The Seagulls started the 2022/23 campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Bracknell Town after coming back from behind, whilst The Boro’ enjoyed a 3-2 victory over Merthyr Town at Privett Park.

Gosport concluded last year’s trip to North Somerset with a narrow victory, but the hosts finished the last campaign in the play-off places regardless, - however they crashed out in the semi-final in favour of Hayes & Yeading United.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s opponents’ ability, Manager Shaun Gale acknowledges the experience the squad holds:

“They’ve got some good experienced players within their team, like Dayle Grubb who only came out of league football one and a half seasons ago, a really good player.”

“We went there last season and won 1 - 0, I’m sure they’ll remember that, and they came to our place and beat us quite handsomely. We need to go there and be hard to play against and be hard to beat.”

“As we’ve shown on Saturday, we have players who can score goals and there’s a possibility that one or two more might be available [after injury], which will give us a boost.”

“We’re looking forward to it, the second game of the season, first away game, it’s a long journey, we couldn’t have picked a worst time of the year to go there.”

Shaun Gale’s team travel to North Somerset in the midst of a second heat-wave in 3 weeks, as temperatures are predicted to rise to 35 degrees celsius in the seaside town.

The Manager adds, “we’ve got to look at that [the hot weather], as these things do play a factor, that’s why it would be nice to get a couple more back [from injury] to aid the strength and depth of the quad.”

Whilst a return to the squad for more key players is very welcome indeed, we do know that Kyal Williams is unlikely to be amongst those.

“I don’t think it’s as bad as we first thought, but it’s a hamstring injury. It’s a shame as Kyal gives us something completely different, such good pace and he’s so quick, only a young lad but as he’s shown in pre-season, he can score a goal.” adds Gale.

The match kicks-off at 3pm, and fans are invited to follow the action on the Official Gosport Borough Football Club Twitter account. Unfortunately, live audio coverage will not be available for this fixture.