A spectacular late winner from Deal Town's Mark Pollard ended Chichester's FA Cup interest in a lively replay at Church Road last night.
Pollard connected with an overhead kick from a needlessly conceded corner five minutes from time to give the Kent side a 3-2 win in their extra preliminary round replay.
Chi, who came from a goal down to draw 2-2 in the initial tie, were chasing the game again after poor defending let in Ian Hayes for a crisp 16th minute opener.
Ben Hitchman got forward to level from Billy Butlin's corner but Steve Jones nodded Deal back in front on half time.
Chi started the second period brightly and Ben Bryant brilliantly saved from Simon Fitt's 25 yarder before Paul Thomas headed a second equaliser on 52 minutes.
The hosts never looked totally secure at the back, however, and Scott Thomas missed an open goal for Deal before Pollard settled matters.
East Preston crashed out 2-1 in their replay at home to Lymington and New Milton.
Simon Clayton's late striker, when he followed in a Jimmy Smith shot, was not enough for EP.
Disappointed boss Vic Short said: "They were a very good side but it is just a shame we didn't have a stronger referee. He let a few things go on out there."
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