Aldershot Town return to The EBB this Saturday to host Maidenhead United in the Vanarama National League. Both teams come into the game off the back of draws, against Boreham Wood and AFC Fylde respectively.
Shots Squad:
Manager Danny Searle is expected to have a fully fit playing squad to choose from, barring James Rowe and George Fowler, who has recently picked up a previous injury that sees him out for the foreseeable future.
Opposition:
Name: Maidenhead United
Founded: 1870
Nickname: The Magpies
Manager: Alan Devonshire
Stadium: York Road
Final position last season: 29th in National League
Current National League position: 14th
Brief History:
Maidenhead Football Club was established in October 1870. They were one of the fifteen clubs to play in the inaugural FA Cup competition in 1871–72. In 2016–17 Maidenhead won the renamed National League South, earning promotion to the National League. They earned 98 points, 2 more than professional Ebbsfleet United, who were favourites to win.
The Gaffer
The ex-England international and West Ham midfielder Alan Devonshire has been in charge of The Magpies since 2015 in what is his second stint at the club. The 63-year-old previously managed the club back in 1996-2003 where he guided the club to the Isthmian League Premier Division in the 1999-2000 season. He is now back in charge and has been since 2015 where he has continued Maidenhead’s rise up the divisions, having been promoted with the club from the National League South to the National League Premier back in 2015-16.
Squad:
The Maidenhead squad contains two former Shots. Both Bernard Mensah, who’s on loan from League One side Bristol Rovers, and Shamir Fenelon both play for the Magpies having previously played at The EBB Stadium. New signings for the 19/20 season include Jake Cassidy, Aron Davies and Joe Ellul. Meanwhile two major departs include Ayo Obileye and Harold Odametey to Ebbsfleet United and Dagenham & Redbridge respectively.
Referee:
Tomorrow’s referee is Carl Brook. He will be assisted by Craig SImpson and Colin Hubbard while the fourth official in John Pike. Brook has managed ten matches in the league this season, dishing out 28 yellow cards and sending off three, two of which were in his first fixture of the season (Eastleigh 1-0 Notts County).
Commentary:
There will be live BBC Surrey Sport commentary of Saturday’s game, with Rob Worrall and Aldershot Town fan Matthew Foot from 2:30pm. To interact with the commentary team, tweet @RobShot66.
