Bognor boss Jack Pearce has spelled out the reasons for Bognor's flying start.

Rocks' second position in the Division One table will have been unaffected by today's only league game at Worthing.

Pearce was particularly pleased to see his side emerge from tough trips to Aylesbury and Wealdstone with four points.

He insists Rocks were always capable of beating the top sides, even when they were struggling last season.

But there have been a few changes this time.

Pearce said: "Aylesbury and Wealdstone are two grounds where we normally get nothing no matter how well we play, so to get a win and draw will have given us great confidence.

"You can never predict results in this division. Last year we dominated most teams and ended up fighting relegation.

"We have added good players like Richard Hudson, who has given us a cutting edge, and Simon Funnell, who holds the ball up well.

"Charlie Balfe has given more competition in midfield and Jamie Howell is now showing the form which made him a Football League player a few years ago."

Pearce also praised his central defenders Kevin Murphy, who is still short of full match fitness, and Jay Pickering.

David Wright's missed penalty when Rocks were 3-0 up in midweek led to a nervous finale as Wealdstone pulled two goals back.

But the former Portsmouth and Palace man has impressed in a midfield trio, which has left David Birmingham to run things from right back.

Hudson's injury at Wealdstone, feared initially to be a broken leg but later diagnosed as a badly bruised shin, will keep him out for two weeks, allowing Miles or Guy Rutherford a run in the side.

Combined Counties outfit Withdean 2000 have further strengthened their squad with the signings of former Ryman League players Roger Barnes and Paul Smith.

Smith got on the scoresheet along with Roy Pook (two) as Withdean beat Guildford and Godalming 3-0 in midweek to go third in the table.

Barnes and Smith were both part of the successful Burgess Hill side managed by Alan Pook.

They had several spells at Horsham and Smith was with Barnet for most of the 1995/96 season.