Gosport Borough close to signing striker Elliott Charles

A 27th minute Ben Mendoza proved enough to give the Rocks their win.

Borough manager Shaun Gale felt his team were disappointing in the first half but improved after the break.

'We didn't perform and were a bit naive in the opening 45 minutes,' he declared.

'I thought we were better in the second half and created more chances.

'It was our seventh pre-season game and probably the first time I have been unhappy with a few things.

'Having said that, I wasn't able to put out the side I wanted and included a number of academy players.

'We have quite a few injuries and others carrying knocks and it wasn't worth taking any risks.

'It is a question now of trying to get people back for the start of the league season next weekend.'

Gale is hoping to complete the signing of striker Elliott Charles - who scored the winner against Hawks in a friendly last Tuesday - in the next couple of days.

He also indicated that he might also bring in a couple of loan players before Tuesday which is the deadline for FA Cup eligibility.

'I am close to getting the Elliott Charles deal across the line,' said Gale.

'He can be a massive player for us and showed in our win against the Hawks what he can do.

'We need a big target man, someone who Matt Paterson and Dan Wooden can play off.'

North London-based Charles, 30, is no stranger to Gale - he had a loan spell at Westleigh Park over a decade ago when Gale was in charge at Hawks.

Gale insists his squad are chomping at the bit to get the season started for real.

They face a tough opening game at highly-fancied Chesham United next weekend.

'There is a good feel around the club both on and off the pitch,' said Gale.

'The whole ethos and atmosphere around the place is fantastic.

'We just want to get started now.'