A Rocks Review

David Seabourne, our Bognor Supporter Correspondent, brings us a round up of all Rocks news from the last month. If you'd like to be a Supporter Correspondent for your club, please email Ian on townsendaround@gmail.com.

Lucas Pattenden has been urged to use his football skills to help the Rocks.

Boss Robbie Blake commended winger Lucas Pattenden for his impressive performance this season and expressed the desire for a consistent display as Bognor prepares to face Hayes & Yeading United in the FA Trophy third round at the MKM Arena this Saturday.

Pattenden made the switch from Littlehampton Town to the Rocks during the summer, netting two goals in nine appearances while significantly bolstering Blake's attacking lineup. He notably secured a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against Potters Bar Town last week.

However, Blake conveyed his frustration at the team's failure to secure a well-deserved victory following a dominant showing. Blake emphasized the importance of allowing Pattenden to excel in his wide role, believing it could provide Bognor with a competitive edge.

He elaborated, stating, "Lucas has made a significant impact since joining us, adapting swiftly. His innate talent is evident in his performances. We're counting on him to maintain that level consistently, which will greatly enhance our overall performance as we aim for greater stability in our game."

Blake expressed confidence in Pattenden's potential for further growth, asserting that his skills pose a genuine threat to opposing defenders. He highlighted Pattenden's continuous improvement and commended his seamless transition into the team. With his contributions in scoring goals and providing an attacking threat, Blake emphasized the pivotal role Pattenden could play, underscoring his belief that the player is recognizing his potential.

Looking ahead to the match against Hayes & Yeading, Blake conveyed his desire for Pattenden and the team to assert their style of play, expressing anticipation for a successful run in the FA Trophy. He concluded, "It's a game we're eagerly looking forward to."

Alfie Rutherford joins Rocks

The skilled 25-year-old forward is making a comeback after a prolonged absence due to open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. There is optimism that his return to the field will be advantageous for both Robbie Blake’s team and the National League side.

Former Portsmouth prospect Rutherford is rejoining the club where he launched his professional career seven years ago, having recently signed with the Nye Camp following a stint at Moneyfields.

He subsequently had stints with Eastbourne Borough and Havant & Waterlooville before transferring to Marc White's team at Dorking.

Rutherford's acquisition follows another beloved player, Jimmy Muitt, who joined the Rocks on a one-month loan from Meadowbank.

Manager Blake expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Rutherford and extended his gratitude to White and Dorking for their assistance in finalizing the short-term contract.

He stated: "Alfie is undoubtedly a highly talented individual who has shown tremendous resilience in overcoming his medical challenges. He deserves immense credit for being on the brink of this comeback. We're thrilled to have him on board, and I believe this arrangement will be mutually beneficial. Many thanks to Marc and Dorking for their contributions to the deal."

Alfie Rutherford First Game

Robbie Blake has paid tribute to Alfie Rutherford after the hitman made an explosive return to football following a 13-month lay-off to recover from open heart surgery.
It's truly a remarkable comeback for Alfie Rutherford. Scoring with his first touch of the ball just two minutes after coming on is an incredible achievement and a testament to his skill and determination. It's clear that his return is making a significant impact on the team's performance.
Robbie Blake's praise for Rutherford's performance is well-deserved. It must be a source of great satisfaction for both Rutherford and the Bognor management to see him back in such fine form, especially considering his history with the club.

The fact that Rutherford started his career with Bognor seven years ago adds an extra layer of sentiment to this success story. It's a testament to his loyalty and the special connection he has with the club. This comeback will surely serve as an inspiration not only to his teammates but also to aspiring athletes facing their own challenges.

Hayes & Yeading United- FA Trophy

Bognor Regis Town had an eventful and successful match against Hayes & Yeading United. The detailed play-by-play you provided gives a vivid picture of the game. It's clear that Lucas Pattenden, Craig Robson, and Alfie Rutherford played pivotal roles in securing the 3-1 victory.

The report highlights some key moments, including Pattenden's skill in battling for the ball and his crucial contribution to the first goal. Rutherford's return to the club on loan from Dorking Wanderers seems to have been a game-changing decision, with his goal adding to the team's success.

The match also saw some intense moments, including a few bookings and an off-the-ball incident involving Harvey Whyte and Johnny Allotey. Despite some contentious decisions by the referee, Bognor managed to maintain their lead.

The victory propels Bognor into the next round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, and it's clear that the team in good spirits.

Nodirbek Bobomurodov joins Rocks

Nodirbek Bobomurodov is a versatile player with experience in both right winger and attacking midfielder positions. He has played for several clubs, including Chatham Town, Worthing, Hungerford Town, Cheshunt, Corinthian-Casuals, and Termez Surkhon in Uzbekistan.
Manager Blake, Bobomurodov possesses qualities that the team values, and they are eager to work with him to further develop his skills

Concord Rangers

In a thrilling encounter at the MKM Arena, Bognor Regis Town secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Concord Rangers, propelling them to a commendable ninth position in the Isthmian Premier Division table.

