The Magpies continued their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw away at Cobham Sports on Tuesday evening.
A stunning long-range Freddie Beale strike in the 83rd minute, his second goal in two games, was cancelled out by a late Cobham penalty in our first away friendly of pre-season.
On a warm July evening, boss Glenn Howes made a number of changes to the starting XI from our first fixture, with captain Corby Moore starting alongside summer signings Luke Holmes, Lewis Toms and Matty Burrows, plus a number of trialists.
The visitors made the brighter start and it was Burrows who fashioned the first chance, but his shot from distance was saved by the keeper.
On the half hour mark, Moore's corner dropped to Holmes who saw his header drift wide, before Toms had a couple of chances in quick succession first cleared and then blocked by the home defence.
At the break, Beale and fellow new signing Fin Murray were introduced, and it was Beale who set up Trialist #9 for the first opportunity of the second period, only to see his strike saved.
With the game heading towards a goalless draw, Howes' side took the lead going into the final 10 minutes. A clearance fell to former Eastleigh winger Beale on the left touchline some 40 yards out, and with the keeper out of position, he unleashed a superb effort that sailed over everyone and nestled into the far corner.
The hosts were only behind for a few minutes before Cobham equalised from the penalty spot through Joe Wood with five minutes to play.
Beale twice came close to restoring the Magpies' lead, but was denied by a couple of fine saves from the home goalkeeper as the two sides had to settle for a draw.
Next up is the visit of East Cowes Vics at The Avenue on Saturday (2pm).
Magpies: Hall (Trialist #13); Trialist #2 (Trialist #16), Turner, Trialist #4 (Murray), Trialist #3 (Bowmaster); Moore, Toms; Nielsen (Beale), Holmes (Taylor), Burrows (Trialist #15); Trialist #9.
Report: Sam Bernard