Aldershot Town v Ebbsfleet United Match Preview – Saturday 1st December 2018
Following Tuesday evening’s spirited draw at league leaders Leyton Orient, The Shots are back at the EBB Stadium on Saturday to take on Ebbsfleet United. BBC Surrey’s Rob Worrall previews the action.
Shots Squad:
Manager Gary Waddock has a growing injury list. With Scott Rendell, James Rowe and Karleigh Osborne and Goege Fowler already out for the foreseeable future, they were joined on Tuesday evening by Matt McClure, who had to come off with a shoulder problem. Adam May had felt unwell prior to the game and had to be replaced quickly on the night. Josh Lelan was suspended in midweek, but it was only a one match ban, so he is available to Waddock again on Saturday.
Opposition:
Name: Ebbsfleet United
Founded: 1920 (as Gravesend & Northfleet)
Nickname: The Fleet
Manager: Garry Hill
Stadium: Stonebridge Road
Final position last season: 6th
Current National League position: 10th
Brief History:
Gravesend and Northfleet Football Club was formed in 1920 after two existing neighbouring clubs – Gravesend United and Northfleet United – merged together. In 2007, the club changed its name to Ebbsfleet United.
The Gaffer:
Garry Hill was appointed Fleet boss on November 8th and the side are unbeaten in the league since his appointment, with their only defeat coming in their FA Cup replay away to EFL side Cheltenham Town. Hill has a wealth of experience in non-league management and has managed in the National League with Dagenham & Redbridge, Weymouth, Rushden & Diamonds, Woking and now Ebbsfleet and winning promotion to the National League with three of those sides.
Squad:
Former manager McMahon showed great faith in his playing squad from last season, with eighteen of them again still contracted this term, including striker Danny Kedwell (seven goals season) and Corey Whiteley, (five goals to date). Four players came in, most notably, striker Michael Cheek from Dagenham & Redbridge. In addition to McMahon’s exit, some coaching staff (including former Shot Aaron McLean) and players (including set piece specialist Jack Powell) have departed Stonebridge Road in recent months, as part of the club’s financial restructuring. Hill’s most significant capture to date has to be that of former Gillingham striker Cody McDonald, who has scored against Aldershot Town for previous clubs.
Referee:
Saturday’s referee is Leigh Doughty. He has refereed 7 National League matches this season, showing 20 yellow cards and 2 red cards to date. He has not taken charge of any Aldershot matches this season.
Commentary:
There will be live BBC Surrey Sport commentary of Saturday’s game, with Rob Worrall and a special guest, from 2:50pm. To interact with the commentary team, tweet @RobShot66.
