Rocks’ Island trip brings losing start

Harvey Whyte couldn't save the Rocks from defeat to Canvery Island Picture by Chris Hatton

The opening exchanges were scrappy, but it was Canvey who settled first bringing a string of fine saves from new Rocks keeper Chris Winterton.

The Rocks were nearly behind to an own goal when Dan Sackman didn’t connect with the ball properly and was thankful to see the ball go just over the bar.

Canvey were dominating the attacking play and could have gone in front when Jay Curran was put through with a neat flicked pass, but his shot was well wide.

After 30 minutes, Bognor took the lead a little against the run of play when a defensive mistake allowed Ollie PEARCE in to slot the visitors ahead.

Canvey were soon level when captain CURRAN scored his 100th goal for the club after the Bognor defence failed to clear the ball. The goal boosted the hosts’ energy as Harrison Chatting once again called Winterton into action.

On the stroke of half-time Canvey should have taken the lead when Kevin Dobson had a clear chance on goal, only for his effort to go inches wide.

Canvey started the second half in the best way possible. Two minutes after the restart John SANDS hit the back of the net for the home side after a great low cross from Anthony Thomas

Bognor brought on some fresh legs to try and draw level, but the subsititues made little difference.

Just after the hour, the home side extended their lead as CURRAN got his second, picking up a loose ball in the Bognor defence and hammering it into the net.

Bognor came back into the game and Alex Parsons could have pulled one back but for a great save from Denzil Hamilton.

Substitute Aaron Hopinkson then couldn’t take late chances.

The Rocks will hope for better when they lost Leatherhead on Tuesday night.

BOGNOR: Winterton, Hinshelwood, Medway, Tuck, Sackman, Robson, Whyte, Thomson, Parsons, Pearce, Wheller

Subs: Morey, Hayes, Hopkinson, Boyle.

ROGER NASH