Following Tuesday evening’s 1-1 draw at home to Kings Lynn, in which Shots went ahead through a cracking first half strike by Ricky Miller, only to be pegged back by Michael Gash’s second half equaliser, Aldershot Town will once again be in action at the EBB Stadium on Saturday, to take on Wealdstone.
In association with LV BET, Rob Worrall previews the game:
Shots Squad:
Lewis Kinsella started (and finished!) his first match for 14 months on Tuesday evening, whilst Craig Tanner also got some late pitch time at the EBB for the first time since November. Ross McCormack and Alex Finney remain side-lined with Achilles & Hamstring related injuries, respectively. Alfy Whittingham is close to a return following an ankle injury.
Opposition:
Name: Wealdstone FC
Founded: 1899
Nickname: The Stones
Manager: Stuart Maynard
Stadium: Grosvenor Vale
2019/20 National League South Final Position: 1st (promoted to the National League as Champions)
The Gaffer:
41-year-old Stuart Maynard took charge of Wealdstone on 11th March 2021, following the departure of Dean Brennan, who had guided the Stones to the National League South title last season. Stuart is well known to Stones supporters, having played for them in the 1990’s and more recently as Assistant to Brennan. He has stepped up after a period in caretaker charge, with Matt Saunders assisting him.
Playing Squad:
Maynard has largely worked with the squad he inherited from Brennan, however, he has recently brought in the likes of Winger Ryan Gondoh (Hampton & Richmond Borough), Nikala Tavares, a defender from Crystal Palace and Goalkeeper George Shelvey, a 19-year-old from Nottingham Forest. Like many teams, the Stones have found themselves in some financial difficulty without spectators this season and have had to furlough a number of first team players. They are currently without the likes of Michee Efete, Connor Stevens, Ross Lafayette and Moses Emmanuel. However, their three top-scoring players remain available to them and having put 3 goals past the Shots at Grosvenor Vale earlier in the season, Danny Searle’s men will need to be wary of the likes of Dennon Lewis, Jacob Mendy and Danny Parrish, who have netted 19 goals between them in all competitions.
Form:
Wealdstone are on a difficult run, having lost their last 3 National League games, conceding 16 goals in the process. However, they recently beat Barnet 5-1 and have managed 7 goals themselves across their last 4 matches.
Referee:
Saturday’s referee is Garreth Rhodes. This season, he has taken charge of 15 National League matches, showing 45 Yellow Cards and 2 Red Cards.
Match Coverage:
The match will be live streamed and available on Shots TV Live, presented by Mark Butler along with Special Guests. There will also be live BBC Surrey Sport Commentary from Rob Worrall, with guest summariser Steve Gibbs.
