Aldershot secured a huge three points at Grosvenor Vale as Tahvon Campbell’s second-half goal defeated Wealdstone.
The Shots made three changes from the side that started the 2-1 win over Scunthorpe on Saturday as Myles Kenlock, Josh McQuoid and Tommy Willard came in for Ollie Harfield, Henry Ochieng and Justin Amaluzor.
The Shots had a couple of early chances within the first 10 minutes but both shots were considerably off-target. Tommy Willard, straight into the starting lineup after being recalled from his loan spell at Farnborough, fired well wide from outside the box and Tahvon Campbell volleyed over after being fantastically found by a Luca Ashby-Hammond goal kick.
Jack Barham’s arm was his worst enemy as he saw two good opportunities disrupted by a handball. A neat flick from Tahvon Campbell hit Barham’s arm as he brought the ball down before he forced Sam Howes into a good save and five minutes later he was similarly punished as he again brought the ball down with his arm as he raced forward.
Wealdstone’s first real sighter of goal forced a food save out of Ashby-Hammond. Jack Cook was allowed to come forward with the ball and his shot with the outside of the boot was well met by the diving Shots ‘keeper.
But an even better save came down the other end as Sam Howes somehow denied Corey Jordan the opener. Josh McQuoid’s dinked cross was met by the head of Jordan who did guided his header into the top corner only to see it saved.
Aldershot had Tyler Cordner to thank for keeping proceedings goalless in the 41st minute as he made a vital intervention on the line. A low cross after a short corner was turned towards goal by Olufela Olomola but Cordner was well placed to make sure it wasn’t the opening goal.
HALF-TIME
The Shots had a golden opportunity to take the lead just moments into the second-half through Campbell. A beautiful cross into the box by Ryan Glover was straight onto the striker’s unmarked head but he couldn’t keep it down as it hit the bar and went over.
Sonny Blu Lo-Everton had the Stones first opportunity of the second 45 and came very close with a powerful effort that was only just over the bar.
It was Aldershot who would open the scoring as Tahvon Campbell got his third goal in three games. Ryan Glover continued his good work down the right and cutting inside, saw his shot blocked straight to Campbell’s feet who also saw his shot blocked but bounced in.
The Shots weren’t happy to sit on their lead and pushed for a second not long after going in front. Jack Barham’s fierce shot was blocked but Myles Kenlock drove forward only to see his equally fierce effort drive agonisingly wide.
As Wealdstone pushed forward looking for an equaliser as the game entered the final 15 minutes, it was bodies on the line for Aldershot’s defence. Ashby-Hammond saved a powerful effort from Ashley Charles which fell to Lo-Everton but Tyler Cordner made a fantastic block to clear the danger.
A nervy final push for the Shots thankfully didn’t see Wealdstone create any chances of real danger as they managed to hold on for a very important three points.
Shots lineup: 1. Luca Ashby-Hammond, 2. Myles Kenlock, 4. Joe Partington (C) (18. Henry Ochieng 80′), 5. Tyler Cordner, 9. Tahvon Campbell, 10. Josh McQuoid, 16. Corey Jordan, 22. Haji Mnoga, 23. Ryan Glover, 27. Tommy Willard (17. Jake Hutchinson 84′), 30. Jack Barham (15. Jai Rowe 90+1’). Subs not used: 7. Justin Amaluzor, 20. Michael Klass.
