Danny Hollands has praised teen attacker Lennie Smith for knuckling down to improve his prowess in front of goal as well as polishing his overall end product.

Super-quick Smith has bagged two goals in three friendly outings — in a 3-2 loss at Sholing and a 4-1 win at Havant & Waterlooville -- and will look to have an impact again on Saturday when Bognor Regis Town host Chichester City in their final pre-season clash of the summer.

The Rocks were denied the chance to build on their preparations when Eastleigh pulled out of a Nye Camp encounter on Tuesday leaving club chiefs disappointed at their late withdrawal.

Bognor boss Hollands saw his outfit defeat the Hawks at Westleigh Park last Saturday thanks to Smith's goal, a brace from a trialist and a Henry Searle strike and declared himself happy with the display and the result. And he reserved special mention for Smith, who showed glimpses of his undoubted ability last term, winning several man-of-the-match awards..

Lennie Smith has been praised by Danny Hollands | Picture by Trevor Staff

placeholder image — Lennie Smith has been praised by Danny Hollands | Picture by Trevor Staff

He told the club’s YouTube channel: "We take satisfaction from the manner of the performance (against Havant) because at the end of the day they are a very good side and they have some great players — but we competed well; and it was pleasing for us how well we competed in and out of possession. It’s building blocks and we are going in the right direction.

"With Lennie, he is always going to create chances and most games he will get two or three opportunities. If he wants to kick on and become the player we all know he can be then it’s part of the game.

“Everyone loves a goal scorer. It’s testament to himself that he has gone away and worked hard over the summer and he’s got two in three now; two decent finishes and last season he may not have had the same ending shall we say."

Hollands added that believes he isn’t too far away from assembling the squad that will contest the new campaign, although one position that he is particularly focused on is the left side of his back line.

The Rocks were in the goals at Havant | Picture by Lyn and Trev Sports

He said: “We have said we want to be competitive and we have a few lads that can play in numerous positions; we have had two lads play today (at left back against Havant), Henry Searle played there last season and this pre-season.

"Am I sure on my starting eleven? No. But at the end of the day that is a decision for me to have. It’s good on the other side of the coin because it means people are giving me a headache with our selection.”