Basingstoke Town beat FC United of Manchester in friendly

The match served as a perfect warm-up for the upcoming league campaign, which kicks off this Saturday, August 10, with an away fixture against Plymouth Parkway.

The Manchester game saw 'Stoke take the lead, with Flynn Bolton scoring his first goal.

A free kick from the wide left evaded everyone, including the keeper, and nestled into the corner of the net.

Basingstoke Town players in Manchester after their pre-season friendly (Image: Lewis McKenna)

Twenty minutes later, Gallagher was fouled in the box, and Nnamdi Nwachcuku added to his impressive pre-season tally by converting the penalty.

The second half was largely dominated by the opposition, but the 'Stoke defence held firm, aided by some excellent saves from Simon Grant.

A good period of pressure towards the latter stages saw a number of chances fall Basingstoke’s way but were unable to add to our first-half goals.

Manager Dan Brownlie praised the performance of his team and expressed his gratitude to FC United for their hospitality. 

 “Honestly, we can’t thank Neil [Reynolds], the club and their volunteers enough," Brownlie said.

"I already hold a lot of love for Manchester – its the home of the majority of my family – but this experience only added to it. It was a great game against a very impressive side. I had the pleasure of chatting to Neil ahead of the game; he has them playing some great football that they’ve all bought into – I think they’re in for a very decent season.

"Secondary to that, the boys soaked up the brilliant Mancunian night life and that never disappoints! Those moments are important in building the spirit that we’re looking for, especially with quite a few new faces joining the ranks this season.”