Ben Kneller has called for Bognor Regis Town players to "get back on the horse" at Ascot United on Saturday after their first defeat in the league for eight months last week.

Rocks assistant gaffer Kneller saw the side managed by Danny Hollands go down 3-1 at Southall in an Isthmian South Central division clash at Uxbridge FC on Sunday then asserted that the aim was to bounce back as soon as possible.

Striker Timmy Abraham gave the visitors an early lead on his league debut having signed a dual deal from Gosport Borough but the hosts nabbed the victory largely due to an uncharacteristic flat display for the Nye Camp high-fliers.

Bognor are still top of the pile with a one-point lead over second-placed Jersey Bulls with both sides having played 12 games. Kneller, speaking to the club's official YouTube channel, said the performance was below par but he expected to quickly move on from the loss.

The Rocks in action against Southall - who became the first team to beat them in the league siince Danny Hollands and Ben Kneller took over | Pic: Lyn and Trev Sports

placeholder image — The Rocks in action against Southall - who became the first team to beat them in the league siince Danny Hollands and Ben Kneller took over | Pic: Lyn and Trev Sports

He said: "You have to reflect and take stock and realise that you have gone 22 unbeaten in the league. It was going to happen at some point. This conversation was always going to come at some point this season.

"No excuses from us; we have conceded three for the first time this season. We were particularly poor for our standards that we have set and what the group have set themselves.

"We are still sitting top; we are in poll position and it is crucial to see what this group is made of now. I’ve said what a good group they are, told them what a good group they are – let’s see how good they are now that the chips are down and we need a good response.

"Sometimes when things aren’t going well you just need to go back to basics. Not good but we need to bounce back and get back on the horse."

Kneller cited unavailable personnel as a factor in proceedings but refused to make excuses for the reverse as Rocks head to Berkshire first and they go to Cobham on Tuesday.

He added: "We have got some very good players sat in the stand -- Liam Webber, Luke Pardoe, Jake Cope, Toby Kingswell, Henry Landers… but no excuses we weren’t good enough and we are better than that. We have two more away fixtures coming up so we need to work on it quickly and give the Bognor fans something to shout about.”

Meanwhile, defender Fin Walsh-Smith has left the club and signed for Southern League Premier Division South side Havant & Waterlooville. A Rocks spokesman said: "We wish Fin all the best for the future and we thank him for his service during his time at the club.”