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Rocks need a fresh start as league battles resume
The Rocks are ready for a fresh start as they look to put their cup nightmare behind and go on a run that can save them from relegation.
Darin Killpartrick and Jamie Howell have been working the squad extra-hard since their woeful display at Leatherhead nine days ago, which saw them bow out of the Isthmian League Cup.
They need to show a vast improvement on that as they enter a hectic two-month period which will determine whether they have what it takes to stay in the Ryman premier division.
The next nine games include five against sides currently with the Rocks in the bottom nine.
First up, Tonbridge visit Nyewood Lane on Saturday – but the Rocks are sweating on the fitness of two key players for that one.
Their skipper Michael Birmingham is suffering discomfort from a
rib injury – it could even be a break – and Richard Hudson is having treatment to an ankle problem picked up in the last league game against Wealdstone.
Full-back Jack Clark has gone back to Charlton after a two-month loan spell at Nyewood Lane and, as reported exclusively at www.bognor.co.uk, the club have released strikers Gary Norgate and Dan Bogard and winger Sam Tucknott.
In addition, midfielder Lewis Ide is suspended for the next two games after getting sent off at Hornchurch.
Assistant boss Howell said injuries and bans were unwelcome when the squad had been trimmed, but the players were in good spirits and determined to go on a good run of league results.
"We've put in extra training because of the lack of games and the lads'
attitude is good. They know the display at Leatherhead wasn't good enough and won't be tolerated.
"In fairness, I think each time we have been way below-par this
season we've bounced back quite well, so hopefully we will do so again.
"We know we need to string some results together and at home is where we need to start doing that.
"We're second from bottom but we're not going to worry about the league
table now."
The Rocks management were reluctant to let the three players go last week but had to balance the budget after Luke Nightingale's return.
And Howell said they felt they had the quality and attacking options to prosper.
"As well as Jason Prior and Luke, we have plenty of players who can play in attacking roles.
"We can play a 4-3-3 system with different players, and Jason is quite used to playing in a lone role if needs be.
"But we now need Luke, Richard Hudson and others to start weighing in with their share of goals."
Howell said further loan signings or new youngsters coming in remained possible in the coming weeks.
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
