Fleet Spurs kicked off the pre-season on Saturday with a friendly match against Sandhurst Town.

This marked the start not just of a new season but also of a new era in the life of this well-respected Wessex League club.  Following the disappointing results on the pitch in 2008/9, Spurs have made wholesale changes.  Off the pitch, they have ambitious plans to improve their clubhouse facility, while a there has been a great deal of work, much by club volunteers, to ensure that the pitches at Southwood are in tip-top condition for the start of the Wessex League season on 8 August.

The summer has also seen the appointment of a new managerial team led by Neil Baker, who is starting what promises to be a long and successful career in football management.  Neil has enjoyed a distinguished playing career in local football, most recently at Bracknell Town.  Spurs are confident that he will bring enthusiasm, knowhow and an excellent portfolio of contacts to the party.  Half a dozen experienced non-league players have already agreed to come to Spurs and more are expected to follow before the start of the season.

The Sandhurst match itself was an evenly-fought affair with encouraging skill and commitment from both teams, which was particularly noteworthy in the first game of the season.  Sandhurst took the lead slightly against the run of the play in the first half with a fine goal by Danny Wilde.  However, Spurs fought back towards the end of the second half hour, scoring with a glancing header by Stuart Tanfield and a powerful shot by sub Glen Mackenzie with his first touch – Spurs hope that all manager Baker’s substitutions will be so inspired.  However, Dan Simmonds equalised in the last few minutes and the result finished a well-deserved 2-2 draw, with both sides taking credit from the game and encouragement for a good 2009/10 season.

In a curtain-raising Reserves tie, Sandhurst’s greater experience of playing together helped them run out 4-2 winners, but Spurs were far from disgraced.  Their goals came from a header from Steve Thurlby and a Brad Yates penalty.