To The Rec, home of Aldershot Town, League leaders, who require just 4 points from 3 games, if Canvey win all their remaining games, to be confirmed as champions. No side has completed a 'double' over the 'Shots this season, and The Saints have a chance following that distant victory at The Park at Christmas. On the Aldershot bench today are former Saints, Gareth Howells, John Nutter and Stafford Browne.
As well as the double, City are looking to secure 3rd place in the League and for this one Cookie selected Wilmot in goal, 4 at the back: Gledhill, Evans, Brown (C), and Naylor; 4 in the middle: Kean, Challinor, Hyatt and Young; and up front: Crawshaw and Martin. On the bench: Moran, Lodge, Mackail-Smith, himself and White.
Against the run of play after the opening exchanges, on 10 minutes, City took the lead with a super free-kick from 30 yards by Naylor after Crawshaw was fouled. 0-1. The Saints were defending stoutly but had a couple of chances to extend their lead on the break but the final ball was not quite good enough. Aldershot equalised on the half hour when Holsgrove beat Wilmot from a tight angle. 1-1. In injury time in the first period the home side took the lead courtesy of a fine strike by former Orient teenage striker Aaron Mclean. 2-1. H.T.
Aldershot were largely in control of the second half although clear chances were rare. Cookie made a double substitution with Mackail-Smith on for Crawshaw and Moran coming into the back 4, and Evans moving forward to replace Hyatt. The home side extended their lead on 80 minutes thanks to a Mclean strike at the far post. 3-1. City heads dropped once again and it was one-way traffic for the remainder of the game. Charles headed home a cross from the right just before 90 minutes. 4-1. Mclean completed his hat-trick into injury time. 5-1. F.T.
The Saints defended well for the first 75 minutes of this game and were threatening on the occasional break. However, as the game progressed the near constant pressure resulted in a loss of their shape against an Aldershot side who worked tirelessly for each other, constantly running well of the ball. The second half performance, in particular, was the best football that your correspondent has seen from another Ryman side this season. Aldershot won comfortably but were flattered by the eventual score-line.
The attendance was an impressive 2883 including only some 100 or so Travelling City Faithful. MotM? Wilmot or Crawshaw but they would probably decline the champagne. A disappointing day.
Entertainment 6/10. Atmosphere 7/10. Technical merit 4/10. Referee 3/10. |
