Folkestone Invicta 0 v 1 Bognor Regis Town

[cityboy]

Well back after a cold but enjoyable trip to the Kent coast to play old adversaries Folkestone Invicta. After the dismal display on Wednesday I was in two minds as to whether to go or stay at home, especially as this has not been a happy hunting ground in recent years.

A poor, bumpy pitch and freezing conditions made my initial thoughts wish I had stayed at home. However a quick, bright start soon warmed me up to the task ahead. Bognor dominated the early play with Lucas out wide causing problems. A quick fast moving attack on 7 minutes resorted in a shot by Jasper, which was saved by the home keeper, who then some how managed to roll the ball into his own net whilst diving on the loose ball. 1.0 up, but with our luck on the road this season we will take anything that comes our way.
Minutes later Lucas pulled up with a hamstring injury. Isaac replaced while Jasper changed wings. Isaac caused all sorts of problems out wide and he was denied a clear penalty when fouled inside the area. Folkestone offered little in 1st half, but Robson and Douglas were more than equal the hosts could offer. 1.0 at half time but we should have been further ahead.

2nd half the hosts came out fighting. They were a lot quicker and had more urgency to their game. Bognor dug in. Robson was immense, and when he was beaten Ryan Hall was excellent between the sticks.
Bognor had a few half chances but it was not to be Smith or Giffords day. Late on the woodwork and Ryan again kept Bognor in the game to leave us 1.0 winners.

The game may not have been a flashy game, but what it was, was a gutsy display much required after Wednesday night's performance. Players today showed a bit of pride and determination which warmed the hearts of the travelling Bognor fans.
This win moved Bognor up the league 3 places now just 8 points off the playoff positions but with 2 games in hand.

A busy week, this week with home game Tuesday against Margate who currently sit in 16th place, then away to the improving Dulwich Hamlet who sit in 14th place.
Personally I would take 4 points out of those 2 games and then hopefully we start to get a clearer picture as too where the team really is!!!

[jackswoolyhat]

This board doesn't seem to get much traffic these days or many quality contributions, but I often come on here to get an honest perspective from a fans point of view.
So a thank you to Dave Robinson for what, as always, is a decent and compact match report.
Keep them coming please even when the result goes against us.

And a big shout also to the social media work that is produced by the team of volunteers at the club. We just need the team now to move from second gear into third gear, they certainly have the ability to be higher up the table.

[stevebone]

Report and reaction from Carl and pics from Tommy after an excellent win - www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/best-result-of-season-bognor-regis-town-boss-hails-win-t-folkestone-invicta-4423661

[Pete Helsby]

On reflection, on a bitterly cold and windy afternoon, on the worst playing surface I have seen in a long while, everyone who travelled was asking the same question-- what team is going to turn up today after that dismal showing in midweek. Firstly, we set our stall out in the first ten minutes and took the game to the opposition, something we dont do often enough imo. The team were rewarded with a somewhat fortunate goal during this period and during the first half we completely controlled the game on the best that the surface of the pitch had to offer. The second half turned into a midfield battle in which we held our own. It was difficult as the pitch was dreadful in that half that we were attacking with passing on the ground almost impossible with the ball bobbling everywhere. They put up much more of a show, possibly because they were now playing in the best half. We were dogged in our resistance with every player giving their all. They had a shot that scraped the crossbar and in the death throes of the match Ryan made a great save to turn the shot away. You could fault not one player for their effort and spirit and they deserved this win with a really gritty performance. We now have a real chance on Tuesday to move right up the league and start to make tracks in the league.