Bognor set for Maldon test in Trophy - but league bid suffers setback

Pearce and coach Robbie Blake steered Bognor to a fine win and earned a trip to the Isthmian League North Division outfit after they progressed having beaten Enfied Town on penalties in their first-round encounter last night.

Rocks rode their luck at times in the win over Thame but came through thanks to a brace from Brad Lethbridge, and goals from Ashton Leigh, Jordy Mongoy and Joe Cook.

Pearce paid tribute to the players who had taken part in just two training sessions before the tough test in Oxfordshire after a month lockdown caused the suspension of football at their level.

He said: "You could see the players had been affected by the lack of match action but overall we're very pleased. To go on the road and win, and win having scored five goals, is excellent. It’ll provide confidence for the players without a doubt.

"We look forward to the next round at Maldon & Tiptree on Tuesday and we know we are in for a real test given that they went to Enfield and came away with a win."

Meanwhile, the Rocks have confirmed they have been deducted three points from their premier division haul after an administrative issue with a loan player.