Stevenage Borough 3-1 Aldershot Town

Gary Waddock saw his side lose away from home for the first time since he took over as manager in the summer as Shots went down 3-1 at Stevenage Borough. Rhys Day netted an early second half penalty. Goalkeeper Nikki Bull, who has been the centre of much debate this week, was again in outstanding form and also saved a spot kick. Subscribers to The Shots Online can listen to interviews with the boss, Coach Martin Kuhl and captain Day. Shots are in action on Tuesday evening at home to Ebbsfleet United (7.45pm) and will be welcoming home the Grenadier Guards and 4GS Med Regiment to the Rec after their return of duty in Afghanistan

Despite their first away defeat of the season at Stevenage Borough manager Gary Waddock was not downhearted after the match.

Indeed the former QPR manager had nothing for praise for his young squad. He told 'The Shots', "I said to the players in the dressing room after the game that I would have taken our first away defeat of the season in October at the start of the season.

"I have no complaints with the result today. We gave them a couple of gifts in this game and they took them but we will bounce back. They should be proud of what they have done so far this season and they will keep their heads held high.

"I knew Stevenage would be there or thereabouts at the start of the season and nothing has changed from that view".

Regarding the performance of goalkeeper Nikki Bull, who was the centre of debate about his future earlier this week, the boss continued, "Nikki is a very good keeper. He has performed extremely well this season for the club and in my opinion he is an outstanding keeper. Against Stevenage he showed what he is all about again and he deserves that because he works extremely hard".

The boss was forced to change his side with top scorer John Grant missing through Tendonitis. The club are monitoring his progress and there is no indication at present of when John will be back and available.

Joel Grant made his first start of the season whilst Johnny Dixon returned to the bench after injury.

Stevenage were minus former Shots midfielder Adam Miller who was sidelined with a calf strain and defender John Nutter but Mark Moleseley did start for the Hertfordshire side.

The visitors were the more lively in the early stages of the game.

Joel Grant was prominent in the early stages and within four minutes he provided a byeline cross which was met by Louis Soares whose shot was cleared off the line.

Aldershot were fragile at the back in this match and Stevenage nearly took advantage on 12 minutes when Anthony Straker's backpass was almost intercepted by Mitchell Cole before the ball was cleared for a corner.

Shots did create and looked threatening. On 21 minutes Soares' looping header was just over the bar after Lewis Chalmers initial long throw was cleared to the edge of the 18 yard box. Dave Winfield's header across goal minutes later was directed goal bounds by Rob Elvins at the far post only for his effort to be cleared off the line by Steve Morison.

Mark Stimson's side did take the lead on 24 minutes against the run of play. Dean Smith was beaten on the left hand flank by Daryl McMahon. Shots centre half Dave Winfield managed to stick his leg out on the edge of the six yard box but could only direct it past his own goalkeeper.

Stevenage started to up the pace bouyed by their goal. Cole set up John Martin form the left and his first time shot from 16 yards was gathered by Bull.

Scott Davies struck a powerful 25 yard free kick just over the bar via a deflection from the wall although referee Phil Gibbs gave a goal kick much to the chagrin of the Aldershot players.

Morison nearly extended the lead when his placed shot in the first minute of injury time was just wide of Bull's left hand post.

In the third minute of injury time Winfield, who was the wrong side of Martin, was adjudged to half brought the former Grays Athletic player down inside the 18 yard box. Mark Arber sent Bull the wrong way from the spot kick and Stevenage had a healthy interval lead.

Aldershot, with a fine record of responding under pressure this season, would still have had a belief inside the dressing room that the game could be retrieved.

Those hopes ended within the first minute of the re-start when Cole outpaced Winfield on the edge of the penalty box before playing it into the path of FA Trophy hero Craig Dobson. 3-0 seemed an unassailable lead.

However within two minutes and Aldershot did have a lifeline when Molesley fouled Ben Harding on the edge of the six yard box. Captain Rhys Day took the kick and made no mistake in firing home from 12 yards. They became only the fifth side to socre against Stevenage this season.

Thereafter it was the home side who were the more likely to increase their lead and only exceptional goalkeeping from Bull kept the score down. Firstly he saved point blank from Cole and blocked his effort. Martin then was denied by Bull with a fine save diving low to his left.

More confusion in the visitors backline then saw Cole taken out by Bull. Another penalty was awarded and the Shots keeper was cautioned. He then responded by brilliantly saving Arber's spot kick diving down to his left hand side.

Bull then superbly tipped away Cole's shot from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Shots did have chances though and continued to play their passing game. Substitutes Jonny Dixon and Kirk Hudson both had efforts just wide of the target and Soares also went close as Shots were desperate to get a goal to give themselves a chance. Winfield fired a header over the bar and Dixon also produced a spectacular volley that was well saved by former Brentford goalkeeper Alan Julian.

It was another open and entertaining game at Broadhall Way and although the young squad experienced defeat on their travels for the first time this season boss Waddock's side still remain in the top three of the Blue Square Premier division.