Tomorrow’s visitors to the EBB Stadium are Leeds United U21, who make the 255-mile journey from Thorp Arch in pursuit of becoming the first academy side to reach the semi-finals of the newly formatted National League Cup.
Few sides boast the togetherness of this Leeds configuration, as the squad includes the entire eleven that started last year’s FA Youth Cup final, the country’s premier under-18 competition. It is their trust in promoting this particular generation as a unit that makes them the youngest in this season’s Premier League 2, lining up with an average age of just 18.2.
With Manchester United and the aforementioned Magpies both failing to reach the semi-finals, Leeds are one of just two elite development sides left in the competition, along with Brighton & Hove Albion, who play Braintree in a slightly later kick-off.
RECENT LEAGUE FORM AND NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP RUN
A so-so season in Premier League 2 sees the Whites firmly in mid-table. However, they come into the tie in good form, unbeaten in four.
- 03/03/25 – Leeds U21 1-1 Brighton U21
- 24/02/25 – Leeds U21 2-1 Norwich U21
- 15/02/25 – Derby U21 1-2 Leeds U21
- 07/02/25 – Chelsea U21 1-1 Leeds U21
Their best exploits have arguably come in this season’s National League Cup, as despite eventually finishing second in Group C, the young Peacocks impressed immensely on their way to the knockout stage.
- 21/01/25 – Tamworth 2-1 Leeds U21
- 03/12/24 – FC Halifax 2-3(p) Leeds U21
- 06/11/24 – Gateshead 1-2 Leeds U21
- 01/10/24 – Boston United 3-4 Leeds U21
Defeat in Staffordshire at the hands of Tamworth saw them lose top spot to Newcastle, though progression was already secured.
IN THE DUGOUT
After Lewis Young and Carl Magnay, 36-year-old Scott Gardner will surprisingly arrive as the eldest of three managers to occupy the away dugout at the EBB Stadium in the past week. However, this may be fitting, as unlike the relative inexperience of the previous two, he already boasts thirteen years of full-time coaching under his belt.
A former academy graduate himself, Gardner not only knows exactly what is required to achieve at youth level, but also that nothing is to be taken for granted, regardless of talent.
Born in Luxembourg, the former full-back represented England U17, and played countless times for the Leeds’ reserves before making his first-team debut in 2007.
Difficulties on and off the pitch would see Gardner end his playing career aged just 23, before joining the Peacocks’ academy in 2012. Having coached near-every age group on the way, he has worked patiently through the ranks, receiving the academy’s top-spot in November 2023, taking over from current Lincoln City manager, Michael Skubala.
LAST TIME OUT
Having never been drawn against the men’s side in cup competition, this fixture marks the first time that any Leeds United team travel to Aldershot.
The Shots have once played at Elland Road, However, as in what would be Aldershot FC’s last ever pre-season campaign, the Whites came out 3-1 victors in a friendly match played on August 16th 1991. In the final preparation match before their title-winning 1991/92 campaign, Gary McAllister, Lee Chapman and Rod Wallace would score for a star studded Leeds eleven, captained by Gordon Strachan on the night.
LEEDS/SHOTS CONNECTIONS
Alex McCarthy – The Guildford born goalkeeper endured eight loan spells in five years before establishing himself as Reading’s number one in 2013, with Aldershot and Leeds making up two of these temporary terms. McCarthy conceded six goals in his two Shots starts during a one-month term in September 2009, his time in West Yorkshire proving much more memorable, with three clean sheets in six.
Ross McCormack – In what are perhaps the most and least memorable stints of the 13-time Scotland international’s career, McCormack scored 58 times for the Peacocks between 2010 and 2014, before moving to Fulham for a sizable £11m fee, a intra-Championship record at the time. The forward played twice for the Shots in October 2020, in what would be his final professional appearances.
TICKET INFO
Tickets are available HERE, and are priced as follows after the earlybird period has ended:
- Adult – £8 (£4)
- Concession – £4 (£2)
- Under 11 – £2 (£1)
- Hospitality – £35
- Director’s Box ONLY – £12.50 (£10)
We’re pleased to offer Season Ticket Holders tickets for these games at half-price (indicated by the prices in brackets) – These will not be available to purchase online so please visit the Club Shop, email admin@theshots.co.uk or call 01252 320211.
These games will be unsegregated and only the North Stand will be open, but both seating and terraces within the North Stand will be open.
You can also watch the game in extra comfort by taking advantage of our brilliant Hospitality deal offering a hot, one-course buffet-style meal with exclusive access to the EBB Lounge, half-time teas and coffees and a leather, padded Director’s Box seat – contact our Commercial Manager Mark Butler on 01252 320 211 or at mark.butler@theshots.co.uk for more information or to register your interest.
Our hospitality package is available for just £35, with a Director’s Box seat available for just £12.50 and £10 for Season Ticket Holders.
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.
