After such a long break due to the pandemic it was great to get back into the groove with some friendly games against strong opposition to get the Magpies ready for the new season.
We started against Broadbridge Heath Bears on 22nd August but with many of our key players out and with several triallists in the squad this made for a rusty and somewhat erratic display with the whites succumbing to a 6-0 defeat. The opposition had already played some friendlies themselves and had notched up a similar scoreline the week before so clearly they were in a more developed status, but that said, improvement would certainly be needed for the new season.
Onto the following week, and Dorking Wanderers were the opposition on 29th August. The all-conquering champions of the South Surrey league came on the back on a long unbeaten run full of confidence but with a much stronger line-up the whites ran out deserved winners with a 3-1 win following a brace from Neo and a strike from Rowan.
Finally, the last game of pre-season was a run out away to Steyning on 5th September. The game was played on their 3G pitch so both sides could use their passing skills to maximum effect. Although the game ended as 0-0 it certainly wasn't a 'bore draw' with both teams coming close to breaking the deadlock but a draw was a fair result in the end.
The close season was a great opportunity for us to bring in some new players for trial and so we are delighted to welcome Declan, Chris, and Charlie to Loxwood, and really pleased to welcome back Alex to the magpies after a few years with our neighbours, Ewhurst.
We started against Broadbridge Heath Bears on 22nd August but with many of our key players out and with several triallists in the squad this made for a rusty and somewhat erratic display with the whites succumbing to a 6-0 defeat. The opposition had already played some friendlies themselves and had notched up a similar scoreline the week before so clearly they were in a more developed status, but that said, improvement would certainly be needed for the new season.
Onto the following week, and Dorking Wanderers were the opposition on 29th August. The all-conquering champions of the South Surrey league came on the back on a long unbeaten run full of confidence but with a much stronger line-up the whites ran out deserved winners with a 3-1 win following a brace from Neo and a strike from Rowan.
Finally, the last game of pre-season was a run out away to Steyning on 5th September. The game was played on their 3G pitch so both sides could use their passing skills to maximum effect. Although the game ended as 0-0 it certainly wasn't a 'bore draw' with both teams coming close to breaking the deadlock but a draw was a fair result in the end.
The close season was a great opportunity for us to bring in some new players for trial and so we are delighted to welcome Declan, Chris, and Charlie to Loxwood, and really pleased to welcome back Alex to the magpies after a few years with our neighbours, Ewhurst.
