The sun was shining over the EBB as the Shots faced second placed side Rochdale in the Enterprise National League, a game that ended in a 2 – 0 defeat for the home side. It was a frustrating affair overall against a Rochdale side with a fantastic defensive record this season, which clearly reflected in their ability to hold off frequent waves of red and blue attacks. The defeat marked the end of a seven game unbeaten run in what we must not forget has been a hugely successful period, and there is no doubt the Shots will bounce back quickly to return to winning ways.
There were two attacking changes to John Coleman’s side from the away victory at Braintree during the week, with number 9 Kwame Thomas returning to the starting line-up alongside fellow forward Charlie Warren, who re-joins the starting eleven. Matt Penney also found himself back in the defensive setup for the Shots after missing out in the week.
The visitors started quickly when a great ball down the right hand side was cut back across goal, however no Rochdale players were there to capitalise. Both sides enjoyed spells of possession inside the first ten minutes but neither were able to capitalise early on.
The Shots’ first real chance of the game came after a fantastic ball in from Matt Penney, which was knocked down to Cam Hargreaves whose right footed volleyed effort was blocked by own teammate Kwame Thomas. The Rochdale defence held strong as the Shots continued to apply pressure. The ball fell at the feet of Sam Inwood following a James Henry freekick over on the right hand side, whose strike sailed over the bar.
While the Shots looked the more likely side to score early on, it was the visitors who struck first after a through ball put Emmanuel Dieseruvwe clean through on goal, who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. Despite the goal, the Shots didn’t seemed fazed as they came close to an immediate equaliser, with a Kwame Thomas’ close ranged effort saved by the goalkeeper and two quick follow ups culminating in a Cam Hargreaves strike flying just over the bar.
The referee appeared very lenient in the first half, letting the game go where he could until James Henry gave him a very clear yellow card decision, pulling back his man to prevent a counter attack. The game began to heat up soon after, and Jed Meerholz was bowled over by the Rochdale goal-scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe in what looked like a clear foul.
The shots continued with a long ball, over the top approach, however had little success against a tight Rochdale defence. Soon after a break period due to a Rochdale injury, Charlie Warren got the better of his man down the right hand side and found himself through on goal, however opted for a very unselfish cutback which was scrambled away for the Shots’ first corner of the game. A neat James Henry daisy cutter found Ryan Hill on the edge of the box, who struck first time and saw his effort whistle past the cross bar.
James Henry had been putting in quality deliveries all afternoon, and his most recent freekick over on the right hand side won the Shots another corner. Unfortunately nobody could make the most of the opportunity and the search for an equaliser continued. A final effort at goal fell the way of Rochdale when winger cut inside and fired high over the crossbar.
The Shots went in at half time looking like the better side, but were subject to a footballing classic as the score-line showed a different story. Aldershot 0 – 1 Rochdale.
HALF TIME
There was one substitution at half time for the Shots as Christy Grogan replaced Sam Inwood at the back. It was not the start that John Coleman’s side were hoping for as they went 2 – 0 down within the first 5 minutes, courtesy of a second goal for Emmanuel Dieseruvwe whose snapshot on the half turn found the bottom left corner. Things nearly went from bad to worse as Rochdale forward Devante Rodney went one- on-one with Coniah Boyce-Clarke, but the Shots stopper was up to the occasion and parried clear.
Kwame Thomas nearly managed to half the deficit when his close range effort went just off target. It felt as though the Shots were due a goal soon, and 10 minutes later they came close again after some great running from Brody Peart saw him get the better of the Rochdale goalkeeper, however the ball fell loosely in the box and no Aldershot players were nearby to make the most of the open goal.
In the 67th minute, there was a further addition to the injury list as Hady Ghandour was noticeably struggling with a hamstring problem and was swiftly replaced by Tyler Frost. Hopefully nothing serious.
Frustration began to set in as decisions were not going the right way. Charlie Warren seemed adamant he had won a corner after running at the Rochdale defence down the right hand side, and groans all around the stadium could be heard when a goal kick was given. The Shots knew they needed a goal soon to get themselves back into the game.
Another opportunity went missed when Cam Hargreaves’ strike missed just right, however it didn’t look like it had enough power to trouble the keeper if it was on target. Moments later, a curling cross from Luke Jenkins went untouched in the box and nearly crept in at the far post, forcing a save from Oliver Whatmuff.
Things started to get a bit heated once again as frustrations continued, with Rochdale taking full advantage as they began to try and run the clock down for the last ten minutes. It made it very difficult for the Shots to gain any sort of momentum as they looked to reduce the two goal deficit.
A well deserved man of the match award was given to Cameron Hargreaves, who had been all over the pitch for the entire game. It was a fine performance from the number 7 that was not given justice by the score-line.
There were a few reactions from the Rochdale dugout late on following a hearty challenge by Christy Grogan leaving the opposition bench in an unhappy state, however there was no other late drama in injury time as the visitors managed to see out the rest of the game. An unfortunate result against strong opposition ended the Shots’ recent undefeated streak, however they will look to bounce back next weekend against Forest Green in the Enterprise National League.
Attendance: 2822 (352 away)
Shots Lineup: 41. Coniah Boyce-Clarke, 7. Cameron Hargreaves, 9. Kwame Thomas (Brody Peart 56′), 14. Jed Meerholz, 17. James Henry (Ryheem Sheckleford 71′), 19. Ryan Hill (C), 23. Hady Ghandour, 24. Charlie Warren, 25. Will Nightingale, 33. Sam Inwood (Christy Grogan 45′), 42. Matt Penney (Luke Jenkins 56′).
Subs: 16. Pat Nash, 4. Luke Jenkins, 8. Tyler Frost, 11. Brody Peart, 12. Keane Anderson, 15. Christy Grogan, 31, Ryheem Sheckleford
Rochdale Lineup: 1. Oliver Whatmuff, 2. Kyron Gordon, 4. Ryan East (Ed Francis 67′), 6. Harvey Gilmour, 9. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe (Ian Henderson 82′), 10. Devante Rodney (Connor McBride 67′), 17. Joe Pritchard, 18. Aiden Barlow (Tyler Smith 82′), 22. Dan Moss, 25. Callum Perry
Subs: 3. David Tutonda, 7. Tarryn Allarakhia, 16 Casey Pettit, 21. Connor McBride, 36. Ed Francis, 38. Tyler Smith, 40. Ian Henderson.
Referee Lineup: Lewis Sandoe | Assistant Referees: Coleman O’Meara, Isabel Chaplin | Fourth Official: Daniel Baines.
