Gosport boss Gale relishing ‘tough’ finish to Borough’s pre-season preparations

Borough start their Southern League Premier South season on September 19 with a tough trip to highly-fancied Chesham United.

Gale is pleased with progress made so far in a pre-season campaign which continued with a 4-0 home loss to a strong Portsmouth XI on Tuesday.

Previously, Borough had lost 1-0 at home to Hungerford’s National League South rivals Hampton & Richmond Borough last Saturday.

'Hungerford is another good game for us,' he said.

'With all the time players have had off, game time is massive for them.

'That is why Kenny Jackett fielded such a strong team against us in our extra friendly in midweek.

'You can do all the training you want but there is no substitute for playing matches.

'Hungerford play a level above us and will be well organised.

'Our final three friendlies are all tough games, which is what we want.'

There are a few knocks in the squad and Gale is waiting on the fitness of Jordan Rose, Mike Carter and Rory Williams.

Bradley Tarbuck has also picked up an ankle injury but is expected to be okay.

'I am still looking to bring a couple of players in to complete the final jigsaw,' said Gale.

'We have utilised a couple of our under 23 squad and they have not done themselves any harm when playing.

'I am pleased with the progress made so far.

'The players are fit and organised and need to be because the games will come thick and fast once the season starts.

'We have to be prepared to deal with that.'

Gosport welcome Gale’s former club Hawks to Privett Park next Tuesday while Bognor Regis visit for the final friendly on September 12.