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Skipper challenged to lead Rocks out of trouble
LUKE NIGHTINGALE is being challenged to be the man to lead Bognor out of trouble in Conference South.
The striker and captain should be back in the starting line-up at home to Thurrock on Saturday after recovering from a treble whammy – toe and shoulder injuries and flu.
And player-boss Michael Birmingham says he can make a real difference in the battle to beat the drop.
"We miss him when he's not available and it will great go get him back on the field," Birmingham said.
"We want to rediscover the Luke of two months ago – the one who was scoring goals and in great form.
"He is such a massive player for us and he will be important to us in the coming months.
"When he is in form, the team are in form."
Bognor face Thurrock knowing a fourth straight defeat could easily leave them in the bottom three – with games against four top-half sides, including visits to top two Lewes and Eastbourne, to follow.
Birmingham wants the whole squad to follow the example of the three players who have most impressed him since he took over as boss in October.
"For me, the application and attitude of Chris Breach, Seb Wallis-Tayler and Craig Stoner have been first-class.
"They have been completely committed to the cause even when things have not been going so well in games.
"Craig was probably the one player who could hold his head high after we lost at Basingstoke last week."
Breach, back from a one-match suspension, and Wallis-Tayler, almost over a hamstring problem are both set to start on Saturday. Adam Pearson is also available to return.
But the trio of David Ray, Charlie Balfe and Jodey Rowland are all suspended – meaning Birmingham again has little choice when picking his starting XI.
Nightingale could start up front alongside Sam Gargan, whose confidence had a boost when he headed his first goal for the club in the defeat at Basingstoke.
Dan Beck's right hand and forearm is still heavily bandaged to protect his two broken bones in his hand, and he is likely to be on the bench.
Birmingham is demanding an overdue win from his troops.
"Nothing less than a win will do – in fact nothing less than six points from our next two games will," said Birmingham.
"We have some tough games coming up but these are the sort of games you want.
"You don't want to be in a relegation battle – you want to be testing yourselves against the best.
"I know we have the ability in the squad to win games in this league.
"What we have been lacking is the application to go with it – and that can't go on."
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South west
