With Aldershot pulling Man United in the Carling Cup and a sizable Crawley Town away following it certainly produced a pulsating atmosphere at the Recreation Ground (EBB Stadium if you’re not a traditionalist!) last Saturday.  Friends and Town regulars Dave Wooldridge (Furnace Green) Brian Challis (Three Bridges) and Ian Hands (Tilgate) were sinking a pre match pint in the pub across the road. Brian explained ‘ we are all enjoying the league experience playing big clubs week in week out, It was great when Bristol Rover visited the Broadfield bringing 1000 supporters !’  Dave added ‘ I am really looking forward to this one today, its going to be tight but I think we can take all 3 points’.

Shots fan Stuart Henderson and his family were also looking forward to the game. About the draw he revealed ‘ I was listening on the radio and when Man U came out it took a few moments to sink in, it should be a wonderful night for the club but first we must concentrate on Crawley today !’

On entering the old stadium it was apparent that many Reds fan had made the short journey.  There were fans in seats, standing along the side but is was behind the goal in the covered terracing where most of the atmosphere was being generated. All the old favourites were being belted out plus a beach ball being tossed around. A throw back to watching football in the 80’s.

The match kicked off in mild dry conditions on a what looked to be a beautiful surface. Both teams cancelled each other out during the first period and trudged off goalless.  Town supporter and Alliance member Ces Tasquier (14) of Three Bridges has been going to the Broadfield for 5 years. He said at half time ‘ pretty even stuff so far but the atmosphere here in the ground is really good, I think we might just go on to win !’  Ces is one of the new breed of young away Town supporters. Travelling with the Supporters Alliance coach he revealed ‘ I have been to 4 away games this season and it has been great fun’

Ces Tasquier at Aldershot

Vocal support increased during the 2nd period and the team responded. When Tyrone produced the key moment it sparked ‘old school’ terrace celebration which carried on till the final whistle. Any away victory at this level should be coveted and Town fans were certainly in great spirit as they made their way home.

West Stand season ticket holders and Alliance coach passengers Paul and Chris Landy from Three Bridges really enjoyed their afternoon. Chris said ‘ it might not have been the greatest of games but who cares when you are coming home with all three points !’  He added ‘ the team had to work really hard for the victory but I thought Scott Shearer was the man of the match, his handling and kicking were spot on ‘

There is a real buzz around the club; let’s hope momentum can be maintained both on and off the pitch when Plymouth Argyle come to town on Saturday.

A happy return from Aldershot