AFC STONEHAM have left nothing to chance fitness-wise ahead of tomorrow's (Tuesday, 7.45pm) big pre-season friendly opener against mighty National League neighbours Eastleigh.

Asked when the Sydenhams One outfit resumed training, manager Tim Cole smiled: “We never stopped!

“We did five-a-side right through, although it wasn’t compulsory, and we started pre-season about three weeks ago and have been putting on sessions three times a week.

“A lot of footballers want a break at this time of year, but we’ve not really stopped.

“We’re starting friendlies early too and it’s brilliant to get Eastleigh here. It’s one we couldn’t turn down.

“We see a lot of Eastleigh through the season with their academy using our pitch on Wednesdays and we’d like to stay good friends with them.

“By the looks of it they’re going to bring a first-team squad with them.”

That could mean a run-out for the likes of ex-Sunderland striker Mikael Mandron, defender Connor Essam from Leyton Orient, and Arsenal loanee goalkeeper Ryan Huddart who have all enrolled for the Spitfires’ quest for the Football League.

Cole, meanwhile, will be looking to push Stoneham up another notch after they finished eighth in their debut Wessex season.

New in at the Elliotts Arena are defender Jamie Bentley - brother of former Winchster hot-shot Warren - and midfielder/winger Ash Ledger, who both played for Cole at Alresford Town.

They are joined by winger Duncan Bray, who has returned to the area from Bristol University, Otterbourne midfielder/centre-back Graham Bird and Will Frisby, a defender who is just coming back into football.

Striker Callum Doyle and midfielder Connor Humphries have also been promoted into the first-team fold.

Admission tomorrow is £7 (including programme) for adults, £3 concessions/under-16s and free for under-12 accompanied by a paying adult. Available car parking in the ground is free.