Blake calls on Bognor Regis Town to 'step up' in 'must win' Sussex derby

Assistant manager Robbie Blake has called on his players to step up in what he describes as a 'must win' match when Bognor Regis Town take on Horsham in the Isthmian Premier Division tonight.
By Matt Jones
Published 10th Mar 2020, 12:00 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2020, 13:06 BST
Bognor and Horsham shared the points in a 1-1 back in August. Photo by Tommy McMillanBognor and Horsham shared the points in a 1-1 back in August. Photo by Tommy McMillan
Bognor and Horsham shared the points in a 1-1 back in August. Photo by Tommy McMillan

The match was originally due to be played last month to allow the Rocks to complete their Sussex Senior Cup quarter final against Brighton & Hove Albion after the tie was postponed due to storm damage at Nyewood Lane.

Horsham currently sit in sixth, seven points ahead of Jack Pearce and Blake's side who reside in ninth.

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After only picking up a draw at Merstham on Saturday, Bognor currently trail Carshalton Athletic, in the final play-off spot, by 12 points.

Bognor and Horsham shared the points in a 1-1 back in August. Photo by Tommy McMillanBognor and Horsham shared the points in a 1-1 back in August. Photo by Tommy McMillan
Bognor and Horsham shared the points in a 1-1 back in August. Photo by Tommy McMillan

And Blake admits defeat tonight could scupper their plans in making a late surge up the table.

He said: "It's a massive game. Not only with where both teams are in the league, but it's a Sussex derby so there's a little bit of bragging rights there as well.

"Until it's mathematically impossible to get in the play-offs, you can't rule anything out but if we don't take all three points tonight, we're leaving ourselves a huge task to get in the play-offs.

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"I do firmly believe that, if we're playing well, we're a top five team but unfortunately, the majority of the time this season, we haven't showed that.

"It's all about the players who do get picked for the game stepping up, showing their worth and that they're entitled to stay in the team.

"It's about big characters and big leadership from the players. They've got to take responsibility.

"Once they've crossed that white line, it's up to them to have that belief, desire and work ethic to try and get all three points.

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"I'm almost certain that the players know how important this game is."

Horsham come off the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over Potters Bar Town from Saturday, and Blake has been impressed with how the Hornets have performed this campaign.

He said: "They've had a fantastic season so far. They're doing a great job.

"We know a couple of players that they've got, in Gary Charman and Harvey Sparks, and it will be nice to see them guys but we know it's going to be a tough game.

"With the games that are running out, it's a must win game for us."

Kick off at The Camping World Community Stadium, RH13 0AD, is at 7.45pm.

Related topics:Robbie BlakeBognor Regis TownSussexHorshamBrighton

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