Manager Mick Jenkins used Saturday's game at Nyewood Lane to blood several new potential recruits.

He also gave a number of players who featured in Tuesday's match against Brighton a further run-out.

The Rocks kicked off in front of a disappointing crowd of 250 playing into a strong breeze.

Almost from the start they were pegged back by newly-promoted Eastbourne and the visitors should have scored as early as the second minute.

Allan Tait was released by Lovegrove but shot tamely at Matt Read in the home goal from 12 yards.

The Rocks weathered the early storm and began to play some neat flowing football, with the ever-improving Scott Harris combining confidently in midfield with Danny Smith.

Left-back Paul Watson was quickly stamping his mark on the match with several strong tackles and some surging runs forward.

His deep cross after only ten minutes caused confusion in the visitors' defence and keeper Winterton could only palm the ball straight to Josh Dutton-Black, but his shot was cleared off the line.

Bognor continued to look dangerous going down the left and Chris Clark whipped over a dangerous ball that Alex Fisher attacked strongly, heading narrowly over.

Fisher worked hard throughout the game and although still a teenager, looks powerful enough to make a mark at Conference South level.

Eastbourne took the lead in the 12th minute when Mo HARKIN shot home from 15 yards following a determined run.

Borough took some heart from the early lead and controlled the game for the next 20 minutes, with Darren Budd appearing to enjoy playing back at his old club.

Borough's Jean Michel Sigere looked dangerous in attack but he was controlled well by the centre-back partnership of Duncan Jupp and ex-Basingstoke player Jamie Whisken.

The Rocks came back into the game after the half-hour mark with a long range effort from Ryan Hill which was well gathered by Winterton.

Bognor's trademark passing game was certainly in evidence and Smith continued to be a strong influence on proceedings.

A superb flowing move just before half-time involved five home players, with Watson's excellent cross just gathered by Winterton under pressure from Fisher.

Canadian Under-20 international Gavin McCallum had settled well into the joint striking role with Alex Fisher and was a real handful for the Eastbourne's defence.

His pace and close control make him a difficult player to control and with league experience with Yeovil Town, he could be a strong addition to the squad.

The Rocks came out in determined fashion after the break and again Smith was involved in many of their best moves.

With 50 minutes played he beat three Eastbourne defenders and only an excellent save from the keeper, at the second attempt, prevented him scoring his first goal for the Rocks.

It was easy to see why Jack Pearce and Michael Birmingham had tried to sign him last season from Eastleigh.

The Rocks levelled after 53 minutes. An unnecessary foul on the right produced a free-kick which WATSON converted brilliantly.

His swerving shot from just outside the box evaded the defensive wall and squeezed just inside the near post, giving Winterton no chance.

Bognor were now in full flow and Smith blazed high and wide when set up by Clark.

Watson then crossed strongly for Fisher to control beautifully before swivelling to place his shot from 20 yards agonisingly past the far post.

Bognor used six substitutes in the last 30 minutes and unsurprisingly this broke up their rhythm.

Ben Johnson, returning after spending most of last season at Worthing, enjoyed several mesmerising runs down the left-wing but, as in the past, too little came from them.

Eastbourne regained their league with the winning goal in the 71st minute.

McCallum lost the ball in midfield, and it was quickly played forward to Ivan ARCHIBALD, who neatly beat the advancing Read with a low shot into the corner.

Although disappointed with defeat, Jenkins felt there were a number of positives to take from the match.

As his assistant Andy Awford said: "I don't mind if we lose all our friendlies – it's the league that counts, and I am confident we will start with a win against Worcester City on August 9."

Bognor's next pre-season match is at home to Gosport Borough on Tuesday (7.45pm), with Conference National side Stevenage Borough the visitors next Saturday (3pm).

Bognor Regis Town: Matt Read, Ryan Hill, Paul Watson, Scott Harris, Duncan Jupp, Jamie Whisken, Josh Dutton-Black, Danny Smith, Alex Fisher, Gavin McCallum, Chris Clark.
Subs: Paul Hinshelwood, Ryan Hirooka, Michael McEernery, Ruben French, Ben Johnson, Dave Waterman, Sam Pearce, Tom Taylor.

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- SIMON COOK