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MATCH PREVIEW: Badshot Lea v Shots

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?

Aldershot begin preperation for the 2023/24 season at the Operatix Community Ground, taking on Badshot Lea on Saturday, 1st July. The fixture is the first of eight pre-season games for the Shots, and is the first of six away trips before the start of the National League season for Tommy Widdrington’s side.

PREVIOUS MEETING:

The Shots also started last summer’s pre-season away at Badshot Lea, with a brace from Francis Amartey helping secure the Shots a 4-0 victory to start preperation for the 2022/23 season. Justin Amaluzor was also on the scoresheet in the second 45, with most of the goals coming in the last 10 for Aldershot.

HOW DID THEY DO LAST SEASON?

Badshot Lea finished the 2022/23 season in second place, having won 30 of their 38 league games. Losing just four times all season, Badshot Lea ended the season on 94 points, just five points off division winners Rayners Park Vale.

THE NEW SHOTS:

Tommy Widdrington comes into this fixture with five new faces, as Hady Ghandour, Josh Stokes, Aaron Jones, Theo Widdrington and Cian Harries start life at the Shots this weekend.

Hady Ghandour joined in April, and plays mainly as a striker. Ghandour has one cap for Lebanon, and has enjoyed spells at Charlton, Chelmsford and most recently Maidstone, who he played for 10 times last season.

Josh Stokes was the Shots first official summer signing, and signed a two year deal at the start of June. The young talent joined from AFC Sudbury from the Ipswich academy aged 16, and last season was named AFC Sudbury’s Fans Player of the Season, as he scored 16 times to help Sudbury to promotion.

Experienced Football League defender Cian Harries signed for the Shots from Swindon Town, and has made over 50 appearances in League One and Two. Capped at Welsh youth levels, Harries also spent time at Bristol Rovers, Coventry and Cheltenham.

Widdrington’s last two additions both came from Kings Lynn, as Aaron Jones and Theo Widdrington. Theo Widdrington rejoins his father Tommy at the Shots after an impressive season at Kings Lynn, and Aaron Jones joins after being named in the National League North Team of the Season.

TICKET INFO:

Ticket info is available via our ticket info post, and the prices are as follows:

Adults – £10

Concessions –  £5

13 – 17 year olds – £1

U12’s – Free

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT:

Live updates will be available from our social media platforms Twitter (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel.