WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?
After a last-minute defeat on the road, The Shots turn their attention to Maidstone at the EBB on Monday. After five games, Maidstone are currently sat 14th in the Vanarama National League having won twice and drawn once. Founded in 1992, The Stones are coming into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 victory against Torquay on Saturday.
HOW DID THEY DO LAST SEASON?
Much like Shots previous opponents Oldham, Maidstone are new to the league this season. However, unlike Oldham who were relegated, Maidstone were promoted after winning the Vanarama National League South.
Maidstone finished the season eight points ahead of second place Dorking, winning 27 of their 40 games. It was their impressive defence which helped them out, conceding just 38 goals and scoring 80 on their way to the Vanarama National League South title. Maidstone struggled to replicate their impressive league form in the FA Cup, however, getting past Chichester in the second qualifying round but losing 3-0 to Dartford in the third qualifying round.
HOW HAVE WE GOT ON AGAINST THEM IN THE PAST?
The previous 2 meetings between Maidstone and Aldershot came in the 18/19 National League season. Both sides were involved in a relegation battle during this season but it was The Stones who finished in the drop zone. The first meeting came at the EBB in September, a Blair Turgott goal in the 25th minute enough to earn the visitors a 1-0 victory.
Aldershot got the better of Maidstone in April later that season, goals from Matt McClure and Bernard Mensah earning Shots a 2-0 victory and some massive points on the road to survival in the National League.
WHO IS THEIR GAFFER?
Former Barnet and Wycombe player Hakan Hayrettin is the current manager of Maidstone United. Hayrettin was a midfielder in his playing days and took his first management job at Waltham Forest in 2003, a job which he had until 2006 when he left for Thurrock. Following his time there, he went on to manage Grays Athletic, before joining Luton Town as a first team coach.
Hayrettin went on to have two spell at Braintree Town, before joining Maidstone United in January 2019. Maidstone finished ninth and then 11th in Hayrettin’s first two seasons, before going up as champions in their third season under Hayrettin.
MAIDSTONE SQUAD UPDATE:
Maidstone did a lot of their business from clubs in the National League and the Football League, bringing in Hady Ghandour, Henry Woods and Liam Vincent from Charlton, Gillingham, and Portsmouth respectively, the latter re-joining on loan following a spell last season. James Alabi and Jack Cawley both came in from Bromley, and Josh Fawole signed from Aldershot. Solomon Smith and Tushaun Walters came in from the National League South, and Maidstone rounded off their new squad with Perri Iandolo being promoted from the Maidstone u19s.
In terms of departures, Alfie Pavey and Reece Grant both departed for relegated Dover Athletic in the National League South. Tushuan Walters and Taylor Curran also departed for the National League South, with Walters joining Tonbridge on loan from Maidstone until October. Michael Phillips left for high flying Barnet, and Billy Johnson left as a free agent.
Sam Corne is the only absentee from the Maidstone squad, serving a suspension picked up in Maidstone’s 4-2 loss to Dorking.
ANY EX-SHOTS?
Maidstone have three former Shots amongst their squad. Firstly, 24-year-old defender George Fowler. Fowler played for Aldershot between 17/18 and 21/22, making almost 100 appearances across his spell at the club, scoring two goals from defence before departing for Maidstone.
Secondly, Regan Booty, who only spent one season at Aldershot. The midfielder spent the 18/19 season at Aldershot, making 38 league appearances and 2 FA Cup appearances, getting 2 assists in all competitions during his time with The Shots.
And finally, American forward Josh Fawole played for Aldershot as recently as the 25th of January, 2022. His spell at Aldershot last season warranted just 3 appearances, but that was enough to make Maidstone sign him on a free over the summer.
HOW TO GET TICKETS:
Back at the EBB, you can get tickets on the club’s website HERE, or if you wish to, tickets will be available from the club shop and can be purchased on matchday, and are priced:
- Adult: £20
- Disabled: £16
- Military personnel: £16
- Senior (over 65): £16
- Junior (u17): £7
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME:
The best place for live updates is 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.
