VIDEO: Rocks’ unbeaten run ended by Grays

Jake Thomson couldn't save the Rocks Picture by Tim Hale

A lethargic Bognor performance brought their two-month unbeaten run to an end as a goal in each half gave a lively Grays the spoils at Nyewood Lane.

Nathan Ferguson gave the Essex visitors the lead and after Jason Prior’s strike had brought the Rocks level, sub Jordan Wilson found the winner 13 minutes from time.

The Rocks almost claimed a point when Prior struck the crossbar in the 89th minute but couldn’t avoid their first home defeat since October 4.

It’s a big dent in the Rocks’ hopes of sneaking into the play-offs but they have a quick chance to put the loss behind them when they go to Hampton and Richmond on Tuesday night.

The Rocks started the afternoon unbeaten in nine - their last defeat having come at Leatherhead on January 7.

Without Ollie Pearce, Stuart Green and Doug Tuck, Bognor started with Callum Overton partnering Jason Prior up front, with Harvey Whyte pushed forward into midfield and Pompey academy defender Snorre Nilsen at right-back.

The home side had an early somewhat half-hearted penalty shout when Alex Parsons tumbled under a challenge on the edge of the area. And as play quickly switched to the other end, Chris Winterton was hurt striker Domenka Demeka challenged him as he raced out of his area to clear a long ball.

Grays took the lead in the fifth minute when Correy Davidson’s cross from the right was not dealt with by the defence and Nathan Ferguson slammed the ball home (see the goal in the video on this page).

The Rocks were quickly back at Grays and Parsons was looking lively down the right. One ball into the box enabled Overton to flick on for Prior, but his shot on the turn was weak.

Another chance came when Parsons’ mazy run ended with Harvey Whyte reaching a ball just in time to power it into the six-yard box but it was blocked.

Charlie Oatway wasted a good opportunity on 16 minutes, mis-striking his shot after Nilsen’s clever cut-back from the right.