The Shots are back in action on Saturday for the first time in two weeks as we head to the North-East of England to face Hartlepool at The Prestige Group Stadium. Both sides will be up and ready for the game as they look to continue their good runs of form.
Established in 1908, Hartlepool has a rich history in English football and a solid fanbase that is frequently involved in club operations. Since the turn of the new year, the Monkey Hangers have embraced a new ownership with American businessman Landon Smith taking over full control, with the idea of returning to the EFL at the forefront of his ambitions.
To elaborate on the interesting nickname ‘The Monkey Hangers’, its origin dates back to the Napoleonic Wars and has roots in a local legend. The story goes that a monkey dressed in a French war uniform was found washed up on the beach in Hartlepool. With locals believing the monkey was a French spy, they quickly held a trial and hanged the monkey after finding him guilty of such accusations. Since then, the people have adopted the name and subsequently the football club, with the club mascot even being named H’Angus the Monkey.
RECENT FORM
Our hosts on Saturday have been in good form of late, securing 10 points from a possible 15 in their last 5 games. Goals have not come as frequently as results may suggest, with the Monkey Hangers being the lowest scoring team in the top 10 with 32 goals for this season. As such, an emphasis on solid defensive structure has been crucial to their success so far, and The Shots will need to work hard to break them down.
24th January – Brackley 0 – 0 Hartlepool
20th January – Hartlepool 2 – 1 Gateshead
17th January – Hartlepool 1 – 0 Altrincham
10th January – Woking 4 – 0 Hartlepool
30th December – Rochdale 1 – 2 Hartlepool
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND REVERSE FIXTURE
The Shots have played Hartlepool a total of 13 times over the years, with very little to separate the two sides. The Shots have won 5 of these games while Hartlepool have won 6, meaning Saturday is a great opportunity to level up the scoreboard entirely.
Goals have been ever present in this fixture, with at least 1 goal being scored in every game so far and 34 goals in total, equating to a rate of 2.6 goals per game.
The reverse fixture back in September was a fine outing for The Shots, with Cameron Hargreaves scoring the only goal early on in a 1-0 victory. As such, Saturday will be a great chance to secure the double and ensure that the long bus ride home is full of celebrations.
IN THE DUGOUT
Long-time servant Nicky Featherstone occupies the dugout for the hosts this weekend, with his interim position being made permanent in December. Featherstone took over from previous boss Simon Grayson, who was relieved of his duties just 15 games into the 2025/26 campaign.
It’s safe to say that after 10 years and over 400 games for the club, Featherstone has earned both the respect and backing from the board and fans alike who know he will have the clubs best interests at heart. Whether he planned to stay so long is open for debate, as he originally joined them on a short term deal in 2014 before extending his stay for the long term a year later.
While being new to management, Featherstone has impressed since taking over from his predecessor, driving the club up to 9th place and recording a 7 game unbeaten run, leading to his permanent unveiling. He will be eager to continue his prosperous managerial journey and hope to push Hartlepool towards a play-off spot.
TICKET INFO
Tickets for the Shots’ trip to The Prestige Group Stadium on Saturday, 30th January, can be bought online by clicking HERE.
Ticket prices are as follows:
ADULT – £22.00
OVER 65 – £16.00
STUDENT – £16.00
18 TO 21 – £16.00
UNDER 18 – £11.00
UNDER 14 – £6.00
UNDER 5 – FREE
ARMED FORCES – £16.00
VICTORIA PARK LOUNGE (hospitality) – £48.00
MAIDENS LOUNGE (hospitality) – £69.00
Away supporters are situated in the Hartlepool Cable Services Stand (also known as the Rink End). This is an unallocated, all-seated stand that has a maximum capacity of 760. There is no terraced area available for travelling supporters. There is space for 7 wheelchair users (plus carers) within the stand. Wheelchair entry for away fans is on the West Stand through the car park (Acland Homes Stand side)
The stand is located on Clarence Road and the turnstiles are adjacent to the main office building, ticket office and shop. Refreshments are available to travelling support inside of the turnstiles in the away end.
PLEASE NOTE: To ease congestion on busy games, fans may be allocated seating on arrival by stewards as they arrive into the stand.
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 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 – listen online HERE
