It’s almost like watching Brazil as Rocks tame Lions

Pagham on the attack against the Rocks / Picture by Tommy McMillan

For the Lions, it was another good test after Saturday’s riveting 2-1 win over Ryman one south side Chipstread at the Lane – while Bognor will be pleased with pre-season form which has also seen them draw at home to Gosport and Pompey.

With many of last season’s Pagham squad staying at Nyetimber Lane, new boss Jon Tucker was able to run the rule over his new signings in both games.

The Rocks looked strong as they tested the new-look Lions squad.

Pagham keeper James Binfield was the hero in both his side’s games, keeping the Lions in it with a penalty save against Chipstead and against Bognor, pulling off some fine saves to deny the Rocks.

On Monday night, Bognor went ahead on the quarter-hour as Stuart Green lifted the ball over Binfield. It was a lead which lasted all of a minute as Pagham got a quick equaliser.

The Rocks’ second goal came direct from a Jason Prior free-kick to put them 2-1 up at the break, and they were looking to push on for a convincing win.

The Lions had other ideas as Dan Martin appeared to get the last touch on a header just after the hour to make it 2-2.

Ollie Pearce took the ball in his stride to hit Bognor’s third on 72 minutes, with the fourth coming from ex-Lion Lloyd Rowlatt, heading past Binfield.

Much interest among the rocks fans present was in a Brazilian trialist, with no-one too sure exactly who he was.

When Pagham had faced Chipstead on Saturday, it was very much a “getting to know you” session as the likes of Matt Noble, Joe Grommett and Dan Simmons made Nyetimber Lane their home.

Most eye-catching of the new signings was Terrell Lewis – the former Chalfont St Peter winger looked a class above his opponents in the Chipstead game and kept the Bognor back line busy.

While the first team were in action, the Lions’ reserves served up a goal-fest on Saturday, winning 6-4.

JON ROSE

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