SKY Bet League Two promotion-chasers Portsmouth have been confirmed as Salisbury's first pre-season friendly opponents.

Steve Claridge will face his former club, where he made more than 100 appearances as a striker and also had a spell as manager, on Tuesday, July 19 (7.45pm).

The Whites boss announced at a fans' forum last weekend that Pompey, managed by Paul Cook, were one of four clubs he was targeting for summer friendlies.

"I'm delighted to have secured this match and really grateful to Paul Cook at Pompey for agreeing to it," said Claridge, who has led Salisbury to the Sydenhams Premier title.

"Paul has said it will be a first team squad coming over so that will make it a really big game for us."

The other clubs Salisbury are targeting for friendlies are Premier League big guns AFC Bournemouth and League Two sides Bristol Rovers and Newport County.