This Saturday, the Shots welcome Gateshead FC to the EBB stadium for another Enterprise National League battle against a side in a similar position in the table. Gateshead currently sit just 1 point above the Shots in 18th, with both sides looking for one more victory to put any doubtful minds about relegation at ease.
Established in 1977, Gateshead are one of the greener sides in the division after the previous club, Gateshead United, collapsed due to financial difficulties. This was the third rebirth in the Tyneside based club’s history, with the first taking place in 1930 when they moved from their original home in South Shields to Gateshead and the second in 1973 where the Club disbanded and became Gateshead Town for just 4 years. Despite difficulties, the club has a rich history and a strong fan base, showing great resilience to keep bouncing back and keep the strong footballing culture in the area alive.
Gateshead have enjoyed a number of notable highs in recent years. They were crowned National League North champions in the 2021/22 season and lifted their first major national silverware with the FA Trophy in 2024. A particularly unusual moment in their history came in 2024, when they were denied a place in the National League play-offs despite qualifying on the pitch due to stadium tenancy rules, another example of some of the off-field challenges the club has faced.
RECENT FORM
Despite being situated near the bottom end of the table, Gateshead have struck up a fine run of form in their last few games, with some big results against top sides. Having picked up 13 points from a possible 18 in their last six matches, they’ve successfully managed to claw their way out from what looked like imminent relegation come the end of the season, courtesy of some impressive victories against both top of the league York City and play-off hopefuls Scunthorpe. Across the campaign as a whole however, Gateshead have found consistency difficult, a problem that almost proved to be very fateful for them this season.
6th Apr – Gateshead 2 – 0 Scunthorpe
3rd Apr – Carlisle 0 – 0 Gateshead
28th Mar – Gateshead 2 – 1 Yeovil
25th Mar – Gateshead 3 – 1 York
21st Mar – Boreham Wood 3 – 0 Gateshead
17th Mar – Gateshead 1 – 0 Wealdstone
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND REVERSE FIXTURE
There have been 19 encounters between the Shots and Gateshead in total, in what has historically been an evenly balanced affair, with the Shots trailing by just one victory so far (6 Aldershot wins, 7 Gateshead wins, 6 draws). John Coleman’s men will want to take advantage of the opportunity to level up the scoreboard on Saturday and claim an important victory for the league campaign.
Encounters between the two sides have often been competitive, and the reverse fixture earlier this season certainly followed that trend. The meeting at the Gateshead International Stadium back in August ended in an entertaining 3–3 draw, with the Shots believing they had a late winner before it was ruled out for a foul earlier on. However, the goals from Kwame Thomas, Cam Hargreaves and Hady Ghandour contributed to a great watch and a hard-fought point in a season where every point has proved important.
IN THE DUGOUT
Taking charge of the opposition technical area this Saturday is former Republic or Ireland goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who has been in charge since January 2026 following a mid-season managerial reshuffle. His return earlier this year was aimed at stabilising the team during a difficult period, and recent results suggest his re-appointment is starting to have the impact that the club was hoping for.
Elliot is no stranger around the Gateshead International Stadium, having previously guided the club to a sixth-place finish and FA Trophy success in 2024. Known for encouraging an attacking style of play and developing young talent, he has maintained a respectable win rate of 47.5% during his time in charge at Gateshead, and has won more games than he has lost in every season spent there so far.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dom Telford (Forward):
A proven goal-scorer at EFL level, Telford brings experience and clinical finishing to the Gateshead frontline. Having previously netted 25+ goals in a season for Newport County, he remains a constant threat in and around the penalty area. His movement and eye for goal make him a player that the Shots defence will need to keep a close eye on.
Jacob Butterfield (Midfielder):
A vastly experienced midfielder with a previous EFL experience, Butterfield adds composure and creativity in the centre of the pitch. Capable of dictating tempo and contributing in the final third, he provides leadership and quality in the Gateshead midfield unit.
TICKET INFO
Tickets for Saturday’s game at the EBB Stadium can be bought online by clicking HERE.
Please note prices will increase at 10am on the day of the match, these are noted in brackets.
Ticket prices are as follows:
ADULT – £23 (£25)
MILITARY PERSONNEL – £21 (£23)
SENIOR (66 and over) – £21 (£23)
YOUNG PERSON (16-20) – £21 (£23)
DISABLED – £21 (£23)
JUNIOR – (15 and under) – £8 (£10)
UNDER 11 – FREE
FAMILY (2 adults + 3 15 and under) – £48 (£52)
We strongly encourage buying tickets in advance or online to save queues in the Ticket Office
before the game.
The Club Shop/Ticket Office is open for all supporters with cash and card accepted.
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 for overseas viewers via DAZN’s National League TV coverage.
Click HERE to purchase a match pass.
There will be live commentary of the game provided by BBC Radio Surrey.
