New Street up and running

12:31pm Wednesday 30th July 2008

NEW street enjopyed a fine workout in the broiling sun at Foxcotte Park on Saturday when they entertained Premier Division side Hayling United in a pre-season friendly and drew 1-1.

With both teams fielding mixed sides New Street dominated for much of the first half hour by which time Matt Styles had given Street the lead after a superb move involving Josh Aspinall and Casson Spencer. With the heat taking its toll changes were made as water breaks were sensibly ordered by the referee and around the hour mark the away side drew level.

Another mixed squad travelled to Hants League 2004 club Four Marks on Tuesday with a side made up of new signings, youth teamers and three first teamers.

Street started strongly with Matt Styles and Jamie Piper forming a good partnership up front against a solid looking home side who could well be contenders for the league.

Styles hit the side netting early on before he put Street ahead from 25 yards. With Dane Adams and Paul Towerton commanding the midfield they went further ahead through Piper after good work from 16 year old Harry Mulbury.

Four Marks pulled a goal back before half-time after keeper Dean Hutchins had made several good saves.

Street had used their whole 18 man squad before the break and the second half had little pattern with Street using the roll on sub system.

Despite some good performances it was no suprise when Four Marks equalised and with both teams wilting in the heat an underhit back pass brought the home side's winner despite efforts of defender Anthony Waters.

This year's Dango Tournament began on Tuesday with the visit of Blackfield and Langley to the Foxcotte ground.

Street began well and took the game to the visitors who were also playing some fine passing football on a warm evening and goals were never far away. As always it was fitting that stalwart Stuart Anderson should get on the scoresheet in a competition set up in memory of his brother and he did so in style nodding an angled pass from young Ben Crossley over the stranded keeper.

Matt Styles then hammered a shot just over before keeper Dave Witcher kept his side in the game with a point blank save on the half hour. Blackfield upped the tempo and began to find gaps in the defence and John Puddick equalised with a 20-yard drive not long before the break. Casson Spencer had a curling shot well saved and watched as Jamie Piper volleyed over the rebound from five yards then Spencer missed from the edge of the area after creating a clear opening for himself.

Blackfield capitalised on the misses with the last kick of the half when Luke Pothecary volleyed in from close range.

After the break Witcher made way for Dean Hutchings in goal and another raft of substitutes changed the pattern of play, although Chris Knight went close with a drive near the hour mark.

Blackfield wrapped up a place in the final against either Andover or Whitchurch United when Michael Jones's snap shot found the corner two minutes from time.

Last night Andover played Whitchurch in the other semi-final. On Saturday the third place match kicks-off at 12.30pm with the final set for around 3.15pm.

On Sunday New Street have a fun day arranged at Foxcotte, based around a friendly with Southern League Thatcham Town, with whom they have a tie up for this season. The kick-off for that match is at 1pm.

On Tuesday New Street take on Western League Premier Division side Devizes Town, kick-off 7.45pm then on the Wednesday Winchester City pay a visit, again at 7.45pm.

New Street have appointed vastly-experienced Ray Cozzi as reserve team manager who will work alongside Danny Mulbury this season.

The opening league fixture on August 9 sees New Street travelling to the New Forest to take on Verwood Town, followed by home matches with Hythe and Dibden on the Thursday, August 14 and Tadley Calleva two days later.