The hosts made the brighter start in front of a bumper crowd, with Isaac Bello registering the first effort of the contest and forcing Havant goalkeeper Matt Kerbey into an early save.
Both sides then settled into the match, taking care in possession and refusing to leave themselves exposed. Havant’s first meaningful opportunity fell to captain Ryan Seager, whose effort was comfortably gathered by Max Evans.
Chichester broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through an outstanding individual goal from Bello. Collecting possession just inside the Havant half, the winger embarked on a mazy run before driving a low finish beyond Kerbey and into the bottom-left corner.
Havant responded by applying greater pressure. Blaise Riley-Snow regained possession in a dangerous area and released Seager, but Evans was again equal to the striker’s effort.
The visitors continued searching for an equaliser. Christian Maghoma’s header took a deflection off a Chichester defender and went behind for a corner, although the hosts survived the resulting delivery.
Chichester came close to doubling their advantage when an effort struck the post, but they were unable to add to their lead before the interval and went into half-time 1–0 ahead.
Havant found their equaliser in the 57th minute. Riley-Snow took his opportunity emphatically, smashing the ball into the bottom-right corner to bring the visitors level.
Parity did not last long. Substitute Jake Lawrence, introduced in the 61st minute, restored Chichester’s advantage on 71 minutes with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner.
Seager attempted to produce another response for Havant, but Evans dealt comfortably with the captain’s shot.
Chichester extended their lead four minutes later. Kerbey saved the initial effort, but Lucas Pattenden reacted quickest to the loose ball and slammed the rebound home to make it 3–1.
Havant refused to surrender and reduced the deficit just two minutes later, with Alfy Whittingham finding the net to set up a tense conclusion.
The visitors pushed forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Chichester stood firm under the late pressure and protected their narrow advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 3–2 victory for Chichester City, who collected all three Southern League points from an entertaining Bank Holiday derby.