Pre-Match Thread Aldershot Town v Southend United, Wednesday 23rd October, 19:45 k.o., NL

[Cricko]

Apes is once again commentary for BBC Essex for tonight's game.

 

[Snowy]

Anyway to get GSM in a more advanced role and Wind at RB.

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

Early doors as HB would say, but a few Shrimpers already in the Queens Hotel enjoying all a local Wetherspoons has to offer (was going in the George, but the locals in there this early were, er, interesting, & that's saying something where I actually moved on to!)

Still, as a now west Londoner, nice to see a good beer from my part of the world, &, on a deal, only £1.99!! Last pint locally, even Fullers ESB as it was, £6.25

2-1 Shrimpers, as a few have said, & as a veteran of the Boxing Day Floodlight robbery, we're owed one

View attachment 34396

We're in the same boozer mate COYB

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Chris Phillips reporting that George Moncur is out working with John Gowens - looks like a fitness test and by the body language, he failed it

 

[cerbera45]

ECHOSPORT talks to Aldershot fan Cobie Ware ahead of tonight's clash with Southend United.

Aldershot are currently 16th in the table. What have you made of the season so far?

"So far Aldershot's season has been a rollercoaster.

"After a good start with a draw against Forest Green in a game which we should’ve won and a brilliant 1-0 away win at Halifax Aldershot have struggled.

"For the next few home games we continued to do well by beating Oldham 4-1 and beating Maidenhead 4-3 but we struggled on the road and then once our home fixtures got tougher we went winless in seven.

"Overall it’s not been a great start but it’s important to remember it’s only October, there’s a long season ahead!"

You finished eighth last season. Why do you feel this season hasn't started quite so well?

"In my opinion the main reason we haven’t done as well this season is due to not having the same players we did.

"Josh Stokes and Lorent Tolaj contributed to 45 per cent of our goals last season and with both of them leaving it’s always going to be a struggle.

"One saving grace is that five of the seven home games we’ve played have been against sides in the top six in the league.

"They are always going to be really tough games so hopefully we can start to pick up more results now that those games are out of the way.

"Before our game against Eastleigh we were only four points worse off than this time last season so by no means is it a disaster.

"The squad as a whole is stronger than last year and there’s a lot of potential in the group so there’s no reason why we can’t easily turn it around and go on a good run."

What do you feel Aldershot can achieve this season?

"I think we can still be in with a shout of the play-offs but as things stand I think we will be mid table.

"Hopefully that FA Cup win against Bath can be a real turning point in the season for us as we managed to follow that win up with a brilliant win against a side we always struggle against in Eastleigh.

"As I mentioned previously there’s a lot of potential in the group so if the management team can get the squad to reach their full potential then there’s no reason why we can’t have a good season.

"Last year we narrowly missed out on the play-offs after looking like we were certain to make it so it would be amazing to get over the line this time around."

Who is the dangerman?

"Aldershot’s biggest danger men have to be Josh Barrett and James Henry, if they are on it then they are a nightmare to deal with.

"James started the season like a house on fire winning the August player of the month scoring five and assisting one, looking unplayable at times.

"With more than 600 games played League One or higher before his move to the Shots, James is a really experienced EFL player and that shows when he’s out on the pitch.

"Josh is often overlooked due to him having a slightly bigger build but he’s technical ability is unreal.

"He’s an incredibly creative player who can unlock a defence with ease at times."

What's the team news?

"Aldershot have been hit with quite a few injuries in recent weeks.

"We’ve had three centre backs out with dislocations or broken bones within the space of six weeks which is far from ideal.

"As well as this Christian Maghoma is serving a three match ban after that horror challenge in the Fa Cup so he also won’t be available for the game.

"In more positive news Manny Maja is finally back from injury, Tyler Frost is fit again and Jack Barham's looking fitter every game that goes on so we’re looking OK going into this tough clash.

"In regards to the starting line-up I expect a bit of rotation in the forward line but due to the injuries I don’t expect any changes defensively."

It reads like they (Aldershot) like so many teams in this division struggle for consistency.

 

[Tommy's Mooney]

Chris Phillips reporting that George Moncur is out working with John Gowens - looks like a fitness test and by the body language, he failed it

Or maybe he passed it but he realised that means he needs to run all the way to the penalty box and still have enough in the tank to kick the ball

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Almost there, awaiting team news

 

[Cricko]

OMT now please.