Molyneaux on target in final friendly
Veteran defender Lee Molyneaux was among the goals as AFC Portchester rounded off their pre-season friendly campaign with a 3-0 home win over Pompey U18s at The Crest Finance Stadium.
The 37-year-old assistant manager was introduced as a second half sub and netted the final goal after Lee Wort had earlier struck twice.
Royals boss Mick Catlin believes Molyneaux can have a major role to play in 2020/21 - which begins with tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with visiting Sandhurst - on and off the pitch.
‘Though 37 years old, he still has a lot to offer as a player,’ said Catlin.
‘He did a really good job at Gosport last season but things didn’t work out.
‘As soon as I knew he was available, he was my first-choice to come in with me.
‘I know him really well as a person and a player and he brings a lot of skill sets to the table.
‘Already he has helped the squad gel together and he has helped move us up to the next level.’
One doubt for the cup tie is Joe Noakes, who picked up an injury against Pompey at the weekend.
Horndean were beaten 5-1 at home by Hawks in their final friendly prior to tomorrow’s FA Cup trip to Bemerton Heath Harlequins.
The first goal came on 40 minutes when a 25-yard effort from left back Anthony Straker was deflected past keeper Lloyd Thomas.
Deans were level a minute later when Pompey keeper Duncan Turnbull couldn’t hold a Harry Jackson effort and Tommy Tierney tapped in.
But Hawks were back in front before half-time, Roarie Deacon setting up Joe Iaciafano for his third goal in two friendlies.
Hawks made it 3-1 five minutes into the second half, Bedsente Gomis setting up Tommy Wright on the edge of the box to score.
Wright notched his second on 57 minutes, converting a cross from ex-Deans full-back Benny Read.
Deacon broke to the by-line before setting up Lucas Sinclair to power to net the final goal.
Archie Wilcox struck a hat-trick as Fareham Town brought the curtain down on their pre-season preparations with a 5-2 win against Pagham.
Casey Bartlett-Scott and Gary Austin were also on target for a Reds side that travel to Frimley Green for an FA Cup tomorrow.
Baffins Milton’s final friendly at home to Worthing fell victim to the wet weather.
Rovers boss Shaun Wilkinson has made three signings ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup visit of Wessex rivals AFC Stoneham.
Two of them - Josh Warren and Charlie Osborne - were once with the Portsmouth Academy. Warren made 16 starts for Portchester last season.
In addition, Billy Connor formerly of Petersfield, Moneyfields, Gosport Borough and Horndean - has dual signed from Winchester City.
Gosport Borough host a
Pompey XI at Privett Park tomorrow (7.45pm). Capacity will be capped at around 600 and entry is £5.
Boro lost 1-0 at home to Hampton & Richmond at the weekend.