Rocks coach praises his players for their attitude and commitment

Friday, 20 August 2021 11:08

By V2 Radio News Team

Robbie Blake wants the Rocks to replicate the grit, graft and guile they showed to earn an opening day draw against Bishop's Stortford when they face East Thurrock United on Saturday.

Bognor fought hard to grab a point from the 0-0 affair after skipper Craig Robson was shown a red card on 25 minutes and Blake, along with boss Jack Pearce, was delighted with the spirit shown in the Isthmian premier division encounter.

Even with ten men, the home side took the game to the visitors and if one team were going to snatch the victory it very much looked like it would be the Nye Camp outfit.

Blake thought the dismissal was harsh but rather than dwell on the decision, he cited the all-round effort of his charges to stay in the game and continue to take the game to the Blues.

The Rocks go to Essex this weekend to take on the other Rocks, beaten 3-0 at Cheshunt in their first game. And Blake says he will be thrilled if his side show the same desire they did against Steve Smith's team.

He said: "We were absolutely delighted with the determination we showed. What was so pleasing was the fact that we didn't allow our spirit and desire to play our way be affected by the sending off. We adjusted well when we went down to ten men, got on the front foot and dug deep to not only stay in the game but actually look like the side who were most likely to win the game.

"The message to the squad this week in training is to harness all the positivity from our efforts and to go again at East Thurrock. They will be looking to get a win after a loss last time of asking, so we know we face a tough test. But we have every reason to feel we can do well there if we show the same character as we did against Bishop's Stortford."

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