Jamie Howell and Michael Birmingham’s side delivered their best display of the summer against the Isthmian premier division outfit and in fairness could have won by more. Not that the hosts didn’t have decent spells of possession and pose their own threat, especially after the break.
But Bognor played with purpose and pragmatism to thwart a well-drilled City side — and seemed unified in their efforts to put behind them the demoralising 4-1 trouncing at Wimborne Town last week.
The visitors welcomed back left-back Matt Jones and played a trialist on the left wing and at right full-back, while veteran Arundel keeper Maciek Kason kept goal – and did so very competently – in the absence of the injured Mac Chisholm.
Rocks started with a resolute approach and looked solid at the back with Ethan Robb sitting in front of the back four to allow attacking play to develop. When Chichester threatened, both Chad Field and Tommy Block were in imperious form as they marshalled the rearguard action from central defence.
Simba Mlambo and Cal Laycock showed a development in their understanding of each other’s strengths and with a narrow shape out of possession, the Rocks looked to frustrate the hosts.
The hard work paid off just before the break when Allcock, a summer signing from Horndean, found the back of the net for 1-0 thanks to his half volley breaking the deadlock as it careered in off the post.
Simba, who saw a penalty claim waved away by the ref, had two good chances to extend the advantage, as did sub Lennie Smith after a jet-heeled break provided hope — but he couldn’t finish off the move with a goal.
Yet there was to be another goal and it came with plenty of panache. Tommy Scutt, another recruit from Horndean, let fly with a cracker from distance and made it 2-0 just before the whistle.
An encouraging aspect to this performance was the shot ratio, with the visitors peppering the City goal with more than 20 efforts during the 90 minutes.
Now the focus switches to the opening game of the campaign next Saturday, August 9, when the Rocks go to AFC Portchester for an Isthmian South Central division curtain-raiser.
