WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?
After beating Lewes in the fourth qualifying round and Swindon in the first round the Shots are set to face FA Cup action at the EBB Stadium once again, this time taking on Stockport, with a place in the third round of the competition up for grabs.
Also known as “the Hatters” Stockport were founded in 1883, making them 140 years old. Originaly formed as Heaton Norris Rovers, Stockport renamed to Stockport County in 1890, playing in red and white until 1914 when they switched to red and blue.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
The Shots and the Hatters met in Vanarama National League action in 2021/22, prior to Stockport’s promotion to the Football League. Stockport went up as Champoions that year, and beat the Shots 2-0 at the EBB Stadium and 1-0 earlier in the season at Edgeley Park.
The Shots last victory against Stockport came at the EBB Stadium in 2019, as Craig Tanner and Mohamed Bettamer scored for the Shots in a 2-1 victory.
FA CUP HISTORY:
Stockport set up a tie on the road against Aldershot after their emphatic victory against lower league opposition in Worksop Town, with Kyle Wootton scoring four goals and Odin Bailey adding a fifth in what was a comfortable afternoon for the Hatters at Edgeley Park.
Much like the Shots, in 2022/23 Stockport were victorious over Swindon Town in the first round of the FA Cup and then went on to beat Charlton in the second round to set up a tie against Walsall in the third round, so the visiting Hatters have been to the third round as recently as last season.
For Stockport their best FA Cup run last came in 2000/01, as the side reached the fifth round, also achieving this in 1934/35 and 1949/50. Their biggest ever FA Cup victory came in a 7-0 win against Wrexham in 1893.
23/24 SO FAR:
The Hatters are currently on top of the League Two table having won 13 of their opening 20 games, losing only 4 in the league, seeing them five points clear of second placed Wrexham coming into this weekend’s game. Until a loss at Newport last weekend Stockport had been on a run which saw them unbeaten between the start of September until almost December, a run which went 13 games in League Two, winning 12 in row in the league.
IN THE DUGOUT:
Standing in the opposition dugout and commanding Stockport will be Dave Challinor. Born in 1975, Challinor played over 400 times during his playing career as a centre-back for Tranmere, Bury, Colwyn Bay and Stockport between 2002 and 2004. During his final stint at Colwyn Bay Challinor took his side to promotion as captain, and in 2010 became player-manager and got the side into the Conference North. After further managerial spells as AFC Fylde and Hartlepool United Challinor joined Stockport County in 2021 with the side in 9th in the Vanarama National League, eventually going on to lose only one of his first 23 matches before earning the side promotion come the end of the season.
TICKET INFO:
At the time of writing, we’ve sold over 4000 home tickets and are expecting a bumper crowd for this game!
Tickets are still available to be bought online by clicking HERE
The East Bank has now sold out and no tickets are available here.
Seated tickets are now only available in single seats, but the Community Stand has been opened with seats available.
Prices are as follows, with brackets indicating the prices on the day of the game:
- ADULT: £20 (£22)*
- SENIOR (Over 66): £16 (£18)*
- MILITARY PERSONNEL: £16 (£18)*
- DISABLED: £16 (£18)*
- YOUNG PERSON (18-20): £16 (£18)*
- JUNIOR (17 and under): £5 (£7)*
*Prices will increase when bought on the day of the game.
**Under 11s are NOT free for this fixture and must purchase a junior ticket.
All 10 of our turnstiles will be open for this game, but we will not be accepting any payments on the turnstiles.
The Club Shop will be open from 10:30am on Sunday, but we recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid queues and to guarantee your place at the EBB Stadium.
Turnstiles will open at 12:30pm.
THE PITCH:
We’d like to assure supporters that every effort to make sure tomorrow’s game is on has been taken.
We’d like to thank our Grounds staff, weekday volunteers and those that came along to help with our frost covers for their efforts.
At the time of writing, no pitch inspection has been planned but with more freezing temperatures forecast, we anticipate there may be one on the morning of the game. All updates will be communicated as soon as possible.
PARKING:
With the game selected for extended highlights, and a large tv crew attending, our available parking has been depleted.
There is plenty of parking available in a number of areas near to the EBB Stadium:
Aldershot Railway Station Car Park
Aldershot High Street Multi-Storey Car Park
Street parking can be found in areas surrounding the EBB Stadium but we politely remind anyone parking in these areas to respect the residents.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT:
Live updates will be available from our social media platforms Twitter (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel, and extended highlights will also be shown live on the BBC.
