POOLE Town chairman Chris Reeves has expressed his delight at Portsmouth’s decision to upgrade their pre-season friendly with the Dolphins.

The League Two champions, who are due to visit Eastleigh on Saturday (July 15, 3pm), had originally been planning to send an Academy squad to the Black Gold Stadium tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.30pm).

But new Pompey manager Kenny Jackett has added the fixture to his first-team’s schedule as he seeks to spread match minutes across his players, writes Neil Perrett.

The Fratton Park outfit will field a strong team against Poole who finished fifth in their maiden campaign in the National League South.

Reeves said: "The news that Pompey now intend to bring a strong side has given a real boost to our pre-season preparations on the pitch.

“And, hopefully, a good attendance will give the club's finances a shot in the arm as well.

“The anticipation of the fixture has really stepped up a gear and we are just delighted that Kenny Jackett has given the game this added significance."

Pompey kicked off their pre-season programme with a 3-0 victory at Salisbury nine days ago, where they utilized 22 players.

A mix of youngsters and first-team squad members lined up in Saturday’s 6-0 victory against Havant & Waterlooville.

Boss Jackett is seeking to reduce his squad numbers in an attempt to increase each player's match involvement and those that didn't feature against the Hawks are likely to face Poole.

Tickets are priced at £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for under-18s, while under-13s accompanied by adults will be given free admission.

Portsmouth visited Poole in August 1988 as part of their pre-season under the late Alan Ball.