Salford City v Aldershot Town Match Preview – Saturday 17th November 2018
The Shots return to National League action on Saturday, with their first ever visit to high-flying Salford City, who currently sit two points and two places off the top of the highest division they have ever competed at. BBC Surrey’s Rob Worral previews the action.
Shots Squad:
Jacob Berkeley-Agyapong returned from the bench in last weekend’s 1-1 FA Cup draw with Bradford City. However, skipper Karleigh Osborne and James Rowe remain out. Shots boss Gary Waddock should be able to call upon the services of Portsmouth loanee Adam May, who was not permitted to play in the cup. 20-year-old Reading loanee Josh Barrett impressed on his Shots debut last weekend and could well feature at Moor Lane.
Opposition:
Name: Salford City FC
Founded: 1940 (as Salford Central)
Nickname: The Ammies
Manager: Graham Alexander
Stadium: Moor Lane
Final position last season: Champions – National League North
Current National League position: 3rd
Potted History:
Salford City were formed in 1940 under the name of ‘Salford Central.’ In 1963, they changed their name to ‘Salford Amateurs’ having moved up to the Manchester League and enjoyed much success in cup competitions throughout the 1970’s. In 2008 they were promoted to the Northern Premier Division One North and in 2014 five former Manchester United players, aka the ‘Class of 92’ (Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes Gary Neville and Phil Neville) completed their takeover of the club along with Peter Lim, who has a 50% stake. With their investment, they earned back-to-back-to-back promotions under joint-managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson.
The Gaffer:
Graham Alexander was appointed Salford’s City manager on May 14th 2018. Alexander started in management as Assistant Caretaker Coach at Preston North End before taking the reins at Fleetwood Town in December 2012. He guided them to promotion from League Two in 2013/14 via the play-offs. Appointed Scunthorpe United manager in 2016, he took them to the League One Play-Offs before departing in March 2018.
Key players:
Although newcomers to this level, Salford were promoted with a plethora of talent among their ranks and added significantly to it during the summer, most notably in attack. Adam Rooney (13 goals already after joining from Scottish Premier Division side Aberdeen), Rory Gaffney (8 goals since signing from Bristol Rovers) and former Peterborough United winger Danny Lloyd were all signed up. Defender Nathan Pond left Fleetwood Town after 12-years at Highbury to bolster an already talented backline. Liam Hogan was the Ammies title-winning skipper last term having joined from Gateshead. Midfielder Danny Whitehead was another key signing, having won the National League title with Macclesfield last season. Highly ambitious Salford have put together a 23-man squad as they seek promotion to the English Football League at the first attempt.
Referee:
Saturday’s referee is Marc Edwards. He has refereed 13 National League matches this season, showing 40 yellow cards and no red cards to date. He has taken charge of two Ammies matches (both three goal home wins) and also took the middle in The Shots 3-0 defeat at AFC Fylde.
Commentary:
There will be live BBC Surrey Sport commentary of Saturday’s game, with Rob Worrall and former Aldershot Town title winning skipper Rhys Day, from 2:50pm. To interact with the commentary team, tweet @RobShot66.
