Rocks Review: Concord Rangers 1 Rocks 3

The Rocks made a dream start to their Ryman premier campaign on the hottest day of the year, deservedly running out 3-1 winners.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Aug 2012, 20:51 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:37 BST

Featuring the bulk of the successful squad from last season, Bognor also included new acquisitions Mu Maan and Lewis Stockford, who both impressed as the game wore on.

The opening 20 minutes were dominated by the home side, who squandered a number of good chances, and it was only a great save from Rocks keeper Craig Stoner from a fierce shot on the turn from Concord danger man Jason Hallett that prevented the home side taking the lead.

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However, the Rocks gradually came back into the game and slightly against the run of play, the visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when the ubiquitous Ashley Robinson pounced on a mistake by Concord keeper Michael Jordan to find the net from close range.

Almost immediately, the home side hit back with an equaliser in the 28th minute from a well-taken free-kick on the edge of the box by Tony Stokes after a foul on the same player.

The Rocks didn`t let this deter them and the lively Maan for the visitors appeared to be pushed in the box on 35 minutes, but nothing was given.

That mattered little as three minutes later following a defensive mix-up by the home side and a great pass from Robinson, Maan scored his first goal for the Rocks with a superb low shot into the corner following a lightning run through.

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The second half saw Bognor tighten their grip on the game and although Concord appealed for a penalty on 48 minutes, it was the visitors who were beginning to play the slick and incisive brand of football they are known for.

Deservedly, the Rocks added a third goal in the 65th minute following some excellent build-up play and a pin-point cross from Ben Johnson which James Crane flicked into the net from close range.

The home side huffed and puffed to try to reduce the arrears, but with little impact, and Bognor ran out deserved winners and can be proud of their first win in the Rymam Premier.

Rocks: Stoner, Marzetti, Wollers, Crane, Axten, Andrews (capt), Stockford (Harper 55), Wills, Maan (Kempson 88), Robinson (Dodd 71), Johnson. Subs not used: Tuck, Boyle.

Roger Nash

Related topics:Bognor