Sutton United striker Steffan Ball has vowed to hit the goal trail after his costly misses forced the Blue Square South strugglers to settle for a 0-0 draw in their relegation six-pointer at Dorchester Town.

Ball has drawn a blank in his past three games since striking a debut winner against Thurrock earlier this month.

But the towering frontman has insisted he will repay the faith shown in him by manager Ernie Howe.

Ball said: "On a different day one of the chances would have gone in and we would have won the game.

"I'm obviously disappointed to have missed but it will not stop me from getting in there looking for goals.

"Football is a fickle game. Because of the misses at Dorchester, I am obviously the villain but, if I score against Bognor Regis, I will suddenly be the hero again."

Saturday's game at home to Bognor Regis now takes on even more significance as Sutton look to spring the great escape.

Ernie Howe's men moved off the bottom on goal difference thanks to Saturday's point, but Ball insists it is all about wins.

He said: "The side is on the up but, if we keep drawing games we could win, we are going to run out of time.

"To stay up you have to look at your home form. We have to make Gander Green Lane a fortress.

"There is no doubt Bognor is a must-win match."

Despite their precarious position, Ball is full of praise for manager Howe.

And he insists he has no regrets over his switch from Ramsgate.

Ball added: "Ernie is a great manager and everybody goes out on the pitch knowing exactly what is expected of them.

"Training here is more focused than I am used to. We have to be positive and stick together."