One week on from reaching their third-ever FA Trophy semi-final, the Shots host the competition’s current holders, Gateshead FC.
‘The Heed’, nicknamed as such due to the typical Geordie twang of their fanbase, make the arduous journey down to the EBB Stadium this weekend, as they hope to further bolster their pursuit of the National League play-offs.
Travelling all the way from Tyneside, the 618-mile round-trip, one that Tommy Widdrington and co. will know all to well from the reverse fixture, makes for the fifth-furthest distance between two sides in the division.
- Gateshead ⇆ Yeovil Town (363 miles)
- Hartlepool ⇆ Yeovil Town (343 miles)
- Gateshead ⇆ Eastleigh (333 miles)
- Hartlepool ⇆ Eastleigh (313 miles)
- Gateshead ⇆ Aldershot Town (309 miles)
First meeting in 2014, this will be the eighteenth match-up between the two, in a tie that has been exclusively contested in England’s fifth-tier.
RECENT FORM
After an impressive ten points in February, the Heed suddenly find themselves coming into this tie now winless in three.
- 04/03/25 – Rochdale 1-0 Gateshead
- 01/03/25 – Gateshead 1-1 AFC Fylde
- 25/02/25 – Eastleigh 1-1 Gateshead
- 22/02/25 – Solihull Moors 1-3 Gateshead
- 18/02/25 – Gateshead 4-3 Sutton United
Although their mini-lapse in form may concern those back in the North East, being currently nine points above the play-off threshold, Gateshead look set to attempt to exorcise their demons from last season, having controversially been denied a promotion push on administrative grounds despite finishing sixth.
IN THE DUGOUT
Learning under the tutelage of former manager Mike Williamson, Carl Magnay took over as boss in October 2024.
Born in the town of Gateshead himself, Magnay retired playing for his boyhood club, ending a 14-year-career that saw him come through Chelsea’s academy, before enjoying stints at Grimsby, Hartlepool United and Spennymoor town.
While Magnay has only been a first team manager since October, the former-full back has long preempted a career in coaching, earning his badges over ten-years ago.
The 36-year-old has had a decent start to life at the helm, with highlights including 5-0 and 4-0 away victories against Maidenhead and Wealdstone.
LAST TIME OUT
In the reverse fixture, the Shots became only the second team to deny Gateshead of all three points at the GIS this season. With a goal and an assist on the day, a Jack Barham masterclass secured a 2-2 draw back in November.
The two sides last met at the EBB in September 2023, where a Josh Stokes opener was cancelled out late by Edward Francis. Now playing for Cambridge and Exeter respectively, this young pair now share 50 League One appearances between them this season, exemplifying the quality on display that day.
FORMER SHOTS
Robbie Tinkler – Something of a utility player for the Tynesiders, the former Middlesbrough academy man made 30 appearances for Aldershot across 2019/20. His obvious leadership qualities led him to be granted the role of vice-captain during his short stay, though he would leave for York the following season.
Regan Booty – The midfielder joined the Shots on loan from then-Premier League side Huddersfield Town in the 2018-19, making 40 appearances.
TICKET INFO
Tickets are available HERE, and are priced as follows after the earlybird period has ended:
- ADULTS – £23
- MILITARY PERSONNEL – £19
- SENIOR (Over 66) – £19
- DISABLED – £19
- YOUNG PERSON (18-20) – £19
- 17 AND UNDER – £8
- UNDER 11 – FREE
We strongly encourage buying tickets in advance or online to save queues in the Ticket Office before the game.
The Club Shop/Ticket Office is open for all supporters with cash and card accepted.
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT
Live updates will be available from our social media platforms X (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel.
The game can be streamed to overseas viewers via DAZN’s National League TV coverage. Click HERE to purchase a match pass.
There will be live commentary of the game provided by BBC Radio Surrey – listen online HERE
