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MATCH PREVIEW: Aldershot Town v Eastleigh FC (H)

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?

Eastleigh FC, also known as The Spitfires. Founded in 1946 as Swaythling Athletic.

 

HOW DID THEY DO LAST SEASON?

Last season Eastleigh finished in 9th position in the National League. A strong finish saw them pushing hard for a Play-Off place right up until the final week, but they missed out in the end by three points and two places.

 

HOW DID SHOTS GET ON AGAINST THEM LAST SEASON?

Eastleigh had the better of the two meetings last season. At the Silverlake, the Shots dominated the match and should probably have taken all three points but a 90th minute leveller by Alex Wynter (added to Joe Tomlinson’s first half penalty) meant that the points were shared in a 2-2 draw, with Aldershot’s goals coming via Craig Tanner’s memorable free-kick and Alfy Whittingham’s cushioned header.  Earlier this season, Aldershot Town picked up all three points at the Silverlake, thanks to three goals in the last 30 minutes, from Corie Andrews (2) and Lewis Kinsella.

 

WHO’S THEIR GAFFER?:

46-year-old Lee Bradbury took charge of Eastleigh in February 2022, following the departure of former boss Ben Strevens. A former footballer that played both as a Striker and Defender in a 16-year professional career, making over 500 appearances in the Football League, Bradbury commenced his football management career at AFC Borunemouth in 2011, before a 7 year stint at Havant & Waterlooville, in which he steered them to back-to-back promotions, before the Hawks were relegated again to the National League South. More recently, Bradbury has managed Eastbourne Borough and been Assistant Head Coach at Crawley Town.

 

SPITFIRES PLAYING SQUAD:

Players remaining at the Silverlake from previous encounters with the Shots’ include; Goalkeeper Joe McDonnell, Defenders Andrew Boyce and Alex Wynter, Wingers Sam Smart & Ryan Hill and Striker Tyrone Barnett. Joint top scorers this season are former Bradford City Midfielder Harry Pritchard and Striker Danny Whitehall, with six goals each in all competitions. Veteran Striker Brett Pitman has joined since Strevens departure, and since Bradbury’s arrival, Defender Brennan Camp (Bournemouth) and Midfielder Ronan Silva (Crawley Town) have come in on loans to the end of the season.

 

ANY EX-SHOTS?

Since Ben House left earlier this season for League One side Lincoln City, no.

 

WHO’S GOT THE WHISTLE?

Saturday’s referee is Aji Ajibola This season, to date, he has taken charge of 7 National League matches, showing 27 Yellow Cards and 0 Red Cards.

 

HOW TO GET TICKETS:

Aldershot Town Football Club are delighted to be a part of The National Lottery Football Weekends, and can now confirm how you can support the club for FREE in a celebration of non-league football.

If you are a National Lottery player you will be able to come and watch our home game against Eastleigh on Saturday 2nd April with a friend and get one of the tickets for FREE.

If you are a Shots season ticket holder and play the National Lottery, you will be entitled to one free ticket to bring a friend or family member along.

Please note that these one-off tickets will need to be purchased in advance with the deadline 5pm on FRIDAY 1st April.

Here is all the information you need to know to claim your FREE tickets, with full details available HERE.

 

WHERE TO FOLLOW THE MATCH:

There will be ‘Live’ BBC Radio Surrey Sport Online commentary of the match with Rob Worrall and Guest Summariser, Shots supporter, Matt Foot. There will also be Social Media coverage on Instagram & Twitter (@OfficialShots) with team news, updates and post-match coverage throughout the afternoon.