Coade excited ahead of Luton test

Magpies welcome the League 2 outfit to the Sports Park as they continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday.

Peacehaven’s first friendly saw them fall to a 3-0 defeat against Lewes last weekend.

Their next test will prove to be much more difficult when they entertain Football League outfit Town.

The Hatters returned to League 2 last season and narrowly missed out on the play-off places in what proved to be a successful campaign.

Coade knows his team will face a tough examination but believes the experience of facing the Hatters will stand his side in good stead.

He said: “Obviously Luton is going to be a really tough test for all of the squad.

“They are a Football League side and it will be interesting to see how we fair against them.

“But it’s going to be a special day for fans and players alike.

“The supporters will get to see a team from League 2 and the players will have the chance to test themselves against a professional side.

“I don’t really place to much importance on pre-season friendlies. It just gives me the opportunity to give the squad some game time.

“But I’m looking forward to Saturday and it will be a fantastic occasion for all involved with the club.”

Coade has been bus over the summer strengthening his team for their upcoming Ryman League South campaign.

The Magpies suffered a turbulent season last time out and where relegated from the Ryman Premier Division.

From that team only six have remained and Coade has managed to bring in Phillipe Lira (Horsham), Wes Millis, Carl Dunk (Shoreham), Ross Sutton (Eastbourne Town), Stacey Freeman and Charlie Pitcher (Dorking Wanderers) already this season.

The Peacehaven boss has been delighted with his captures so far and is hopeful of bringing in a few more fresh faces in the coming week.

He added: “I’ve been really pleased with the players that I have managed to being in.

“They are all very experienced campaigners and most have played at this level or higher.

“Fortunately, the core of last season’s team have remained and with the new additions, it should work well.

“I’m hopeful of bringing in a couple more in the next week to add some more depth to the squad.”