Striker Smith is different class - says Bognor coach Blake

Goal-getter Smith pounced for his 13th strike of the season and handed the side managed by Jack Pearce and coached by Robbie Blake their eighth win on the spin. Midfielder Tommy Leigh had given the home side the lead but a late leveller meant the Rocks looked like they would let points slip. Then Smith struck to the delight of the home fans.

And Smith, the former Pompey youngster who spent some time at the Nye Camp on loan from the Blues last season before signing a permanent deal, has drawn praise from Blake, himself formerly of Fratton Park in a coaching role under former gaffer Paul Cook.

Blake, who knows a thing or two about finishing after an illustrious playing career that culminated with a flurry of goals for Burnley in the Premier League, says he especially likes the never-say-die attitude of the in-form Rocks marksman.

Some fans have pointed out that Smith, still only 20 and who spent time on loan at Irish outfit Cork City last term, seems to fluff his lines with an easy chance before him -- then mesmerises defenders with skill before finding the net with the more difficult chances. His performance in the recent 6-1 win at Margate typified this – his turn and finish for his goal were exemplary after he had squandered arguably easier chances.

Blake is happy as long as some of then go in. He said: "Smudger has been different class for us this season. What you have to admire about his all-round play is that he never gives up, never has his head down.

"As a striker, you can miss easy chances and then it can impact on your confidence for the remainder of the game. But Dan just keeps going; he is unselfish with regard to his team-mates and he can certainly finish, that's for sure. Scoring 13 goals this season at this stage tells you that."

After a lamentable start to the campaign, the Rocks have maintained a winning streak that has lifted the expectation among supporters but boss Pearce is quick to ask fans not to get over excited.

He said: "You cannot argue that we are having a great spell and with confidence in the squad you can see that we are enjoying it and, of course, the winning run is one that we all welcome. But I have never got too excited when we win, and never too down when we lose. That said, we will continue to try to play the game in the right manner and try to pick up wins as we go. Our league position is a lot healthier now and that is nice to see."

Bognor get a break from league football this weekend coming when they travel to Tonbridge Angels in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy. And Blake says he will remind his charges of the importance of a good run in the competition when they meet for training sessions this week.

He added: "It's a nice distraction and one we look forward to and we go into the game hopeful of playing our game and trying to secure the victory."