Bognor defender helps young Seagulls see off Manchester City

Joe Tomlinson has claimed a Manchester City scalp.
Joe Tomlinson in Bognor action against Lewes / Picture by Tommy McMillanJoe Tomlinson in Bognor action against Lewes / Picture by Tommy McMillan
Joe Tomlinson in Bognor action against Lewes / Picture by Tommy McMillan

The left-back is on loan at Bognor for the season from Brighton and Hove Albion's under-23 set-up and is earning rave reviews as he helps the Rocks mount a Bostik premier promotoin push.

But it's while back with Brighton for a game that one of the highlights of his season has arrived.

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Tomlinson missed the Rocks' 0-0 draw at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday after he was recalled by his parent club last week to play for the Seagulls under-23s.

And the youngster acquitted himself well as the Albion outfit beat Manchester City 1-0 away from home in the Premier League 2, extending an unbeaten run to five matches.

Bognor boss Jack Pearce said: “I am really pleased for Joe Tomlinson. They did very well up there to get a result, not many people get a result at City these days, at senior, U23 or at U18 level.

Bishop's Stortford v Rocks - pictures and match highlights"Apparently, he played very well so I was pleased with that Obviously he was a major miss for us because if there is one position we are struggling to cover it is Joe’s.”

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Tomlinson is likely to be back with Bognor for their home encounter with promotion rivals Haringey on Saturday - though he will miss another game soon when he is forced to sit out the Rocks' Sussex Senior Cup semi-final. Because he is a Brighton player and they are also in the competition, he cannot feature.