WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?
Shots open their FA Cup campagin with a trip to Chelmsford City in the fourth qualifying round. The Clarets are currently third in the National League South, and will be welcoming The Shots to the Melbourne Stadium on Saturday.
HOW DID THEY GET ON LAST SEASON?
Chelmsford made a good account of themselves in the FA Cup last season, beating Little Oakley in the second qualifying round, and then Enfield in the third qualifying round, before just missing out on the FA Cup proper by losing to Harrow Borough in the fourth qualifying round.
The FA Trophy was less successful for Chelmsford, as they lost 2-1 at home to Cheshunt at home in the second round. The league season saw Chelmsford finish in 19th position, with 41 points from 40 games, meaning they remained in the National League South for another season.
HOW HAVE WE GOT ON AGAINST THEM IN THE PAST?
Shots last fixture against Chelmsford came back in 2019 during pre-season, a game Chelmsford won 1-0, but the last meeting between the sides in the FA Cup came in 2006. Chelmsford and Shots drew the initial tie, but the replay ended in a 2-0 victory for the Shots back in November 2006.
WHO IS THEIR GAFFER?
Chelmsford City are currently managed by 37-year-old Robbie Simpson, who has been in the job since 2020. Simpson’s playing career spanned over 20 years between 2002-2022, playing for a number of clubs, ending his playing career at current side Chelmsford. After joining the side in August 2019, Simpson was appointed as interim manager in January 2020, following the sacking of Rod Stringer, and was later appointed permanent manager in March 2020.
CHELMSFORD SQUAD UPDATE:
Chelmsford’s highest appearence makers so far this campaign are Simeon Jackson, Tom Blackwell, Adebola Oluwo and Eduino Vaz, all making 10 starts each, the latter both playing 900 minutes this season. Liam Trotter has only made nine appearances, but has played the third most minutes in the squad at 808.
Without any absentees through suspension or injury, Chelmsford will have all their squad at their disposal, but it remains to be seen whether they will rotate for the cup.
ANY EX-SHOTS?
Dave Winfield is the only former Shots in the Chelmsford team, having turned out for the club for two seasons between 2008-2010. Winfield made 36 appearances for Aldershot in League Two, playing 10 times in his maiden campaign in 08/09, before going on to score two goals and provide one assist in 25 appearances in 09/10, as Aldershot were knocked out of the League Two playoff’s at the semi-final stage.
HOW TO GET TICKETS:
Shots fans wanting to travel to Saturday’s game can buy there tickets by clicking HERE and are priced as follows:
- Adults: £15
- Senior (65+): £10
- Concessions: £10
- Students: £5
- Youth (12-17): £5
- Under 12s: FREE
Tickets will also be available to buy from turnstiles on the day of the game.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME:
As always, live updates will be posted on Shots official Twitter @OfficialShots, and you can catch up with highlights of the game on the Aldershot YouTube channel HERE after the final whistle has gone.
There will be live BBC Surrey Sport online commentary of the game with Rob Worrall and a guest summariser.
