Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Aldershot Town
Aldershot Town fall to 22nd in the National League following a 3-1 defeat to Kent side Ebbsfleet United. Matt McClure gave the Shots an early lead but they were later pegged back by a Sean Shields brace and a goal from Andy Drury.
It was a promising start for the struggling Shots when an in-swinging cross from Luke Wanadio found McClure, whose diving header secured Gary Waddock’s side an early lead in the 7th minute.
The Shots almost doubled their lead soon after, when a cross from McClure down the left channel flew to Dan Holman in the box, who then struck the post. However the striker’s arm got in the way prior to the shot resulting in his close effort being ruled out anyway.
McClure was in the thick of the action again, when his direct shot was parried away by keeper Nathan Ashmore but the rebound created another chance for Wanadio. Once in his possession, the winger curled the shot towards the fast post but Ashmore was aware and tipped the shot over for a corner.
Five minutes later and Sean Shields equalised for the home team after Jake Cole palmed away Corey Whitely’s advance but Danny Kedwell lurked by the far post for the follow-up. Kedwell’s tight angled drive was tipped onto the bar by Cole but the almost cleared shot fell back into play and Shields was on hand to tap it in.
The second half provided more disappointment for the Hampshire side when a low cross from Sam Magri was delivered to Andy Drury in the box and slotted to the left of Cole.
A counter attack in the 81st minute left Aldershot on the backfoot; Myles Weston raced up the pitch with Luke Howell on his tail however, the midfielder was outrun and Weston took his opportunity to spring a shot on Cole, the keeper got a good hand on it but it fell into the path of Shields who slammed the rebound into the bottom left corner.
Cole made some impressive saves, especially in the first half when Dave Winfield’s strong, direct header was palmed over the crossbar by the Shots keeper. Towards the final whistle, substitute Michael Cheek advanced on goal but Cole left the 6-yard box and blocked his pending shot with his knees.
Shots almost grabbed a consolation in added time when Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong raced through on goal, his effort beat Ashmore but cannoned off the crossbar and the Fleet cleared.
This weekend provides a quick turnover for the Shots as they face Sutton United on Monday in desperate hope of securing their second win of the season.
ALDERSHOT TOWN: Cole, Bernard, Smith, Lelan, Kinsella (Rowe 77), Howell, Gallagher, McDonnell, Wanadio, Holman (Rendell 59), McClure (Berkeley-Agyepong 59).
Sub not used: Oualah.
By Adele Matthews
