Club History - Part 4 Seasons 2004-07

Aldershot's second season in the Conference did not start quite as well as the first but even so it was solid enough for relative newcomers to non-league's elite.

The Shots once again equalled their best ever run in the FA Cup as they reached the 2nd Round proper.

However there was to be no overcoming an in form Hartlepool United and a 5-1 defeat ended the romantic dreams of a tie with one of the big boys.

There were to be no FA Trophy exploits either as Thurrock surprised Brown's side with a 1-0 win.

The season would once again be about the league, but with Barnet soaring away back to League Two it was a play off place that was coveted.

There were some indifferent results along the way but the turning point in Aldershot's fortunes came in March after a 3-1 win at Burton Albion.

There then followed a superb 4-0 demolition of Woking in front of Sky Sports cameras. Three games later a dramatic and nail biting 3-3 draw at Accrington ensured Stanley had no chance of reaching the last four and that Aldershot would reach the play offs on the last day of the season - if they could beat Scarborough at The Rec.

In front of nearly 4,500 Tim Sills was the hero as his brace ensured Exeter City and Morecambe with their superior goal differences could not qualify.

The Shots faced Carlisle United but there was no repeat of the 5-0 home Conference humiliation at the hands of the Cumbrians, as Nick Crittenden's ball from the right drifted inside the far post to see Aldershot take a 1-0 first leg advantage to Brunton Park.

Before half time though and roared on by 10,000 home fans, Carlisle had overturned Aldershot's lead to hold the advantage 2-1 on aggregate.

Five minutes of stoppage time were signalled and with 15 seconds of those remaining, Dave Lee's cross was met by the head of loanee Jamie Slabber and the net bulged to level the tie on aggregate.

Extra time could not separate the tiring sides and it was the lottery of penalties that would once again bring heartbreak. 3-1 up on spot kicks the Shots had two chances to book their place at the Britannia Stadium, but both opportunities were wasted.

It was in sudden death that Jon Challinor missed his effort and Danny Livesey sent Carlisle into the final amidst chaotic scenes. After beating Stevenage Borough the Cumbrians returned to the Football League subsequently gaining a further promotion in 2005/06.

Season 2005/06 will go down as the most disappointing in Aldershot Town's history.

A devastating catalogue of injuries added to the newly implemented transfer window ensured that manager Brown was unable to sign players on a permanent basis throughout the season barring January.

In total 47 players represented the first team including 14 loan signings and the balance was never right. Any thoughts of promotion were realistically shelved by the end of September after seven defeats had already been recorded.

There were few highlights although an FA Cup second round appearance at home to Scunthorpe United was recorded; the Iron narrowly won 1-0.

The thirteenth position was the first time a lower half of the table position had been experienced and many lessons were learnt off the field from the management staff as well as revised expectations from the supporters.

The end of the campaign saw manager Brown retain just seven players including two teenagers in Dave Winfield and Ryan Scott whilst also adding twelve new players to the squad in preparation for season 2006/07.

Season 2006/07 began with huge optimism as Terry Brown rebuild his squad with the additions of senior players including Marcus Gayle and Ricky Newman.

A successful pre season campaign saw the side unbeaten against a host of Football League appearances.

After an impressive start to the campaign with only one defeat in the opening eight matches hopes continued to be high. This included a 4-0 success against Stevenage Borough, one of the most accomplished performances seen at the Rec for many a year.

Unfortunately inconsistencies crept in and the club hovered just outside a play off position for the majority of the season.

The FA Cup third round was reached for the first time since the inception in 1992 but, despite putting on an excellent showing on the day, Blackpool ended the cup dream with a 4-2 success at Bloomfield Road with over 1000 Shots supporters travelling to Lancashire.

Manager Terry Brown ended a five year reign amid emotional scenes in late March.

The popular Londoner brought down the curtain by announcing his departure to look after his ill wife Susan before looking for a new football challenge. He left to a standing ovation from the Recreation Ground faithful who appreciated his integrity and honesty during his time at the club.

After an improvement in his wife's condition he joined AFC Wimbledon during the summer of 2007 and brought in Stuart Cash as his assistant. They Wombles gained promotion to the Conference South at the first attempt.

Martin Kuhl stepped in as Caretaker Manager and led the club to four successive home victories and a Hampshire Senior Cup Final triumph at the end of the campaign.