This turned out to be a very hard fought game that was very stop start, with neither side really getting into any rhythm.
Aldershot took the lead after just 1 minute; Lou Lloyd broke through the defence to calmly slot the ball into the corner of the goal past the on coming keeper. The Shots should have taken advantage of this but could not get the second goal. Launton equalised on 23 minutes from a cross that ended up in the back of the net. Seven minutes later Carrington was brought down on the edge of the box, Giberson placed the resulting free kick into the top right hand corner to put the Shots ahead again. Launton started to get on top of the game and six minutes later they equalised again. Then sloppy defending four minutes later aloud Launton to put them selves in the lead. The half time score was Shots – 2 Launton – 3.
After a few stern words at the break, the Shots came out with more organisation and started to play more football. Aldershot created some good chance and would have scored if it was not for the good form of the Launton goal keeper. Then on the 87th minute Hann was fouled on the edge of the box, once again Giberson stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net, to the jubilation of the Shots team. With this Aldershot felt they could win the game in the final minutes. The Shots got the ball back from the centre and went on the attack; Hann took on the Launton full back and was once again taken down around the edge of the box. This time it was on the right side and set up for Smith. The Launton keeper left a gap in her goal and Smith curled the ball into the right area to give Aldershot and opening day win.
Aldershot worked hard to the end and never gave up and got the result they deserved.
For more information visit the Aldershot Town Ladies website at www.aldershotladies.co.uk
The Squad: Hayley Calder, Kath Giberson, Hana Grover, Tara Coles, Di Smith, Emma North (Captain), Laura Barker (Laura Hann 50), Penny Hull, Lou Lloyd, Laura Funnell & Janie Carrington (Lou Dowie 75).
Next Match: Sunday 24th September 2006, FA Cup 1st Preliminary Round - away vs Woking (playing at Dunsfold) kick off 2pm