Aldershot Town visit the Staxson Stadium for the very first time on Saturday, as they are welcomed by eighth-tier Sittingbourne FC in a highly anticipated FA Trophy quarter final.
The Shots will be attempting to reach the competition’s final-four for just the third time since reformation in 1992, while the hosts have already far exceeded their club best, having only once previously reached as far as the second round (1998-99).
As per club request, the fixture will commence at an earlier time of 12:30pm in what will be a 40-mile journey to deepest Kent.
With one eye on a Wembley final, either fan base will be desperate to emerge victorious.
RECENT LEAGUE FORM AND FA TROPHY RUN
It’s certainly been a season to remember for the hosts, as aside from an already historic cup run, they have only lost once in the league all season.
With an impressive 2.6 ppg, the Brickies will feel incredibly unlucky to be sitting in second in the Isthmian League South East, currently nine points behind Ramsgate.
- 18/02/25 – Sittingbourne 3-0 Margate
- 15/02/25 – Sittingbourne 0-0 Beckenham Town
- 08/02/25 – Steyning Town 1-2 Sittingbourne
- 04/02/25 – Erith Town 1-1 Sittingbourne
- 25/01/25 – AFC Croydon Athletic 0-4 Sittingbourne
While Aldershot will understandably come into the game as favourites against the lowest ranked side left in the competition, players and staff certainly won’t be underestimating a side that have already claimed a National League scalp in the form of Southend United in the previous round.
Starting their FA Trophy campaign all the way back in September, this weekend’s tie will mark their ninth outing in the competition this season.
- 07/09/24 – Sittingbourne 2-0 Sutton Common Rovers (8)
- 21/09/24 – Sittingbourne 4-1 Kingstonian (8)
- 05/10/24 – Sittingbourne 2-1 Bognor Regis Town (7)
- 26/10/24 – Dover Athletic (7) 0-2 Sittingbourne
- 16/11/24 – Winchester City (7) 1-1p Sittingbourne
- 07/12/24 – Sittingbourne 4-2 Enfield Town (6)
- 04/01/25 – Sittingbourne 2-1 Salisbury (6)
- 01/02/25 – Southend United (5) 0-1 Sittingbourne
Having already defeated six clubs from higher divisions, the Brickies’ eighth-tier status will be anecdotal on the day.
IN THE DUGOUT
Former Northern Ireland youth international Ryan Maxwell can take a huge amount of credit for the hosts’ recent successes, having taken the helm in January 2023.
Despite having just entered his forties, Belfast-born Maxwell has already gained experience as a player-manager with Walthamstow, as well as a two-year spell at then-National League South side Braintree Town, a tenure that saw him steer the club from relegation in trying circumstances.
With Sittingbourne, an 11th placed finish in 2022-23 was improved upon the following year, as his current side finished in third, though play-off heartbreak saw a 1-0 home lead turned around late on.
Kentish rivals Ramsgate may be too tough to catch in the single automatic spot, though Maxwell’s men will be comfortable favourites in this year’s play-offs. The ex-Chelsea schoolboy is an extremely talented young manager, whose unlikely exploits will be catching the eye of many.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
In the Shots’ current iteration, this will be the first ever meeting between the two. However, historically, Sittingbourne were among the club’s first ever regular rivals, having both been members of the Southern League East between 1927 and 1930.
The Brickies voluntarily dropped into the Kent league in 1930-31, while Aldershot proceeded to climb up the pyramid, leading to a near-95-year wait between meetings that will end this weekend.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Chris Arthur – The versatile left-flanker enjoyed a brief spell at the EBB in 2017-18, making two assists in 13 matches. Having played every minute of the Brickies’ FA Trophy campaign thus far, including scoring against Enfield Town in the third round, expect him to feature on the day.
Jake Goodman – On loan in Kent last year, the Millwall academy graduate played 26 times for Aldershot in 2013-14, also on a temporary basis.
James Thompson – Before becoming the scout credited with discovering Jimmy Greaves at Chelsea, the Surrey-born striker had brief spells at both Sittingbourne and the Shots in the 1930s.
TICKET INFO
All tickets for this fixture are sold out and there will be no further sales made. Please do not travel if you do not already have a ticket. Thank you for your support!
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.
We are also delighted to offer a live stream of the match in the EBB Lounge.
With the game kicking off at 12:30, doors will open at 11am and the EBB Lounge Bar will be open with hot food and snacks on offer.
There will be no tickets or entry fee for this event so for those who have been unfortunate not to get a ticket in the ballot or weren’t able to travel, come along and watch the Shots in action at the EBB Stadium!
If you would like to purchase a stream pass to watch yourself, this can be done online by clicking HERE
Purchasing just the stream costs £9.99, however there is an option to have a Match Programme sent to you alongside the stream for £12.99 and a further option for both the stream and the Match Programme and to make a £2 donation to Mummy’s Star Charity for £14.99.
There will be live commentary of the game provided by BBC Radio Surrey – listen online HERE
