Aldershot Town secured an important victory against bottom of the table Dover Athletic, thanks to two goals from debutant Adam May. The three points moves the Shots up two places into 17th and extends the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
It was almost the perfect beginning for the Shots after just a minute of the match, when Matt McClure whipped in a dangerous cross that was met first time by debutant Adam May but he was unfortunate to see his effort rebound of the crossbar.
Aldershot’s lighting start was rewarded in the 17th minute after club captain Karleigh Osborne’s pinpoint pass found Dominic Bernard on the right channel who set up May who slotted home to give the shots the deserved lead and also a debut goal for the new signing.
Dover found it difficult to live with the Shots intensity, and were resigned to mostly long-distance efforts that were saved comfortably by Jake Cole.
Dover’s first big chance of the came on the half hour mark, when Tobi Sho-Silva was set through on goal after a clearance from defender Moussa Diarra fell into his path but he was unable to put the ball past Cole who saved well with is feet.
The Shots were playing some intricate football and were close to doubling their lead after some brilliant passing combinations between McClure and Luke Wanadio that gave Jacob Berkeley- Agyepong space on the edge of the area but his left foot curling effort whispered past the post.
The Whites had the last real chance before half time, when the ball landed at the feet of striker Jamie Allen in the penalty box but his wild effort went over the bar and was never troubling Cole.
It was an even start to the second half from both sides with neither creating any clear-cut chances and both defending well.
Aldershot’s lead increased after some brilliant play from Agyepong, who showed all of his trickery to get the better of his fullback and then delivered a perfect cross, that was calmly finished by May to get his second of the afternoon and give Gary Waddock’s side some breathing space.
Moments before the end of the match the Shots were denied a controversial penalty when it had appeared substitute Dan Holman was taken down in the box.
Dover were unable to create any real pressure against the shots defence, who defended valiantly to ensure they kept a clean sheet and avoid any last-minute nerves.
The Shots will be hoping to carry on this momentum into another vital match on Tuesday evening against Maidstone United at the EBB stadium.
ALDERSHOT TOWN: Cole, Bernard, Osborne, Fowler, Kinsella, McDonnell, Booty (Howell 89), May (Gallagher 80), Wanadio, McClure (Holman 71), Berkeley-Agyepong.
Subs not used: Legg, Lelan.
By Dan Goodman