Bognor Regis Town clear at top – but AFC Portchester will bring stiff test
Danny Hollands is already plotting a way for his table-topping Rocks to overcome the threat from AFC Portchester as they head to Nyewood Lane on Saturday.
Bognor went seven points clear at the summit of the Isthmian South Central division midweek with a 2-1 win at second-placed Winchester City thanks to goals from Henry Nevill and Liam Webber.
And the Nye Camp front runners could go as many as ten points clear if they can snare victory and grab three points against Portchy.
Hollands and assistant manager Ben Kneller may tweak their team selection and tactics to combat the strengths of Gav Spurway’s outfit.
Kneller was quick to praise the players as well as the travelling Green Army after the win over the Citizens – which came three days after they’d beaten Harrow 3-1 at Nyewood Lane.
He said: “It is a massive win. We knew we had to come here and get something and we did. And before we get started on the performance, we must mention the support behind the goal; the travelling fans have been absolutely remarkable… fantastic and credit to them because they do make a difference. Yes, it’s a great three points on the road.
“When we're on the front foot, we need to take our chances and make it a bit easier but the resilience at the back was brilliant — so yeah , all in all a stressful one but it's nice to get the win.
“We’ve got a really good group here and they are prepared to work hard and as you saw against Winchester they got their reward.”
Kneller, banished from the dug out after a second-half touchline incident at the Charters Community Stadium, is relishing the visit of the opponents from Hampshire.
Rocks gained a valuable point from a draw against the Royals earlier in the season at the home of Gosport Borough in a game that highlighted the work ethic of the visitors.
Hollands and Kneller will hope for more of that desire but with a bit more flair on this occasion. Kneller added: “Not too much time to dwell on this game with another massive fixture Saturday. Portchester will be very well organised so it will definitely be a test. It is a long season but for now we are on top of league and that's great.”