CAPTAIN Alan Manning has urged local sports fans to back Bournemouth’s National League quest by insisting: We need your help.

An estimated 1,200 spectators attended Chapel Gate on Saturday to watch Lions’ dramatic 27-26 victory over rivals Chinnor.

The bumper crowd was treated to a thrilling top-of-the-table clash between the National Three South West big guns – with a missed last-minute kick from the visitors handing Bournemouth a crucial win.

With three games remaining, the Dorset outfit are now hot favourites to get the results they need to claim the title and automatic promotion to English rugby’s fourth tier.

Manning is hoping the thriller against Chinnor will persuade supporters to regularly return to Chapel Gate – starting with the club’s final home game of the campaign against Weston-Super-Mare on April 14.

The Lions skipper told the Daily Echo: “Hopefully, they enjoyed it. From what I am hearing, they like the close games.

“Even with the spectators who do not really support Bournemouth, maybe they will think twice and come back up and watch next time.

“We are looking to move up a level and we will need all the support we can get.

“We have had four or five big games in the past but have let down the crowds by losing.

“But, this time, I think we performed as we should and gave them a good show.

“Hopefully, the people will come back for more.”

A try from Robbie Searle and 22 points from Dan Pollard secured the nail-biting win over Chinnor, who came within inches of victory after producing a defiant second-half fightback.

Manning has told his men to maintain their focus and not let their title chance slip during the run-in.

The prop forward said: “We know we have got it in our hands now.

“We know the three remaining matches are winnable games if we stay focused.

“People cannot get complacent – we have seen it before with Chinnor against Barnstaple.

“If we keep going, we will be fine.”

Manning added: “It is fantastic to be captain of this side because it is not too much effort, to be honest.

“We have players who have been captains in the past. You know what they give, you know why they are here and it is lovely to go out there and have that support behind you.

“They know how I play and I know how they play. You never have to ask anything more because you know they are going to put their bodies on the line – not just for me, but for everyone else on the pitch.”