Scorers : Sam Woodward 36, Tom Sykes 85 / Pete Castle 41, Jake Hoole 56, Dan Mason 66

Date: Saturday 14th July 2018 12pm - Pre Season Friendly

Venue: Gang Warily

Sholing players used: Josh Helm, Nick O'Donnell, Connor Pearson, Marv McLean, Pete Castle, Dan Miller, Jack Smith, Harry Edmondson, Owen Royl, Byron Mason, Jake Hoole, Dan Mason, Jamie Bulpitt, Owen Roundell, Jack Knutsen, Bradley Targett

Attendance:  30ish

Referee: Callum Walker  Assistant Referees: Andy Laver & Caitlan Tanese

Boatmen played out an entertaining pre-season friendly at Wessex Premier Champions, Blackfield & Langley and ran out 3-2 winners on a boiling hot day. 

The heat-wave was still in effect and it looked liked yesterday's showers had missed Blackfield, so no relief for a pitch that was hard & scorched dry.   Sholing, who were without Gosney, TJ, Brewy, Wort, Sawyer, Billy Connor & Frazer McLean, got off to the better start, knocking the ball around nicely and retaining possession.  First chance on goal came when Byron's header was cleared off the line, then Harry Edmondson was played in, but his shot was saved.  On the other flank, Jake Hoole's effort was also collected by the keeper.

Slightly against the run of play, Blackfield took the lead when a break down the left channel saw a shot across Helm that was finished off by Sam Woodward, despite Helm almost getting back to stop it.   Sholing were soon level with a goal made and finished by PETE CASTLE.  "Pistol" strode out of defence up the middle of the pitch, exchanged a couple of quick passes and with a deflection falling kindly to him in the box, he was able to stroke the ball home.  HT 1-1

Boatmen went in front on 56 minutes when the Blackfield goalkeeper kicked the ball out, but straight to JAKE HOOLE just outside the box. He still had a bit to do, but advanced and calmly slotted the ball into the gap left by the keeper at his near post.  10 minutes later and Sholing had their 3rd.  A left wing corner found the two Dan's, Miller and Mason free in the box, with D-DAN claiming the final touch as the ball bobbled into the net.

Josh Helm made way to new goalkeeping coach, Nick O'Donnell for the final 15 minutes as Blackfield pressed.  The home side managed to reduce the deficit with a terrific strike by Sykes from the far left of the box, as the ball pinged into the far corner, but Sholing were able to see out the final few minutes to get a confidence boosting win.  FT 2-3

Thanks to Blackfield & Langley for hosting and good luck in the Southern League.

Next Friendly is on Monday when we are home to current FA Vase Holders, Thatcham Town. 7:45pm