Borough ready to take Shot at higher-tier opponents

Gosport Borough step up their pre-season preparations with an attractive home game against National League Aldershot at Privett Park tomorrow (3pm).
Gosport Borough boss Alex Pike, left     Picture: Paul JacobsGosport Borough boss Alex Pike, left     Picture: Paul Jacobs
Gosport Borough boss Alex Pike, left Picture: Paul Jacobs

Alex Pike will field all of his new summer signings as he looks to prepare his squad for another season in National League South.

He is expecting a good work out.

‘The whole point of taking on teams from a higher level is to make us work hard,’ said Pike.

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‘At this stage it is all about forging partnerships and getting our fitness levels up.

‘With the new fixtures coming out in the week it all starts to get real.

‘We had a good run-out against Baffins Milton Rovers which enabled me to have a look at a few players bidding to be involved in this game.

‘Aldershot have already had a game which they lost 3-2 against Queens Park Rangers so they will be up to speed.’

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The only player unavailable is Brett Poate who is away at the moment.

Lee Bradbury takes his new look Hawks to Moneyfields for their opening pre-season friendly at Dover Road (3pm).

Bradbury has revamped his squad, largely with locally based players, following their relegation from National League South.

For new arrivals Alfie Rutherford and Jason Prior, it means they start life with the Hawks back at one of their old clubs.

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He is determined to launch a bid to get the club promoted back at the first attempt from the Ryman League premier division.

‘It will be nice to get out there and see some of our new players in action,’ said Bradbury.

‘Two of our players are going back to their roots and they will be keen to show them how far they have moved on and progressed.

‘Moneyfields will give us a good competitive game but at the same time approach it in a sensible manner.

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‘These games are about looking at options and fitting together different parts of the jigsaw.

‘The players have five weeks to earn their shirt and it starts now.’

Two young local midfield players are training with the Hawks and could feature as triallists.

Bradbury is running his eye over 18-year-old Ethann Miller, released by Bournemouth and 19-year-old Jack Alexander, who started at Liverpool.

AFC Petersfield host Fareham Town at Love Lane (3pm).

– KEVIN RICKETTS