Bognor v Merstham off - Covid hits Rocks first-team squad

A number of positive tests for Covid-19 in the Bognor ranks has led to the postponement of the Isthmian premier division game against Merstham at Nyewood Lane due to take place tomorrow (Monday).
There's no Nyewood Lane action for the Rocks on bank holiday Monday / Picture: Lyn PhillipsThere's no Nyewood Lane action for the Rocks on bank holiday Monday / Picture: Lyn Phillips
There's no Nyewood Lane action for the Rocks on bank holiday Monday / Picture: Lyn Phillips

Football at all levels has been affected by the high number of Omicron cases in recent weeks and now the Rocks' planned home tussle with their Surrey visitors is the latest match to fall.

It will be a disappointment for the Rocks, who hoped to put festive-period defeats to Worthing and Lewes behind them with a much-needed home win.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bognor were due to host the Moatsiders at 3pm but the game will now be re-arranged because of the outbreak. Rocks general manager Simon Cook explained: "We were this morning (Sunday) made aware of a number of positive tests within our playing squad and first team staff and spoke to both the Isthmian League and Merstham and the game has been postponed.

"It's a real pity and we feel for the supporters because everyone was looking forward to their fix of football on a Bank Holiday but, of course, there can only be one outcome when you have a squad depleted by positive Covid-19 tests."

Bognor would have gone in to the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Lewes on Saturday and following a 3-1 reverse at home to Worthing over Christmas. The side, managed by Jack Pearce and coached by Robbie Blake, are next in action on Saturday, January 8 when they are due to travel to Carshalton Athletic for an Isthmian premier encounter