Linnets continue preparations with Basford trip

Simon Clark takes his Linnets side to Nottinghamshire tomorrow to face Basford United in their latest warm up for the new season.

Town, on the back of their challenge cup victory last weekend over a Rangers Under-23 side, travel in good heart.

Preparations are likely to step up a gear as Clark begins to round his squad ahead of Biggleswade Town’s visit to The Walks on August 11.

Clark met with his backroom team earlier in the week to begin finalising his group of players ready for the Southern Central Premier Division season.

Basford should provide a big test of the Linnets credentials having secured promotion to the Northern Premier Division last season after being crowned Northern League Division One champions in April.

A strong squad is managed by the vastly-experienced Martin Carruthers who has been at the helm of the Greenwich Avenue team since 2012, bringing success to the club at regular intervals.

Basford are believed to have paid Grantham Town a fee in the region of £10,000 to sign goalkeeper Kieran Preston during the summer.

Clark said: "It's a tough gig, away from home on an astroturf pitch but that's why we've done it.

"We've got four games on astroturf in the league, starting with Tamworth early in the season, which is why I wanted to throw a couple of matches in on the surface in our friendlies.

"I know Martin (Carruthers) really well and he's a good lad. They've spent a lot of money over the summer and I'm expecting them to be top six in their league next season.

"They will be very well organised and it will be a tough test for us."

Following Saturday’s fixture, the Linnets have two remaining pre-season games, visiting Yaxley on Tuesday (July 31) before hosting Spalding United next Saturday (August 4).