Aldershot Town made it two away victories in four days as they claimed all three points at York Road against a ten-man Maidenhead United. Tyler Frost’s composed second-half finish was all that separated the two sides on a night where results elsewhere meant a win was particularly crucial at the lower-end of the table.
Tommy Widdrington made three changes to the eleven that secured all three points in Altrincham. Ryan Jones, Keane Anderson and Josh Barrett made way for Maxwell Mullins, Emmanuel Maja and James Henry, the latter of whom starting in the league for the first time since January.
The fixture got off to a cagey start as both sets of supporters went song-for-song under the York Road lights. Tyler Frost produced the first shot in anger just past the ten-minute mark, trying his luck from a half-chance 30-yards from goal, which despite blazing high showed early intent.
Aaron Jones was typically sharp in intercepting a loose ball Owen Cochraine. The right-wing-back drove the ball forwards before squaring to Manny Maja, whose pinpoint ball would have found Jack Barham in on goal if not for some terrific recovery defending from the hosts.
Maxwell Mullins did well on the left-hand side, though his through ball to Braham was just cut out by Remy Clerima, whose clearance prompted a Magpies counter-attack. The away support held their breath as Marcus Dewhurst’s eventual clearance deflected off of Shawn McCoulsky, though thankfully the ball fell to Manny Maja who managed to clear the ball to safety.
The Shots began to show quality in possession towards the end of the half as two delightful first-time switched balls from Maja and Frost in front of the away-end entertained the travelling support. Jack Barham found himself in a promising position just before the break, poking the ball away from the advancing Craig Ross. With the angle unfortunately proving too tight to attempt a shot, the forward played back to James Henry, whose cross was blocked.
HALF-TIME
Maidenhead started the stronger of the two sides immediately after the break, with Tristin Abrahams and McCouldsky’s adept hold up play causing issues for the Shots’ back-three. However, from this pressure, it was an Aldershot counter that finally broke the deadlock…
Will Armitage’s clearance was headed down onto the feet of Cameron Hargreaves, whose driven first-time ball was dummied by Jack Barham allowing the incoming Tyler Frost to sprint through from the left to collect. After a composed first touch, his left footed finish flew across the keeper and into the back of the net.
The travelling side almost made it two after James Henry’s looping effort found the roof of the net, the midfielder’s final action of the evening.
Things went from bad to worse for Maidenhead, as a late challenge on Will Armitage from Tristin Abrahams saw the forward receive his second yellow of the game. With news of those around them picking up crucial points elsewhere, the atmosphere flattened considerably amongst the home support.
With the pace of the game slowing down understandably as Aldershot assumed control, the next chance wouldn’t fall until the 80th minute, when Ryan Jones, fresh off the bench, took down Dan Ellison’s long ball. Shots’ number 11 cut inside on his left before a goal-bound shot was blocked well.
Tyler Frost almost secured a rare brace as Josh Barrett’s excellent hold-up play on the edge of the box allowed the Irishman to lay it wide to Frost, whose first time shot sailed inches wide of the keeper’s left-hand post. Cameron Hargreaves came similarly close moments after as the Shots endeavored for a second late on.
A lengthy added-time period was marred by a serious injury to Luke Jenkins, whose awkward fall left the substitute in audible agony, leaving the pitch via stretcher. With Tommy Widdrington having used all of his substitutes, the game would finish ten-men-a-piece.
Maidenhead would forge their finest chance of the game with just seconds to go, as Reece Smith’s shot was palmed away by Dewhurst into the path of Manny Onarise with the goal gaping. The forward fired the guilt-edged chance over the bar to the relief of everyone in red and blue.
Attendance: 1,386 (Away figure unknown)
Shots lineup: 28. Marcus Dewhurst, 7. Cameron Hargreaves, 8. Tyler Frost, 17. Aaron Jones (C), 22. Jack Barham, 24. Maxwell Mullins (11. Ryan Jones 68′), 27. James Henry (10. Josh Barrett 61′), 32. Emmanuel Maja (12. Keane Anderson 67′), 33. Luca Woodhouse, 35. Dan Ellison (4. Luke Jenkins 88′), 36. Will Armitage.
Subs not used: 1. Jordi van Stappershoef, 9. Kai Corbett, 14. Ollie Bray.
Maidenhead lineup: 13. Craig Ross (C), 4. Will de Havilland, 6. Thierry Latty-Fairweather (14. Tobi Sho-Silva 82′), 9. Shawn McCoulsky, 10. Kane Ferdinand (21. Brendan Kiernan 88′), 15. Joshua Johnson (17. Reece Smith), 16. Casey Pettit, 19. Owen Cochrane (25. Sam Barratt 76′), 20. Remy Clerima, 23. Tristan Abrahams, 30. Manny Onariase.
Subs not used: 1. Harvey Collins, 32. Joseph Ajose, 33. Noah Stewart.
