The Menace Arena is gearing up for an action-packed pre-season schedule against higher division opponents. These matches will provide an excellent opportunity to see our men's first team test new formations, showcase their skills, try out new players and burn off their holiday excesses!
Saturday 1st July (1pm KO) - Home vs. Hassocks (Step 5)
We kick off our pre-season campaign with a home match against Hassocks. The Robins are the highest non-league team we will face in the pre-season, so it will be a stern test to open up. They finished mid-table in the Southern Combination League Premier Division last season.
Friday 7th July (7pm KO) - Home vs. Stonewall (Step 7)
The highlight of the pre-season program is the eagerly anticipated match against Stonewall, taking place as part of the Hamlet/Altona freundschaft weekend. We expect the ground will be busy with supporters of all four teams, and given the Friday kick off date, then we hope groundhoppers and supporters other teams will join us for the match. Stonewall FA compete at the same level as the Menace in the Middlesex County League Premier Division, and finished mid-table last season. The match not only promises exciting football but will also celebrate the values of inclusivity and diversity in the sport. Since 1995, Stonewall FC have placed for a medal at every Gay Games, EuroGames and IGLFA World Cup that they have competed in and have won a total of 19 gold medals.
Saturday 15th July (1pm KO) - Home vs. Copthorne (Step 6)
Next up we take on Copthorne FC, who will be making their debut at Step 6 next season (Southern Combination League Division One). They were founded in 2004 and have risen up the divisions via six promotions in this time. They will be groundsharing with Horsham FC for the coming season.
Tuesday 18th July (7.15pm KO) - Home vs. Tooting Bec (Step 6)
In this midweek fixture, the Menace goes head-to-head against our friends from Tooting Bec. They were also formed in 2004 and have followed a similar pattern to Copthorne with five promotions in their first thirteen years of existence. They have recently been groundsharing with Tooting & Mitcham, but will move to Chipstead for the coming season.
Saturday 22nd July (3pm KO) - Away vs. Worthing United (Step 6)
We travel to the south coast for the "second leg" of our match against The Mavericks. We hosted Worthing United at the Menace for pre-season on 2021 when we came from behind to draw 2-2 with goals from Dowding and Montella. We hope Menace fans can make a day of it and enjoy a bit of the seaside before the match. The opposition finished mid-table in the Southern Combination League Division One last season.
Saturday 29th July (1pm KO) - Home vs. Actonians (Southern Amateur League)
We wrap up our pre-season schedule with a home match against Actonians from the Southern Amateur League division one. Actonians finished third in their division and won the cup. Division one is the top level of 18 divisions in the Southern Amateur League, so it will be a tough match.
Entry details
Entry to all home matches is £4 for adults, payable at the turnstile by card or cash. Season ticket holders, however, enjoy free admission to all home matches, making it a fantastic investment for dedicated supporters. Season tickets can be purchased at the turnstile for £50, offering access to all home league and friendly games throughout the season. Additionally, children under the age of 16 can attend matches for free, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere at the Menace Arena. Don't miss out on the exciting pre-season action and show your support for The Menace!