Pompey youngster praised for making big Bognor impression: 'He's been mustard'

Wednesday, 26 January 2022 08:43

By V2 Radio News Team

Young striker Dan Gifford is proving he has all the credentials to make an impact up top for Bognor since his arrival on loan from Portsmouth.

That's the view of team-mate Ashton Leigh as the Rocks head into an Isthmian premier division encounter at Bishop's Stortford on Tuesday night.

The Nye Camp outfit go to ProKit UK Stadium on the back of a 2-0 win at home to Potters Bar Town which gave them three league games on the spin without defeat and a hopeful eye on the play-off places.

Gifford grabbed one of the goals in the victory – Jordy Mongoy notched the other -- meaning he has hit two in five league appearances since his arrival in December from the Fratton Park youth ranks along with defender Harvey Hughes.

Gifford’s eye-catching efforts spearheading the frontline have caught the eye of Leigh, who believes leading the line comes naturally to goal-hungry-Gifford. Leigh said: "He's come in and he's been mustard -- he's such a help up there. He holds the ball up, runs in behind, he's strong, he gets his body in there, wins fouls, scores goals and wins headers!

"He's come in and been magnificent and is a credit to Bognor and Pompey. Hopefully when he gets his chance at Pompey, which he should, he will hit the ground running there, and all the best to him."

As well as observing the qualities of Gifford against the Scholars, Leigh was busy stamping his own authority on the game after forcing his way back in to the reckoning following a spell on the sidelines. Manager Jack Pearce and coach Robbie Blake have opted to bench Leigh in recent games but he has regained his focus and shown desire and a willingness in training and the Rocks are the beneficiaries.

Carl Eldridge

More from Sussex and Hampshire News

Attempted murder arrest after stabbing in Crawley

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a teenager was stabbed in Crawley on Sunday night (5 May).
Chichester theatre bandstand to be used all year round

Plans for Chichester Festival Theatre to use its bandstand all year round have been approved by the district council.
University of Brighton selected to pilot new teacher degree apprenticeship scheme

There’s a boost for education on the South Coast as the University of Brighton is selected as one of only eight providers in England to deliver a new undergraduate Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.
Appeal following motorbike theft in Rudgwick

Police are appealing for witnesses following a motorbike theft in Rudgwick.
Witness appeal following serious assault in Portsmouth

A man in his 40’s has been seriously assaulted in Portsmouth.
Funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery support Chichester-based charity for fourth year

£400,000 of funds have been raised by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, and thousands of Congolese refugee children in Uganda will now be able to access the education they need for the best start in life.
Angel’s club in Worthing faces licence review

Angel’s Bar and Club in Worthing is to have its alcohol licence reviewed. The review will be heard before Worthing Borough Council’s licensing and control sub-committee B, which will meet at 6.30pm on Wednesday, May 8, at Worthing Town Hall.
Council submits Local Plan for Chichester District

Chichester District Council has announced this week that it has submitted its new Chichester Local Plan 2021–2039 to the Planning Inspectorate for examination.
Police back on the road to engage with motorcyclists during May bank holiday

Officers from Surrey and Sussex Police’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) will be back on the roads again over the Bank Holiday weekend to share vital safety advice with motorists and motorcycle riders.
Historical win for Chichester City

Danny Potter’s Chichester city team secured promotion in the Isthmian South East play-off final with a thrilling 5-0 victory over Three Bridges at the Jubilee Stadium.