FIRST-HALF
The first 20 minutes in Somerset was an incredibly cagey affair, with neither team generating any shots of not, and neither outfit able to take control of possession or the flow of the game. It took a forceful, driving run from Ryan Hill on the left hand side to ignite proceedings.
The Captain worked his way quickly into the Weston Super Mare box, before cutting back and laying the ball off for Kiban Rai, who cooly blasted home his first goal for the Shots in the 21st minute of the game.
The Shots looked to have taken the initiative as confidence grew with the goal, but it was Weston who would go on to enjoy the better chances for the remainder of the first half. Louis Britton was the hosts biggest threat, with several half-chances to pull Weston Super Mare level, including a centre of the goal header from close range that he was unable to get any force or direction on, making it a routine stop in the end for Marcus Dewhurst.
Debutant Sam Inwood, on loan from Bolton Wanderers, picked up a yellow after stopping a Weston Super Mare attack with a hefty challenge down his left hand side, after the referee had allowed the home team to restart play with a free-kick several yards away from where the original foul was awarded.
SECOND HALF
The second half began with an edge as both teams searched for the vital next goal. It was Aldershot who would get into gear quickest, with Ryan Jones breaking into the hosts box at will, setting up Kwame Thomas in the middle of goal in the 52nd minute. Unfortunately, the Striker could only lift his shot high over Max Harris’ goal.
It was Ryan Hill who would go closest 15 minutes later, driving into the box just as he did to set up the first goal, this time opting to shoot himself. His low effort struck the side netting, deceiving the Shots supporters behind the goal.
Weston Super Mare were given a great opportunity to equalise with a free-kick just outside the box, after Ben Jackson was booked for a handball offence. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Luke Coulson stood over the dead ball, but the powerhouse couldn’t get his shot on target with 10 minutes left to play.
The Shots defence could not hold out indefinetly. A wide free-kick was eventually bundled home by Emlyn Lewis to equalise for the hosts and send the Optima Stadium into raptures with only 5 to spare of regular time.
EXTRA TIME
Kwame Thomas had a great chance 90 seconds into the restart, getting on the end of an inswinging Ryan Hill cross, but was unable to direct it goalward. There was little else of note in a nervy first 15 minutes of extra time.
Weston Super Mare found a late winner via James Waite, whose shot from the edge of the box took an awkward bobble past the outstretched Marcus Dewhurst.
