All's good at Gosport ahead of Woking visit

With the start of the National League South season less than a month away, Gosport Borough continue their preparations with an attractive friendly against Woking at the Aerial Direct Stadium (3pm).
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Jul 2016, 08:00 BST
Wes Fogden Picture: Joe PeplerWes Fogden Picture: Joe Pepler
Wes Fogden Picture: Joe Pepler

Manager Alex Pike is hoping to see Borough carry on where they left off, after their 3-1 win over other National League opponents Aldershot Town last Saturday.

Gosport lost 3-1 against Moneyfields in midweek, but Pike fielded a side largely made up of reserves and youngsters.

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He will revert to his senior squad for the more challenging test presented by Woking.

‘We did well against Aldershot Town and I was pleased with what I saw,’ said Pike.

‘I think we can have a good season with the group of players we have brought here.’

Central-defender Ed Harris may have to wait a little longer before making his return to the Hawks ranks.

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Harris is back in training after missing the whole of last season due to a knee injury which required surgery.

The Hawks entertain National League South outfit Eastbourne Borough at Westleigh Park (3pm) but Harris isn’t quite ready.

Also missing will be the Hawks’ latest acquisition, Wes Fogden, who signed a two-year deal on the pitch before the Pompey friendly on Wednesday night.

Bradbury reckons it will be a couple of weeks before the ex-Yeovil, Blues and AFC Bournemouth midfielder is fit to start.

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It is Fogden’s second spell with the Westleigh Park outfit and he was a firm favourite with the fans on his first stay.

‘Having lost Ed Harris on the eve of last season we are being careful with him,’ said Bradbury.

‘He has only had three training sessions so far and is coming back from a long-term injury.

‘It is a question of getting a bit more confidence back.

‘Timing will be the key.

‘Although the player is hungry to get back, we have had to put the reins on him a little bit.

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‘He will feature in pre-season, possibly against Cardiff City next Wednesday or Team Solent after that.

‘Not having him last season was a huge loss for us.

‘Eastbourne will be another good test for us.

‘We will obviously be looking to have a bit more of the game than we did against Portsmouth.

‘Borough are a useful side with some good players, and on their day last season in National league South they were very good.’

Southern League Petersfield Town are in action for the first time, with a trip to Wessex League side Amesbury Town.

Steve Stone takes his Fareham Town side to meet Sussex League outfit Pagham.

Related topics:GosportWokingNational League South