Aldershot Town 4-0 Christchurch

Shots began their defence of the Hampshire Senior Cup with a comfortable victory against Wessex League side Christchurch. Dean Smith, Ricky Newman and Louie Soares returned from injury whilst Rob Elvins and Dave Winfield completed 90 minutes. Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz made his first team debut in goal. the goals were scored by Elvins (2), Soares and Garrison 102.5FM Man of the Match Miles Jones. Manager Gary Waddock can be heard on The Shots Online giving his verdict on the victory

Manager Gary Waddock was pleased with the discipline and commitment of his side in Tuesday's Hampshire Senior Cup tie at the Rec against Wessex League side Christchurch.

The result was never in doubt from an early stage of the tie but the home side continued to provide the sparse crowd with some excellent approach play with a squad balanced by first team players returning from injury or gaining valuable match practice mixed with those keen to ensure that they are given more opportunities.

The sprightly Miles Jones caught the eye early on and he gave the Shots the lead on 11 minutes when he struck home at the far post from Louie Soares' byeline cross. His treble somersault celebration was a sight to see.

The Barbados international had set up Jones minutes before with a fine through ball into the path of the youngster who was unable to steady himself.

Enjoying possession of the ball and linking up well Aldershot looked capable of scoring everytime they attacked.

Soares forced a fine acrobatic save from Dan Loader in the Christchurch goal and also struck a low left footed strike just wide of the far post.

Soares was involved in the second goal on 31 minutes. Advancing to the right byeline again he laid the ball into the path of Rob Elvins who stabbed the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the six yard box.

The former WBA striker added to his tally within two minutes.

This time Dean Smith produced the cross from the right and Elvins guided his header into the top corner of the net with Loader well beaten.

Mikhael Jaimes Ruiz was making his debut for the first team and he was called into action just before the interval to force a low Marc Burrows strike around the post.

The only goal of the second half deservedly came from Soares who struck firmly from 20 yards to extend the lead. He nearly produced an identical goal five minutes later only to see Loader parry the ball away.

There were further opportunities. Josh Huggins, a second half substitute, turned and struck just wide and Danny Hylton should have scored with five minutes remaining when Loader blocked his close range shot from inside the six yard box.

Ruiz was alert to deny Lewis Till late on.

Boss Waddock said afterwards, "It was a positive evening and a good game. We had lads who needed match practice and we have a number of lads who have come through the match and have put themselves in contention for the Salisbury match on Sunday.

"I said to the lads beforehand that it is all about attitude and I wanted them to work hard. They did that throughout the match and the competition in the squad is healthy".

Shots travel to Wessex Premier side Hamble Assc in the next round on a date to be arranged.