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Shots Face Gosport Borough Tomorrow

Aldershot Town continue pre-season preparations with a visit to Gosport Borough this Saturday.

Kick-off at Privett Park is 3pm for The Shots’ second friendly of the summer, against Alex Pike’s National League South squad which now features former Shots players Ben Harding and Joe Oastler, as well as ex Academy graduate Adam Brice.

A young Borough team began their own pre-season schedule last Saturday, with a 4-1 win at Baffins Milton Rovers, but this weekend is likely to be the first run-out for many of Pike’s squad.

Former Luton Town and Peterborough United striker Ben Wright heads the list of acquisitions as Pike rebuilds his squad following last season’s ninth-place finish. Prolific strikers Warren Bentley (Winchester City) and Jason Parish (AFC Portchester) have also arrived to bolster the attack, along with Chris Flood from Basingstoke Town. Defender Tom Bird is another capture from The Camrose, whilst former Exeter City duo, defender Aaron Dawson and goalkeeper Martin Rice, arrive from Truro City.

Borough have this week also signed defender Connor Cocklin – whose began his career in the AFC Bournemouth Academy – and former Dorchester Town defensive midfielder Scott Walters. Centre-back Ryan Woodford and full-back Rory Williams have, though, both joined Havant and Waterlooville.

“The whole point of taking on teams from a higher level is to make us work hard,” Pike told the Portsmouth News of his plans to give all new signings a run-out against The Shots. “At this stage it is all about forging partnerships and getting our fitness levels up. 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.”

Admission is £10 for adults, £5 for over-65s and £2 for under 18s. Under 12s are free with a paying adult. There is ample street parking around the stadium.

Kick-off at Privett Park is 3pm.