Pre Season Done Right At The Lasmar - East Preston vs. AFC Portchester

Summer skies in Sussex

This season's first trip to the seaside took me to Angmering for the pre season friendly between East Preston and AFC Portchester which was a clash between the Sussex and Wessex Leagues. This was a revisit as I had previously visited Lashmer Road for an FA Cup tie against Ringmer back when East Preston were in Division Two of the county league and the hosts lost 4-1 on that day. I saw Portchester at Winchester last season and they looked more than comfortable against the now Southern League side.

Players waiting to kick off

Portchester settle almost immediately and look very comfortable on the ball. East Preston almost gift Portchester the opening goal but the chance is put high and wide of the target. The come closer with a header following a teasing cross from deep. The visitors get in behind the East Preston defence but the defenders are able to regain their composure and clear the danger. Towards the end of the half East Preston have their first chance of the game when the forward has a shot which is blocked by the Portchester defender.

Portchester attack the flanks in the first half

Portchester score with the first attack of the second half. A corner finds its way to the back post and the ball is forced home from close range. They score again when a shot from distance takes a heavy deflection to leave the goalie flat footed as the ball goes over the line. The Portchester winger gets in behind the defence and again the East Preston defence is able to deal with the danger. A good Portchester passing move results in the ball being cut across the six yard line but the ball is blazed well over the bar. The final score was four nil and I don't know if I missed one when I went to the bar just before half time or when I left to catch my train.

The first Portchester goal of the second half

Angmering is served by trains from Victoria and the journey takes the best part of two hours. The ground is then a ten minute walk from the station. The beach is worth taking in and the chip shop in the village centre is pretty decent from memory. Also in the centre of the village is The Tudor Tavern which had a good selection of beers including Beachcomer which is perfect for a lunch time drink. The clubhouse at the ground is brilliant as it had Sky Sports as well as one ale from The Hammerpot Brewery. The reason why I was so impressed with pre season at East Preston was that entry was only three pounds which included a programme which was better then some clubs produce in the regular season. They have a another home friendly this Saturday against Alresford Town so if you want a great pre season experience I fully recommend attending.

The dugout side of the ground