Burton Albion Preview
We look ahead to Saturday's visit to Burton Albion for a Coca-Cola League Two encounter. There is a comprehensive audio preview on The Shots Online with Kevin Dillon
As It Is
Kevin Dillon will be aiming to return to winning ways in Staffordshire after witnessing defeat for the first time in his Aldershot Town tenure in midweek as his side made an exit from the FA Cup against Tranmere Rovers. The boss, who has indicated that he is likely to make changes from the side selected in midweek, has every player available minus Dean Howell and Kirk Hudson who are both currently injured and targeting a return to squad action in the early new year. If they are selected Lewis Chalmers and Dave Winfield are in line for their 100th appearance for the club.
Burton boss Paul Peschisolido has had injury problems in recent weeks. Republic of Ireland under 21 goalkeeper Shane Redmond is expected to be sidelined until February after breaking a hand during last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Rotherham United. Artur Krysiak is expected to figure in goal. Right back Ryan Austin is also out for the remainder of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligaments in the opening minutes of the recent FA Cup tie versus Gillingham. At the time the Canadian Brewers' boss said, "I'm devastated because he's been superb this season. So far he's probably one our our contenders for player of the season. He's a lovely lad, he's great to have around the place. He's bubbly and he's an example of the type of player we want around the club."
Winger Keith Gilroy will be familiar to Shots supporters and, after having such a key impact last season in the Conference championship season, his appearance at Rotherham United was his first of the season after suffering a troubled pre-season with hamstring problems. Captain Guy Branston is also available for selection after a suspension.
The last time the two sides met was in April 2008 in a Conference encounter when a Rob Elvins goal ensured an Aldershot victory in front of 5,791 spectators at the EBB Stadium.
An Aldershot View
"This will be a test of character for us and we need to react after the disappointment of midweek and the FA Cup defeat against Tranmere Rovers. We have kept a few clean sheets recently and as a team we have probably been a little less open and less flambouyant and a bit rigid. If we keep a clean sheet each week we are not going to lose and you always trust that there is a goal about with the firepower that we have going forward. We need to keep that going. There is a bit of nostalgia with the fact that Burton have come up from the Conference but our only concentration is to go there, do a job and try to pick up three points."
Ben Herd speaking to The Shots Online
From The Other Side
'There are no great teams in this division, so we should have absolutely no fears whoever we play. There are teams who put a run together because they ride the crest of a wave on confidence, but abilitywise we're right up there as long as our attitude is right. We've shown this season that when we're at our best we can beat anyone, and hopefully that will apply to the Aldershot game. They work hard and attack well but we showed at Rotherham that we're more than capable of doing the same. Successful teams are solid at the back, keep clean sheets and close down from front to back, which is the basis of the good run Aldershot are enjoying and is what we are trying to achieve.The result at Rotherham has given us some momentum and we will be looking to build on it.'
Paul Peschisolido talking to the Burton Mail
Match Officials
The match Referee is Andy Haines. Andy is married with three young children and started refereeing in his native London in 1995 before being promoted Class 3 to Class 1 in only three seasons. In 2000 he relocated to the North East and in 2003 was promoted to the National List of Assistant Referees after having successful seasons on the Wearside and Northern Leagues. After two seasons as a Panel referee he was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2007. Andy has refereed 15 Football League matches this season, issuing 40 cautions and three red cards. He was in charge of Tuesday's Championship encounter between Sheffield Utd and Nottingham Forest. He was also in charge of our visit to Darlington in last season's Coca-Cola League Two match. He will be assisted by Nigel Murphy and Marc Perry. Marvyn Amphlett is the Fourth Official.
