Howell issues challenge to Bognor Regis Town strikers ahead of Met Police clash
Jamie Howell has reminded his attackers of their responsibilities not just in front of goal but with their hold-up play as Bognor Regis Town head to Met Police for an Isthmian South Central division clash on Saturday.
Rocks boss Howell offered his observations after watching his side lose 2-1 to AFC Portchester last week in a game that the visitors deservedly gained revenge for a 5-4 defeat on the opening day of the season.
Debutant Finlay Chadwick, signed on dual registration from National League South Worthing, opened the scoring for the home side on 26 minutes but Portchy hit back with Archie Wilcox's leveller on 70 minutes and then inflicted late heartbreak on 97 minutes through Reuben Austin's winner.
Howell was without the services of injured Billy Allcock, Dan Gifford, Harvey Whyte, Joe Alman and Elliot Chaffey -- while Lee Seok-Jae was suspended. Now he wants his charges to bounce back at Imber Court to improve their position in 12th spot in the league standings.
Speaking to Rocks Radio, he said of his side, who started with Cal Laycock, Brandon Chebby and Kash Kasukumya up top: “I don’t think that we deserved anything from the game and if we would have got a point I would have been absolutely delighted with that – I don’t think that we played particularly well.
"Great strike from Finlay, who had a good debut and scored and then we just coasted and we weren't really proactive enough to deserve the win. We didn't pass the ball, went long all the time, which was boring to be honest with you.
"And as good as the front three have been for us I thought when the ball went forward it didn't stick and we were just constantly under pressure. That's not a criticism, that's just life but I thought we didn't have anything going forward.
“Fair play to Portchester they took their goals well and probably deserved the win. We need to recover and get back to winning ways. We have won a few games of late that we perhaps shouldn't have done, which is fine, but that's football and we will have to make sure that we get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
“We have got lots of injuries at the present moment but you've got to deal with it. We needed Seok-Jae -- absolutely love him, he's been brilliant for us but he was out after getting five bookings that's for a winger who doesn't make a tackle!
"It was evident that we didn't have a fluent style of football and that's something we have to learn from and take on board.”