Dale’s double downs disappointing Rocks

Farnborough 2 Rocks 1
Grant Smith couldn't save Bognor from defeat at Farnborough / Picture by Chris HattonGrant Smith couldn't save Bognor from defeat at Farnborough / Picture by Chris Hatton
Grant Smith couldn't save Bognor from defeat at Farnborough / Picture by Chris Hatton

Ryman premier

A spirited display by Farnborough and a double by Bobbie Dale was enough to end Bognor’s eight-game unbeaten run.

Snorre Nilsen was the only addition to the starting XI as Bognor kicked off against a Farnborough team struggling in the league. Ex-Rock Perry Ryan started for the hosts on loan from Gosport.

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Alex Parsons’ early cross was destined for Ollie Pearce but his shot was deflected at the near post.

Chinua Cole’s long throws were a threat for the hosts while Pearce and Jason Prior caused Boro problems at the other end.

Ryan curled a free-kick over the wall but wide of the post.

The hosts took the lead, rather against the run of play, when Dale got into a great position to deftly flick the ball over Grant Smith and in.

Harry Williams’ header was well stopped by Smith seconds later.

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Farnborough won yet another free kick just outside the D on 20 minutes. Ryan hit it but this time he was stopped by the defensive wall.

Nilsen swerved a shot high and wide with the outside of his boot.

Dan Beck combined with James Crane on the left but neither Nilsen nor Parsons could capitalise.

Bognor saw Crane burst down the left but his low cross couldn’t be converted by Pearce.

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Beck’s instant shot was blocked and keeper Tupper had to punch away a corner – then Williams brought a fine diving save from Smith.

Prior received a yellow card on 43 minutes after a challenge on the keeper.

Bognor levelled two minutes after the break. Nilsen finished well after quick build-up play saw Prior tee him up with a wonderful pass. It was a great finish, with Nilsen’s shot flying high into the top corner.

After a lay-off by Prior in the penalty box to set up Pearce, Bognor almost went ahead. Pearce’s left-footed shot was only just wide.

On 62 minutes, Parsons was replaced by Alfie Rutherford.

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Ryan received a booking for tripping Rutherford just outside the box on 67 minutes. Pearce’s free-kick was cleared by Tupper.

Beck was replaced by Stuart Green on 70 minutes.

Pearce tried his luck after finding the ball at his feet following a flick-on by Prior, but his shot was pushed away.

A lofted forward ball by Whyte fell to Craig Robson, but his shot was instantly blocked.

The hosts took the lead when Sami El-Abd fell trying to defend a lofted forward ball. It allowed Williams to pass him and square to Dale, who netted from close range on 86 minutes.

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Bognor won a corner in stoppage time. Pearce’s kick found the back post and had Tupper floundering but the ball was blocked and cleared.

Rocks: Smith, Whyte, Crane, Nilsen, El-Abd, Robson, Parsons (Rutherford 62), Beck (Green 70), Prior, Pearce, Field. Unused subs: Charman, Wollers, Tuck.

Bognor host Harrow in the league on Saturday.

LIAM GOODLEY

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