The gaffer made a point of thanking supporters who made the long trip to Dover Athletic on Tuesday night to back Bognor in what turned out to be a 1-0 Isthmian premier division defeat to the high-flying hosts.

But the visitors delivered a gutsy display and were always in the game despite fielding a side missing influential players out with injuries and teenagers such as Toby Kingswell and Preston Woolston getting match action.

Writing in the match programme for Bognor’s game against Canvey Island at Nyewood Lane on Saturday, Blake said: “I must make mention of those supporters who travelled to Kent to cheer us on. They made a great noise all night and, for fear of repeating myself, I never tire of praising their devotion.

“Please never underestimate how much all of your backing means to us. Back us again today and let’s kick-start our league form and climb the table. Rest assured all our efforts are going in to this goal.”

Pic: Lyn Phillips… possibly Trev Staff. Anyway, one of them — what a duo!