After the distractions of the chase for silverware, it is back to the bread and butter of the league as we pack the jam tins for the South Coast..

Much water has passed under the bridge since Dulwich last paid a visit to Nyewood Lane, home of the Rocks. Then it was an all or nothing playoff final decided by a single goal and a missed penalty, now it is back to the battle for points at the top of the Isthmian Premier Division.

Whilst Dulwich were rebuilding towards ultimately claiming the Division One South title after a second successive paly-off final defeat, the Rocks were consolidated themselves back in the upper echelons of the Ryman, finishing a creditable 14th, all the more remarkable given that the club had as good as been given the last rites after back to back relegations from Conference South to Isthmian South, seemingly lurching from a financial crisis, suffering player exoduses, the loss of their clubhouse to the oily fingers of an arsonist, the redoubtable Jack Pearce, Mr Bognor Regis Town player, manager and much more, battling cancer, points deductions, and a turnover of managers and players to make a fan’s head spin.

Stability came with the arrival of Daren Kilpatrick and Jamie Howell as a duumvirate management team and though they were unsuccessful in their efforts to stave of relegation at the end of a disappointing season 2009/10, the reconstruction of the team would swiftly begin. The 2010/2011 season brought joy once again to the beleaguered denizens of Nyewood Lane. An immediate return to the Premier Division looked to be on the cards until a dramatic final day of the regular season as the Met Police snatched the title from the grasp of the Rocks by just a single goal after Bognor could only draw at relegation-threatened Chatham Town. The final table saw the Police and the Rocks level on 96 points, but a goal difference of only +60, compared to the Met’s +61! Worse was to follow in the playoff semi-final, beaten 1-3 at home by Dulwich Hamlet, who had finished a massive 31 points behind Bognor, a result that was to prompt a national debate about the inequity of a playoff system where the only reward for the season’s graft was the opportunity to host the tie.

However, 12 months and a bit later the Rocks would have their revenge. Once more Bognor would have to negotiate the playoffs after finishing second in the well-oiled wheel tracks of Whitehawk in Division One South. Again, the fans were put through the mill as they eventually won through against a dogged Godalming Town in a breath-taking semi-final as Ben Johnson dispatching the winning penalty kick from the spot after the game had finished 4-4 after extra time. Despite a four-figure crowd, the final was something of an anti-climax, both teams seemingly fatigued after tough semis just a few days earlier. Stuart Axten’s first half header was enough for the Rocks to reclaim their place in the the Premier Division, leaving Gavin Rose’s Dulwich side pondering a 12th consecutive season in the Ryman Division One South. Sanchez Ming spurned the Hamlet’s best chance, Craig Stoner saving his second half penalty as Dulwich searched in vain for an equaliser that would force extra time.

2012-13 season saw Bognor finish a respectable 14th place in the Ryman Premier. However, the current campaign did not open well as the team picked up just one point from their opening four league games before getting off the mark with a 2-0 win at home over the Police. A week later, after a Bank Holiday Monday draw away to Sussex rivals Lewes, the Rocks showed their true colours with a 5-0 demolition of struggling Canvey Island capped by returning hero Ben Johnson grabbing the fifth goal of the afternoon. That convincing victory gave a powerful jolt to the team and September proved joyous as the Rocks went through the month with a 100% record in league games including a 2-1 success at leaders Kingstonian. The only blots were a pair of draws, first away to Frome in the FA Cup, though rectified by a resounding 4-0 win in the replay back at Nyewood Lane and a 2-2 tie away to Weymouth in the same competition.

Following that run of success Rocks manager Howell was a clear favourite for the top flight's monthly managerial accolade. Unfortunately, the curse bit straight away as his side were dumped out of the FA Cup by Weymouth in the replay. That defeat left October a quiet month, just three more games, a 5-1 thrashing of Enfield Town to get the Cup defeat out of the system., progressing in the FA Trophy at the expense of Thurrock before a bizarre afternoon in North London saw the club’s two month unbeaten run in the league brought to an brusque conclusion as two own goals and a red card made it a day to forget. Bognor were already a goal in arrears when, just after the hour mark, first Craig Robson and then Stuart Axten put the ball past ‘keeper Mark Zawadski within two minutes of each other to turn the game on its head. To make matters worse Rocks’ substitute Dan Kempson was dismissed after a late tackle earned him an early bath.

Thoughts turned to the FA Trophy and the visit of Chippenham Town, a club reeling after a 9-0 home defeat in the league a few days earlier and the dismissal of their manager whilst on a dream holiday amidst the pyramids of Egypt. The Rocks showed little sympathy for the plight of their guests and a palace in the next round was assuredly booked with a 4-1 victory, Terry Dodd grabbing a hat trick.

Back to league action in midweek and a pair of Ben Johnson goals, the second a 90th minute spot kick tinged with controversy, earned Bognor an impressive eighth win in league games as they triumphed 2-1 at Thamesmead in a tight game.

This afternoon’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Bognor Regis Town Football Club, Nyewood Lane, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 2TY. At the time of writing, the pitch is reported as playable with no pitch inspection planned. Fans concerned about this are advised to contact the home club on 01243 822325.

ADMISSION PRICES

• Adults £9
• Under 18's £3.00 Must show ID
• Students and Unemployed £3.00 - Must show ID