MATCH PREVIEW | ALDERSHOT TOWN

Back the Bees at The Hive Stadium this Saturday (3pm) as they take on Aldershot Town in their last home game on the season in the Vanarama National League.

Barnet FC:

Barnet secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Sutton United in the Vanarama National League, keeping their title hopes alive with two games left.

The match kicked off with both sides full of energy, and Barnet took an early lead in the 7th minute when Mark Shelton finished a low cross from Callum Stead.

Sutton fought back, and Barnet came close to doubling their lead when Anthony Hartigan’s cross found Stead, but his shot hit the post.

Sutton equalized just before halftime after a handball by Nik Tavares in the box resulted in a penalty, which Siju Odelusi converted, levelling the score at 1-1.

In the second half, Barnet came out strong.

Shelton almost scored with a long-range shot but soon had another chance from the penalty spot after Sutton’s Tyler French was sent off for a foul on Lee Ndlovu in the box.

 Shelton calmly slotted home his second goal to put Barnet ahead.

With Sutton reduced to ten men, Barnet kept up the pressure, and in the 80th minute, Adebola Oluwo sealed the win with a powerful header from a Ben Coker cross.

Barnet’s last five results:

Sutton United 1-3 Barnet FC

Barnet FC 1-1 Eastleigh

Barnet FC 1-1 Wealdstone

Braintree Town 2-1 Barnet FC

Barnet FC 3-1 Gateshead

From the dugout:

Connor Smith’s pre-match interview can be viewed HERE!

Aldershot Town:

Aldershot Town suffered a 3-0 loss to Woking at the Laithwaite Community Stadium, with Tariq Hinds scoring twice and Dan Moss adding another in the first 20 minutes.

Woking took the lead early, with Hinds curling in a goal after a throw in.

The Shots had a chance in the 6th minute, but Ryan Jones’ shot was deflected wide.

Woking soon doubled their lead as Moss bundled the ball over the line, and Hinds added a third shortly after.

Aldershot had a few chances but couldn’t find the net, and Woking’s defence held strong.

The second half saw Aldershot press more, particularly through Tyler Frost, but they couldn’t break down Woking’s defence.

A controversial moment occurred in the 69th minute when Moss fouled Ryan Jones, who was stretchered off, but no free kick was awarded.

Despite a few late efforts, the Shots couldn’t threaten, and Woking comfortably held on for the win.

Aldershot Town last five results:

Woking 3-0 Aldershot Town

Aldershot Town 1-1 Sutton United

York City 7-2 Aldershot Town

Aldershot Town 1-2 Boston United

Aldershot Town 2-1 Woking (FA Trophy Semi Final)

In the opposition dugout:

Aldershot manager Tommy Widdrington will be in the dugout for The Shots on Saturday with his assistant Richard Dryden alongside him.

Tommy Widdrington became Aldershot Town’s manager in April 2023, leading the team to safety in the National League and finishing 8th in the 2023–24 season.

Under his guidance, the club achieved a historic 7–4 FA Cup win over Swindon Town.

Widdrington was named National League Manager of the Month in November 2023.

Ones to watch:

Aldershot Town attacking midfielder Josh Barrett is the clubs current top goal scorer so far this season, scoring 16 goals and assisting 2 in the league.

He has made 36 league appearances for The Shots and is currently averaging a goal every 152 minutes this season.

Last time these two sides met:

Barnet came away with the win last time with a narrow 1-0 victory at Aldershot Town.

Aldershot started strong, with early shots from Hady Ghandour and Theo Widdrington, but Barnet came closest when Mark Shelton hit the crossbar.

Barnet took the lead in the 25th minute when Nick Kabamba scored from a Bailey Hobson cross.

Aldershot’s captain Aaron Jones was sent off for a reckless challenge on Idris Kanu.

Despite some chances for Barnet, including Shelton’s near miss and a header over from a free kick, they maintained their 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half saw limited opportunities, with Ghandour’s run being denied by Barnet’s defence and Aldershot clearing away Ben Coker’s free kick.

Back Dean Brennan and The Bees this Saturday, as the team look to take all three points in their last home game of the season, as well as sealing their spot at the top of the table.