Petersfield Town manager Connor Hoare was delighted after the Rams started their pre-season programme with a 2-1 victory at Pagham on Saturday.

Marvin Orepo scored twice to give the Rams the victory.

Charlie Merritt won an early penalty for Petersfield, but centre-forward Declan Seiden’s spot kick was saved. The opener arrived on 30 minutes. A low cross into the middle was met by Orepo, who slotted into the bottom corner. The Rams doubled their lead just before half-time when Orepo took a touch and fired into an unguarded net.

Pagham pulled a goal back late on, but Hoare was pleased with what he saw from his side.

“We had so much of the ball against Pagham – it was a good performance,” he said.

“All the pre-season sessions so far have been very good. We put on two-hour sessions, and we make sure there is no dead time.”

Hoare was skipper last season as the Rams won promotion from Division One of the Wessex League. He stepped up to the managerial hot seat after co-managers Pat Suraci and Joe Lea left to take up the reigns at Southern League Premier South Division outfit Gosport Borough.

Key players Alex Barsa and Zak Sharp have joined Gosport.

“We’ve managed to keep a lot of players, and they knew what to expect from pre-season,” said Hoare. “We’ve brought in a few new players, and they have all been really impressed with the sessions we are putting on.”

The Rams will host Gosport Borough in their next pre-season friendly on Saturday (3pm).

The match sees the return of Suraci and Lea, as well as former Petersfield head of football Mark Summerhill – who is now football operations manager at Gosport.

“We expect to have less of the ball against Gosport, and will be able to work on our shape out of possession,” said Hoare. “That’s what you want from pre-season – different tests against teams from different levels.”

Petersfield will find out their FA Cup extra preliminary round opponents tomorrow (Friday), when the draw is held. The tie is set to be played on Saturday, August 5.

The Rams are back in the prestigious competition after last season’s promotion, and Hoare is hoping for a good draw to reward the club’s supporters.

“Petersfield’s fans are exceptional non-league fans, so hopefully we get a home draw,” he said.

“We are grateful to Pat and Joe for getting us up last year and getting us back in the FA Cup.”

Petersfield will begin their 2023-24 Wessex League Premier Division campaign with a home game against US Portsmouth at Love Lane on Tuesday, August 1.

The Rams will travel to Hamble Club on Tuesday, August 8.