Wingate & Finchley's squad is starting to take shape at the halfway stage of pre-season ahead of their Isthmian League Premier Division home opener against Folkestone Invicta on August 12.

The north London club announced six new arrivals last week, including ex-Leyton Orient midfielder Brendon Shabani and winger Zack Newton who appeared for Cheshunt in National League South last season.

Manager Ahmet Rifat has admitted that the 2023-24 season is going to be a challenge, with the standard of the division 'one of the hardest on paper in a long time'.

However, Rifat has managed to retain nine of his squad that finished 16th last season, with a few others moving on to take opportunities to impress at National League South sides this summer.

Rifat has said his goal is 'to change the perception of the club and to be an aggressive hard-working team that gets results' and they have experienced mixed fortunes so far during pre-season with a comfortable 4-0 win in the opener against ground-sharing tenants Enfield Borough followed by defeats against sides from the level above - 2-0 against Bishop's Stortford and 3-1 at Slough Town.

This was followed by a strong outing in a 1-1 draw against Royston Town on Saturday and the club will be welcoming National League side Boreham Wood to N12 on July 22 and League One's Peterborough will be sending an U21 side on July 29.

Early bird season ticket prices have been frozen at £120 for adults and £80 for concessions until July 31 and can be purchased via the club's website.

*Haringey Borough battled to a goalless draw against Chelmsford City in their second pre-season friendly at the weekend.

Tom Loizou's men welcome Bishop's Stortford to the CVS Van Hire Stadium on Saturday (July 22, 3pm) and entertain Royston Town on Tuesday (July 25, 745pm).

They will start the new league season with a trip to Canvey Island on August 12, then host Wingate on August 15.