadic moments of positive hockey.

Portsmouth took the lead early on. Peter Turner lost possession in his own half and within four swift passes the home centre forward scored from close in.

Player-coach Neil Pendle came off the the bench to inspire a Chichester equaliser. Linking with Ollie Lane-Smith, Pendle sent a ferocious pass into the D and England mixed team centre forward Adam Beere applied the finish.

At one goal each, Chi had their chance but passes went astray and they conceded a second goal before half time when a dummy fooled goalkeeper Steve Jones.

There were chances for Chi in the second half with Beere, Pendle and Dan Jaeger all going close. There was also a penalty stroke which was missed and Turner was out of luck from short corners.

When Portsmouth scored again, it was all over and Chi were left to contemplate a possible relegation battle.