Gosport aim to keep standard high against Moneys

Borough impressed by beating National League Aldershot Town 3-1 at the weekend.

New striker Ben Wright scored twice with fellow summer recruit Chris Flood also on the scoresheet.

Pike was pleased with the performance and expects his side to carry on where they left off.

He said: ‘We were able to take a lot of positives out of the Aldershot friendly.

‘I felt we stood up well to their physical capabilities and played the better football.

‘We need to continue working at that level.

‘I saw just how good some of the players are that we have brought in.

‘You identify players and bring them in but it isn’t until they get out on the pitch sometimes that you realise what they are capable of.

‘Two prime examples are Chris Flood and Warren Bentley, who showed just that against Aldershot.

‘Now it is about continuing to forge partnerships all over the pitch and getting the squad to gel even further.

Pike has indicated he is likely to make a few changes with a number of players who featured on the substitutes’ bench against Aldershot likely to get a start.

‘I have to be fair to the players, making sure they all get a chance,’ added the boss.

‘The more time the squad can spend together the better it will be.

‘I like to play a certain way, keeping the ball on the deck with a plan B available if necessary.

‘It has been very encouraging so far and this squad of players is giving me a buzz.’

Moneyfields began their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 defeat against the Hawks at Dover Road.

Boss Dave Carter is looking forward to another big test for his Moneys.

He said: ‘It was a very useful exercise.

‘Against higher-placed opponents you spend a lot of time without the ball.

‘We came off the pitch shattered after having to put a lot of work in.

‘I am expecting another night of hard work at Gosport.’