Missing six players form the side that was soundly beaten by league leaders Shoreham the previous week, it was always going to be a tough ask.
A makeshift backline that included Harry Ducatel, Danny Andrews, Ryan Paul and Matt Cunnington performed well and can come away from the contest with their heads high despite the result.
Josh Clack was the main instigator in the Chichester attacks, with Phil Hawkins saving well while at the other end of the pitch, United looked to use set-pieces to their advantage but weren’t quite able to make a breakthrough.
Max Hollobone and Steve Dallaway linked up well in the Chichester box, but Dallaway’s effort went harmlessly over the bar.
United were soon punished for their miss, as a little over a minute later Clack drilled a low effort underneath Hawkins.
Chances were at a premium in the remainder of the first half, but Andrews and stand-in skipper Dean Stevens saw chances go begging in the opening stages of the second half.
Chichester doubled their lead in controversial circumstances twenty minutes from time, as play was allowed to continue despite a clear offside, leaving Clack to double his and the home sides lead.
Despite protests from players and management, along with surprise from the home faithful, the goal was allowed to stand and United made the long journey home pointless