Dan Smith, in his first season back with the Rocks since his summer transfer, marked his return with a pivotal goal. Smith's strike, aided by a deflection, found the net in the 81st minute, clinching the win for the home side. This followed Jasper Mather's impressive drive in the 71st minute, which gave Bognor Regis Town the lead in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 852 at Nyewood Lane.
Despite Smith's valiant efforts, he was denied a second goal in the 84th minute due to an offside call. Many spectators vehemently disputed the assistant referee's decision, believing Alfie Rutherford hadn't strayed far enough to warrant the penalty.

The triumph, well-deserved, was hard-fought, particularly after a lacklustre opening half from Robbie Blake's charges. The team's initial lethargy may have been a consequence of a late reshuffle caused by the unfortunate injury of central defender Kieran Douglas during the warm-up.

Stepping into this defensive void, Danny Howick delivered an outstanding performance. However, further defensive adjustments were necessary when, just ten minutes in, Craig Robson was compelled to leave the field after a harrowing tackle from Erin Kinali. Surprisingly, referee Sean Phillips deemed this offense worthy of only a yellow card, leaving many to argue that a red card was the more appropriate judgment.

The subsequent substitution of Ben Anderson allowed Harvey Whyte to shift to the centre of the back four, demonstrating the adaptability and resilience of the Bognor Regis Town squad.

At half-time, Blake introduced Alfie Rutherford, replacing Isaac Olaniyan, instantly injecting a newfound vigor into the Rocks' forward play. Rutherford, on loan from Dorking Wanderers, displayed immense promise, creating several notable chances and even striking the post from close range. Although he didn't find the net, his contribution was palpable.

Jimmy Muitt, another loanee from the Meadowbank outfit, exhibited sharpness and a flair for creativity, significantly enhancing the home side's attacking prowess. While Concord Rangers had their moments, penetrating the Bognor rear-guard, they were met by the formidable presence of goalkeeper Ryan Hall.

Jasper Mather might have secured an early goal, but keeper Mason Terry, on a season-long loan from West Ham United to Concord Rangers, exhibited superb athleticism, tipping the ball over the bar in a crucial moment on the 55th minute.

In summary, Bognor Regis Town's victory was a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Despite a challenging start, the team rallied, showcasing their depth and determination to secure a well-deserved win. The performance of both seasoned players and loaned talents contributed to a memorable evening at the MKM Arena.

Striker Gifford's return to the Rocks.

He had a productive loan spell earlier in the season, netting three goals in five games. However, after being recalled by Farnborough boss Spencer Day, Gifford saw limited opportunities with the National League South team and has now returned to Nyewood Lane.

Manager Blake expressed his excitement about Gifford's comeback, commending his enthusiasm and skill. The club believes there's room for Gifford to further develop and grow as a player. They value his positive attributes and see him as a good fit for the kind of player they aim to work with – young, locally rooted, and eager to prove themselves.

Blake also gave credit to those responsible for bringing Gifford back, singling out individuals like Jack Pearce.

Hornchurch League Game

Bognor had a tough match against Hornchurch in the Isthmian Premier Division encounter. Losing 4-1 after going down to 10 men following Matt Burgess' dismissal.

Liam Nash and Ryan Scott's goals put Hornchurch in a commanding position early on.
Missing influential players like Craig Robson was a setback for Bognor, but having Kieran Douglas back and including Calvin Davies and Harvey Whyte, despite injury doubts, provided some positive news.

Robbie Blake had a challenge on his hands at half-time, trying to rally his team and come up with a plan to cope with playing a man down against a strong opponent like Hornchurch, who have a remarkable record this season.

Substituting Alfie Rutherford in for Jasper Mather at half-time was a tactical move, hoping to inject some energy into the front line. However, the lack of concentration led to Nash's second goal shortly after the restart, making the task even more difficult.

Captain Calvin Davies' free-kick goal on 53 minutes provided a glimmer of hope for Bognor, but realistically, a comeback seemed unlikely.

Femi Akinwande's goal in the 81st minute sealed the 4-1 defeat for Bognor. It was a challenging match, but it's important for the team to regroup and focus on the next fixture.

Whitehawk League Game

In the opening minute, Bognor had an early chance when Ben Anderson fed Dan Smith, but Smith's long-range attempt sailed over the bar. Shortly after, a back pass led to a free kick awarded to Bognor, taken by Jasper Mather, but it was blocked by the defensive wall.

The breakthrough came on the 11th minute, as Lucas Pattenden sprinted down the right flank after a precise pass from Dan Gifford. Calvin Davies delivered a skillful cross into the box, finding Danny Howick unmarked at the back post, who calmly diverted it in.

