After the summer break, we returned for our first pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon, taking on Isthmian League South Central Division opponents Bognor Regis Town at Heywood Lane.
The fixture was the first in Wanderers colours for the likes of Josh Barrett and Charlie Sayers, who arrived at the club in the summer, with Seb Tauta-Caballero also starting.
During the opening ten minutes of the match, we retained possession well, pressing our opponents high in an energetic start, with Jimmy Muitt registering a blocked shot.
Josh Barrett, who arrives at the club having been a prolific creative asset with Aldershot, unleashed our first effort on target of the match, having exchanged passes with Jimmy Muitt, as the game opened up.
The hosts had the best opportunity moments later, however, as with the goal gaping, Kaya Tshaka blasted the ball over the bar with only Brennan Camp on the line, before Barrett had another effort which floated wide.
Despite our possession, the hosts continued to carve out the better chances, hitting the crossbar after an effort was saved one-on-one.
The start of the second third saw the introduction of more new faces as winger Jack Wood entered the game in a fast-paced manner.
As a result, we carved out our two best chances of the match in a matter of moments.
After the ball was played across the box, Josh Barrett saw his effort saved from inside the penalty area, before Alfie Rutherford poked wide from close range.
The new faces continued to have efforts at goal, including two efforts from substitute George Nikaj.
Moments later, substitute Jake Lawrence forced the goalkeeper into another save with good footwork to create an angle for a shot on goal.
Despite some gilt-edged chances and a battling display at both ends, the score remained level at the hour mark.
New signing Nikaj looked lively at the start of the final third, linking up play and having a further effort. However, his left-footed drive was deflected out for a corner after he cut inside.
In response, we restricted the hosts to minimal opportunities in the latter stages of the match.
George Nikaj’s presence up front remained lively in the final twenty minutes of the affair. However, he was still without his elusive goal, striking wide from the edge of the box.
With victory still up for grabs, the game became more stretched as both sides looked to carve out opportunities.
After Bognor Regis Town rattled the crossbar, our new frontman George Nikaj opened the scoring, receiving the ball on the run before cutting inside the area and side-footing home.
With the lead gained, we continued to create chances, looking to add to the singular goal, with Jake Lawrence curling an effort wide from long range, amongst others.
However, the scoreline remained the same, ensuring we obtained victory.
The squad travel to Leatherhead FC for our next pre-season fixture as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.