The Shots Ladies, following their emphatic win over Southampton Saints in the FA Cup, took on defending Division 1 Champions Maidenhead United at Farnborough Gate. Andy Liddicott went into the side without Hannah Grover and Laura Funnell due to holiday, whilst Stacey Ireland is out until November with a broken arm.
The game started at a good pace and both teams started to press each other's goal, with the visitors having the first clear chance when a shot from outside the area went wide of the post. At the other end, The Shots also started to press with a number of efforts being collected by the Maidenhead keeper.
On 15 minutes the first real clear-cut chance fell to The Shots. From a corner the ball was cleared off the Maidenhead goal line by their keeper and Jade Ferguson [pictured top] was unable quickly enough to react to deflect the ball home. Maidenhead used the flanks to good effect and the long ball into the middle was just being over hit.
The Shots wasted another glorious chance to make it 1-0 when the ball was played down the left and the resulting cross just missed Marlow, and Hoblyn watched her effort go over the crossbar. At the other end, The Shots were punished for not taken their chances, when a Maidenhead corner came into the box, Hubbard brilliantly saved the Maidenhead player's goal bound shot, but the rebound fell nicely for her to fire home.
Just before half time The Shots missed out again when a jinxing run saw Ferguson shot crash against the cross bar to safety.
Half Time: Aldershot Town 0 Maidenhead United 1
Maidenhead managed to hang on to hand the Shots there first defeat of the season.
Full Time: Aldershot Town 0 Maidenhead United 1
Shots: Lesley Hubbard, Gemma MacNeil, Holly Gayler, Nicky Hoblyn, Tara Coles, Sian Houghton, Emma North (c), Caz Shephard, Jade Ferguson, Tracey Marlow and Grace Irvine.
Subs: Gemma Twine, Laura Wallman [pictured bottom] and Nicky Moore.
Andy's Analysis:
"Last week we rode our luck and had one chance and scored and this week the boot was on the other foot.
"I would have liked to have a look at how many shots both sides had today. At the end of the day we didn't take our chances and this week we were punished. I need to praise Sian [Houghton] and Gemma [MacNeil] at the back, as we only had two recognized defenders in the squad and they did really well.
"We are back to cup action next week and we welcome back Hannah Grover and Laura Funnell which will help our defensive situation out."
Northy's Notes:
"With Maidenhead being a newly promoted side we didn't really know too much about them going into the match.
"To be honest we haven't made things easy for ourselves in the last few games but we have managed to show true grit and determination to grind out the right results. Today our luck ran out!
"Maidenhead were a physical team, but this didn't bother us as we know have a strong unit all over the pitch, so we matched them in this area. The away team had the most clear cut chances first half and managed to put away a weak goal.
"The second half however was a different story we were all over them, they were pinned into their own half for much of it.
"We created numerous chances but could just not find the back of the net. Disappointed with the overall score, but knowing our better performances are on the way, things are looking good for the ladies.
"Our minds will now switch back to FA Cup action for the home fixture against AFC Wimbledon."
Other Results:
Bracknell Town 2 - 2 Launton
MK Wanderers 1 - 1 Slough
Southampton Saints 2 - 0 Oxford United
Wycombe Wanderers 1 - 2 Shanklin
Aldershot Town Ladies take on AFC Wimbledon this coming Sunday (11th October)
at the EBB Stadium in their FA Women's Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match.
Kick off is at 2pm, entry is just £1 while Season Ticket Holders are FREE and everybody is invited to attend.
All photographs provided with thanks to David Child.