Bognor have gone top of the Ryman Premier Division after a 3-1 win at home to Wingate & Finchley.
After two successive defeats, The Rocks went back to winning ways on Tuesday night after their 7-0 win against Southwick in the Sussex Senior Cup and on Saturday the reward of all three points was sitting top of the table.
Goals by Ollie Pearce, James Fraser and Jimmy Wild made the difference at Nyewood Lane as Jamie Howell’s side continued their impressive unbeaten run in front of their home fans, having not lost at home since the opening day of the season.
Bognor were in the ascendency right from the off and could have been in the lead earlier, had Jimmy Wild not been denied by opposing goalkeeper, Shane Gore.
Minutes later, Jimmy Muitt went racing through on goal after some intricate play, but once again, Gore was on hand to keep the scoreline level with some brave goalkeeping.
After 13 minutes, Bognor had got the opener their play had deserved as Ollie Pearce broke the deadlock with a beautifully placed free-kick, this time Gore had no chance.
Bognor missed a series of chances before the interval and that nearly came to haunt them just before the break. Claudiu Vilcu’s near-post flick was destined for the net, but Dan Lincoln done just enough to divert the effort on to the post and Rocks maintained their 1-0 lead.
In the early exhanges in the second half it was Bognor, once again, that were on top and on the 52nd minute they doubled their lead.
Dolcetti started the move in his own half with a neat pass out to James Crane on the left hand side, he threaded it forward to Muitt who sent in a high cross to the far post, Pearce smartly headed it back into the goalmouth and Jimmy Wild was there to nod the ball home. A beautifully crafted team goal.
Rocks continued to impose their slick, possession play on the game and Wingate & Finchley had little reply as Rocks tallied their third of the afternoon. After more neat football the ball fell to James Fraser who ruthlessly slammed the ball home from close range.
Wingate & Finchley did grab a consolation goal in the dying embers of the match as Reece Beckles-Richards took advantage of some lacklustre defending.
But it was Howell’s Rocks who were good value for the win and they’ll be looking for more of the same when they entertain Hendon on Tuesday 15th November.
Rocks: Lincoln, Davies, Crane, Tuck, El-Abd, Field, Fraser, Dolcetti, Wild, Pearce, Muitt. Subs: Cadman, Sanders, Beck, Robinson.
