Can Hornchurch be happier for Rocks?

Bognor players celebrate Jason Prior's equaliser from the spot against Billericay Picture by Tommy McMillan

The Essex side, like the Rocks, suffered a hangover after play-off heartache last May and had a very poor start to the season.

They’ve improved but are still only just outside the relegation zone and Howell wants his team to put their poor recent record at the ground behind them with a victory.

Bognor drew 1-1 at home to Braintree on Saturday in a game in which they had plenty of the play but gave the visiting keeper little work. That followed the 3-1 win at VCD a fortnight earlier.

“We’re continuing to play well and can go there in confident mood,” he said.

“We got the ball into good areas against Billericay without turning it into clear-cut chances, which has happened for a couple of home games in a row.”

Stuart Green (hamstring) and Terry Dodd (strained knee ligaments) will be checked at training tonight but otherwise, the rest of the squad who were on duty against Billericay are good to go again.

Winger Ben Johnson and full-back Paul Hinshelwood both have dates with doctors next week as they get over knee problems.