Reid all about it – Gosport Borough head to the west country seaside for Southern League date with former EFL regular

But instead of relaxing on the beach amid thousands of holidaymakers and daytrippers at Weston-super-Mare, Shaun Gale’s men will be bidding for another Southern League Premier South victory.

After lifting the curtain on their new season by beating Merthyr 3-2 last weekend, Boro aim to repeat last term’s 1-0 victory at Woodspring Park.

Weston spent 15 successive seasons at step 3 level prior to relegation in 2019. In their first completed campaign back in the Southern League last term, they finished fifth - occupying the final play-off spot, 12 points ahead of Gosport.

They have underscored their ambitions this summer by recruiting the well-travelled former EFL striker Reuben Reid. Now 34, the one-time Championship player – who last season was playing for Yeovil in the National League – made his debut as Weston came from 0-2 down to draw 2-2 at Bracknell last weekend.

The Seagulls have other players – such as defender Scott Laird, midfielder Dayle Grubb and striker Marlon Jackson – with EFL experience.

‘Weston have aspirations and they have invested heavily,’ said Gosport boss Shaun Gale.

‘We won there 1-0 last season, maybe it was a bit fortuitous, and they beat us at home. It’s a tough place to go but we showed last weekend we can create chances and score goals.’

Gale has been working all week on trying to bring in an experienced centre half, after having to deploy full-back Rory Williams alongside Matt Briggs against Merthyr. He hasn’t ruled out either a loan or a permanent addition.

‘I’ve been close, then not so close, but at the moment there’s nothing across the line,’ Gale reported this morning.

‘I won’t just bring anyone in. It has to be right geographically, it has to be right financially.

‘Pro clubs can look to loan out youngsters, but I’ve got some of those - I’m looking for someone a bit more senior. There’s a few irons in the fire.’