After a pre-season campaign played exclusively on the road, the EBB Stadium finally reopens its doors for footballing activity after more than three months, as Aldershot Town host Brighton & Hove Albion U21 in what is each side’s first fixture of the 2025/26 National League cup.
The competition, reintroduced in 2024/25, will pit selected step-one clubs against some of the countries most heralded academies, with all fixtures being hosted by the National League team in question.
The Shots have been drawn into Group C, which, with locality in mind, features fellow National League opponents Sutton United, Truro City and Woking, as well as the elite development sides of West Ham United, Southampton, Fulham and of course, Brighton.
Tommy Widdrington’s men will be looking to improve on last campaign’s efforts, having been knocked out by eventual winners Leeds United U21 in the quarter final stage.
LAST SEASON’S FORM AND ONES TO WATCH
Brighton and Aldershot have both enjoyed success in competition’s group stage so far, occupying the top-two spots in Group A last campaign. While the Shots won the group with nine points from four games, the young Seagulls finished second, after Maidenhead United’s shock 6-0 drubbing to Southampton U21 on the final day allowed them to squeeze through by virtue of goal difference.
- 01/10/24 – Woking 2-2* Brighton U21
- 05/11/24 – Aldershot Town 2-3 Brighton U21
- 04/12/24 – Maidenhead United 2-1 Brighton U21
- 21/01/25 – Wealdstone 0-1 Brighton U21
- 11/03/25 (QF) – Braintree 2-1 Brighton U21
*Won on penalties
Of course, being a development squad, even the side’s recent history can be somewhat anecdotal. However, two players returning for a further season in the academy are England U17 pair Freddie Simmonds and Harry Howell.
One of English football’s most promising defensive talents, Freddie Simmonds is a commanding modern center half who also possesses the height and physicality to be a genuine threat from set-pieces, despite having only turned 17-years-old in March.
While even younger than Simmonds, wide-midfielder Harry Howell has been on many peoples radar for the best part of three years, scoring several goals for Brighton U18 at the age of 14, before scoring a winning penalty against Reading in the EFL Cup just one year later. Coming off the bench for the first team in their final home game of last season against Liverpool, Howell will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his cousin, Jack Hinshelwood, in becoming a Premier League regular before his teenage years are up.
The most exciting addition to the side is 18-year-old attacking midfielder Kofi Shaw, who joined the Seagulls for an estimated £1,000,000 from Bristol Rovers in early August. Shaw spent much of last season on loan at Yeovil Town, before playing playing in each of the Pirates’ last 12 matches in League One last term.
IN THE DUGOUT
After nearly a decade at Brighton & Hove Albion, 34-year-old Shannon Ruth now heads up the club’s Under-21 side — a position that reflects both his longevity and the quiet impact he’s made behind the scenes.
Joining the Seagulls in 2015, Ruth has steadily worked his way through the academy ranks, coaching multiple age groups and positional roles before eventually assuming the U21 reins in September 2022.
Born in Milton Keynes, Ruth never played professionally, making his rise through one of the Premier League’s most admired academies all the more impressive. Instead, he’s built a reputation on detail, structure, and an ability to connect with young players on a level that balances guidance with high expectation.
The 2024-25 campaign saw Ruth and his wider coaching team guide Brighton’s U21s to a Premier League Cup final and a strong play-off run in Premier League 2. Having successfully prepared several players for Premier League football already, he has been entrusted with another season guiding this exciting crop of Seagulls players in their development.
LAST TIME OUT
The sides meeting in November last year was certainly one the forget for the hosts, losing 3-2 in added time despite playing with an extra man for the vast majority of the tie. Joe Knight’s dangerous challenge on Hady Ghandour gave the referee no option but to send him off within six minutes of kickoff, giving the Shots an early advantage.
After a goalless first half, James Henry fired Aldershot in front just after the hour mark, capping a dominant spell. But Brighton hit back with two quick goals in the final 10 minutes — Marcus Ifill finishing after good work from Josh Duffus, before Duffus scored himself to complete a stunning turnaround.
Henry levelled from the penalty spot following a dazzling run from Maxwell Mullins, but there was still time for late heartbreak. In added time, Caylan Vickers capitalised on poor defending to fire home the winner, snatching victory for Brighton in a match Aldershot will feel they should have controlled.
Thankfully, this would be the Shots’ only dropped points from four games, allowing them to top the group. However, the hosts will certainly be looking to redeem themselves this time round.
TICKET INFO
You can get your National League Cup tickets by clicking HERE
Prices for these games will be the same as last season’s National League Cup pricing and are as follows:
- Adult: £8 (£4)
- Concession: £4 (£2)
- Under 11: £2 (£1)
- Director’s Box: £12.50
Season Ticket Holders can purchase their tickets for these games at half-price (indicated by pricing in brackets).
These games will be unsegregated and only the North Stand will be open, but both seating and terraces within the North Stand will be open.
There will be no Hospitality for these games, however, you can purchase a Director’s Box Seat for just £12.50. For more information or to register your interest, contact mark.butler@theshots.co.uk or call 01252 320211.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT
Live updates will be available from our social media platforms X (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel.
The game can be streamed via DAZN’s National League TV coverage. Click HERE to purchase a match pass.
