Rocks’ home woes go on, Blues on roll
Imran Uche's 52nd minute goal was enough for Billericay Town to take three points on a heavy pitch at Nyewood Lane as the Rocks slipped to another home defeat in a frustrating season in front of their own fans.
Bognor battled hard but could not find an equaliser. The defeat leaves them 14th in the table, 13 points clear of the relegation zone. This was Bognor’s seventh home defeat of the Isthmian premier season.
The first chances fell to Billericay but Danny Howick and Cameron Black defended well to keep them out. Home keeper Matt Rowley tried a clearance near the edge of the box but Bradley Stevenson blocked him and the ball flew into the side netting.
Stevenson headed an Anderson Pinto delivery wide from a cross on 10 minutes. Then Alfie Cerulli ran through but struck wide of the far post. Howick played the ball forward but Marvel Ekpiteta headed it out to Dan Gifford. He won a free-kick just outside the box. Calvin Davies took it but it whizzed over the bar on 17 minutes. Nathan Odokonyero did well to get a shot in but he was blocked on two occasions before Davies crossed from the right. Harry Seaden missed his attempted punch of the ball but it was out of the reach of Gifford.
A short corner from Sam De St Croix fell to Gifford, who played it back to Odokonyero but he knocked it wide. Uche did well to send another effort at goal following good work from Jeffery on the left but it was wide. Daniel Quick impeded Gifford on the turn as he beat him with his first touch. The defender went into the book on 36 minutes for the challenge. De St Croix was injured in the box and had to receive treatment for taking a knock.
Josh Mccormick slid in late on Toby Stevenson and went into the book right before half-time. Gifford went down following a strong challenge and had to be replaced by Matt Paterson
on 49 minutes.
Billericay took the lead on 52 minutes. A swift pass down the left saw Alfie Curelli run beyond a defender before putting it on a plate for Uche to finish. Uche went into the book after fouling Alfie Bridgman just outside the box.
On 65 minutes Bognor's best chance came as Paterson got on the end of a decent cross by Bridgman but his attempt was hit straight at Seaden.
Bridgman was causing problems – his low shot at the near post was smothered by Seaden. Bognor were starting to create chances but Odokonyero slipped up and smashed one over the bar. Bridgman curled a shot wide and then sent in a cross that Seaden punched out. Bognor were pushing until the last moments to get an equaliser but could not find one.
Montpelier Villa 0 Selsey 4
SCFL Division 1
Selsey are just four points off a top four spot after recording their third win in eight days, a 4-0 success at Montpelier Villa.
Blues boss Daren Pearce rated this a good win on the road against a dogged Montpelier side who are fighting hard to stay in the division.
Shane Brazil (2), Kai Thompson and Thomas Blamire got the goals.
He said: “We always knew it was going to be tough and we prepared right.
"Although missing a few regulars the younger squad members didn't let themselves or the team down, stepping up when they are needed and performing very well.
"We went about the game really well and took an early lead.
"Montpelier to their credit didn't fold or give in – they carried on trying to make it hard for us with the occasional set-piece needing to be defended well by our lads.
"We maybe could have
gone in at half-time with more of an advantage than 1-0, making it more comfortable for.us.
“Second half we came. out looking to put the game to bed and we managed to do this with confidence, playing the way we can, creating and taking our chances, scoring three more goals and putting the game out of reach of our hosts.
"It was a good day at the office... a 4-0 win away from home and with more players making their senior debuts moving up from the under18s.
"It's great to have these lads using the pathway the club offer to senior football. They were a credit to the football club.
On Tuesday night Selsey travelled to Worthing United for their fourth game in ten days.
Selsey host leaders Shoreham on Saturday. They visit Bowers and Pitsea on Saturday.
GIRLS’ FOOTBALL
It was an exciting day for Graylingwell Girls as they had their first ever match – against established football club Barnham Trojans.
This was a big feat for the team at Graylingwell, who were founded only five months ago.
They have a special team of young girls who bought their energy, drive and determination to the pitch.
Heading up the undersevens was Betty Hibbert, alongside Olivia Parker, captain of the under-10s.
The under-sevens were small but mighty, with some amazing saves from the superstar goalies.
The under-10s match was a rollercoaster of saves and tackles, with Graylingwell’s Chloe Cook scoring with a fine finish.
All the girls played with a smile and their team spirit really shone through.
The club are so proud that such a fantastic group of girl footballers represent Chichester so well.