Whitehawk leveled the score on the 18th minute when Imran Kayani broke through one-on-one with Hall, slotting the ball low into the net. Moments later, Pattenden surged down the right, causing Walker to dive in an attempt to thwart him. Despite missing the ball, Pattenden was booked for simulation.

Bognor responded swiftly. Jack Dixon received a rapid cross from the right, skillfully maneuvering before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the net on the 26th minute. Reuben Livesy-Austin set up Anderson, who in turn found Smith, but his right-footed effort sailed over the crossbar.

A promising move for Bognor culminated in Davies locating Livesey-Austin, resulting in a corner. Davies delivered the sixth corner of the half, but it was cleared at the near post. Another right-sided cross found Charlie Lambert, who rose highest to head it into an unguarded net on the 39th minute, extending Hawks' lead.

At halftime, the score stood at 3-1. Bognor made a substitution, with Alfie Rutherford replacing Smith.

Gifford unleashed a powerful long-range strike after a combination with Mather, but it was off target. On the 52nd minute, Jimmy Muitt entered the game, replacing Mather.

Bognor earned a penalty after Davies' free kick into the area. Howick's header back into the box was handled, leading to a penalty. Gifford stepped up and rifled it high into the net on the 55th minute.

A promising move saw Rutherford pass to Pattenden, who then found Harvey Whyte, but his cross went astray. Another cross from Whyte was easily collected by Walker in the Hawks' goal.

As the game entered its final stages, Anderson made way for Tommy-Lee Higgs on the 79th minute in Bognor's last substitution. Bognor had a late chance as Muitt's cross sought Rutherford, but the defender cleared it to Gifford, whose long-range effort flew over the crossbar.

Davies conceded a free kick just outside the box, but this time, Daly's attempt went well over the crossbar. Gifford received a yellow card for a late challenge, and as time dwindled, Worrall also received a booking due to time-wasting concerns.

In the dying moments, a long throw by Muitt was flicked on, but Howick's attempt went awry. The ball fell to Whyte from a distance, but Walker made a crucial save. The referee blew the final whistle, and Bognor couldn't find the equalizer in the closing seconds.

Gosport Borough 1st Round tie of the FA Trophy

In this eagerly anticipated rescheduled clash on a Monday night, Bognor Regis faced off against their local rivals, Gosport Borough, in a scintillating 1st Round tie of the FA Trophy. The match witnessed a spirited performance from both sides, but it was Bognor Regis who ultimately emerged victorious.

The game saw the return of Craig Robson to the starting lineup, with Dan Smith taking a spot on the bench. The early exchanges were marked by a flurry of attempts on goal. Alex Barsa unleashed a fierce strike from a distance, but it sailed high over the crossbar, signaling the intent of both teams.

Bognor Regis pressed forward with purpose, and it was Corey Jordan's unfortunate miscue that gifted possession to Calvin Davies. Davies delivered a dangerous ball into the area, only for Dan Gifford's effort to be thwarted by a valiant defensive clearance.

The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute, as Mather orchestrated a sublime move, culminating in a shot that forced a diving save from Gosport's Toby Steward. The rebound fell kindly to Dan Gifford, who clinically dispatched the ball into the back of the net.

Tempers flared briefly as Davies found himself in the referee's notebook on 24 minutes, contesting an offside decision. However, play resumed, and Gosport Borough continued to press for an equalizer.

A pivotal moment arrived in the 39th minute when a reckless challenge from Harry Kavanagh resulted in a straight red card, leaving Gosport a man down and facing an uphill battle.

As the second half commenced, Corey Jordan sought to level the scores with a long-range effort, but it sailed over the bar. Bognor Regis, buoyed by their numerical advantage, seized control of proceedings.

On 54 minutes, Craig Robson's exquisite pass found Gifford on the left flank, who unleashed a thunderous strike that left Steward with no chance, doubling Bognor Regis' lead.

The relentless pressure paid dividends once more in the 56th minute. A precision corner from Davies located an airborne Robson, whose emphatic header found the far corner of the net, effectively sealing the match.

Despite the deficit, Gosport Borough demonstrated resilience. Gerson Da Costa Ramos created a golden opportunity, only to be denied by a heroic save from Ryan Hall.

As the game approached its climax, Bognor Regis continued to threaten, with Steward showcasing his shot-stopping prowess on several occasions. A late injury to Robson saw him replaced by Danny Howick, but the momentum remained firmly with the home side.

In the dying moments, Gosport Borough appeared to find the net, only for the linesman's flag to signal offside, denying them a consolation goal.

Ultimately, it was a commanding performance from Bognor Regis, with Dan Gifford's clinical brace and Craig Robson's triumphant return proving pivotal in securing a well-deserved victory.

FA Trophy 2nd Round draw

Bognor will be at home to South Park on the 18th November, with the home game against Cray Wanders will now be rearranged.

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