ROMSEY Town are preparing for their first-ever Friday game at the Bypass Ground tomorrow after picking up a well-deserved point against in-form Alton last week.

Town are without a win since January but will be hoping the change in schedule will help them return to winning ways when they entertain top-of-the-table Hamble Club (7.45pm) in Sydenhams Wessex One.

A club spokesman explained: “We are having Friday night football for the first time as an experiment to see what sort of demand there is for it.

“Our crowds are generally quite healthy when compared to other clubs in our division.

“But on Saturdays we always have to compete, not only with other non-league teams around, but with the likes of Eastleigh and Southampton.

“We’ve gained approval from the league to stage this game as a ‘one-off’ - and what better game to have than hosting the league leaders!

“We’re hoping the local people of Romsey will come along to the game and not only give their support to their local team but also see what we’re trying to do off the pitch to take the club forward.

“Hopefully it will be a great night on the pitch with a bumper crowd off it.”

Town were grateful to an equaliser from Andy Turner against Alton last Saturday, soon after going behind on the hour.

Manager Andy Samuels said: “It was a good performance overall and I’m pleased the lads got the point their performance warranted.

“I think we probably deserved to take all three points, if I’m being honest, as I thought we carried the game to Alton and probably had the greater opportunities.

“But I have to say Alton are a very good side and so I’m pleased with the point.

“Considering we were down to bare bones and playing one of the real in-form sides in the league, I’ve got to be happy.

“The lads that came in were superb and there was a real air of positivity and togetherness which was pleasing to see. Overall it was a good day for us and one we can certainly take confidence from.”

Romsey will have their work cut out against Hamble Club who are 11 points clear at the summit.

The merry Monks have won 25 and drawn two of their 29 league games, scoring 106 goals and conceding 27.