Bognor supporters hit East Sussex in good numbers to cheer on Bognor and their optimism was great to see given that they had seen their side lose the opening two matches of the new campaign at Cheshunt and Lewes respectively.

And the losing streak looked as if it might continue as the Rocks slipped 2-0 behind with just 15 minutes on the clock. But a Tommy-Lee Higgs penalty and a Callum Barlow goal — his first for the club since his summer move from Eastbourne United for whom he plundered 35 goals last term — gave the visitors a well-deserved draw.

And their backing wasn’t lost on Blake. He said: “Listen, I know all about how passionate our followers are and it never ceases to amaze just how fervently they support the boys. It would have been easy for them to say, ‘we’re not going to Hastings’ after two defeats. 

“But they don’t think like that. They are exceptional supporters and the only thing on their minds was to lift the players and I honestly think their backing helped us get the point on a day when without that support, it could have been a hell of a hard task against a side who were sitting top of the pile.

“They are to be applauded and must never forget how much we value them. They are different class.”