BASINGSTOKE Town will now face Merstham at home on Saturday (3pm) in their next pre-season contest, after Crystal Palace under-23s pulled out to fulfil a first team fixture at Maidstone.

The new visitors to the Camrose should prove to be good test for the Dragons, as they play in the Isthmian Premier League, which is the same step as Basingstoke.

Last season they finished 14th and also had a great FA Cup run reaching the first round proper before losing to Oxford United.

Looking ahead to the game, Town boss Terry Brown said: “They are a good footballing side who have been together a few years. So I am expecting a good test, it certainly not going to be easy."

Brown will be without injured Ashleigh Artwell and also be minus Atkinson twins Rob and Michael, who are currently on trial at Crystal Palace.

On Tuesday night (7.45pm) the Dragons face another stiff test when National League Woking are the visitors.

On Tuesday night, Town opened their home pre-season losing to a very strong National League Eastleigh side 4-0.