Manager Jamie Howell will adopt a pragmatic approach as Bognor Regis Town head towards a keenly anticipated West Sussex derby clash with Littlehampton Town at the new-look Nye Camp on New Year’s Day.

Howell's men host the Golds with club bosses expecting yet another bumper gate following their return to P021 after a five-month absence due to the £1.4m ground refurbishment.

The Rocks celebrated their homecoming with a 2-1 win over Fareham Town on Saturday and will look to build on that victory as they bid to climb the Isthmian south central division. Currently in 10th spot, Bognor are six points off the play-off places with a game in hand.

Fans flocked in great numbers to Nyewood Lane for the Fareham game with more than 1,600 witnessing the win and it is hoped another four-figure attendance will be in place for the showdown with the outfit managed by Mitchell Hand and George Gaskin.

The new dressing room at Nyewood Lane | Picture by Tommy McMillan

placeholder image — The new dressing room at Nyewood Lane | Picture by Tommy McMillan

Howell, who saw his side beaten 2-0 at Littlehampton earlier in the campaign, said: "They are a really good team, they are dogged, determined and have got some really food players; we know it will be difficult, another local derby — but it's just another game to be honest and hopefully we can perform well.

"We need to be a little bit better than against Fareham. I am expecting a really tough game against a good team and that hopefully we can come out on top."

Meanwhile, Bognor Regis Town women's side play their first match at the revamped Nye Camp on Sunday (January 4, 2pm kick-off), when they face Leatherhead in a London & South East Regional Women's division one south encounter.

And Bognor youngsters get their chance to play on the new 3G surface on Monday when they meet Eastbourne Town in an Isthmian Football League U18 South Division game, kick-off 7.45pm.