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Aldershot Town Ladies may not have been rewriting the history books during the 2008/09 season but for those who may have taken a glance in the direction of Farnborough Gate during the odd Sunday morning, you won't have failed to notice that Andy Liddicott's Aldershot Town Ladies were going along their business in quiet, yet highly successful fashion.
It's not surprising then that following their previous season's success, that the Aldershot Town Ladies maintained their high standards and after finishing pre-season without defeat, the League campaign got off to a flying start when they recorded just one defeat in their first seven League fixtures and it wasn't until the winter months set in that the fixture list began to cause disruption to their campaign.
With five games from the following nine having to be postponed, the club worked hard and picked up six points before maintaining their battling mentality and finishing the season in fine form and more importantly - a targeted fourth place finish.
With the prospect of another great season ahead for the side next term, assistant manager Jamie Woodfield who completed his first 'full' season with the club told Stray Shots, "Our target was always to finish in the top four and we achieved that so everyone involved is really pleased.
"We also gained 26 more points compared to last season, which shows how much progress the team has made."
Indeed such was the success story, the Shots Ladies were the only team in the League who managed to pick up a point against Havant & Waterlooville - the runaway League Champions and goalkeeper player-coach Lesley Hubbard told us, "That match was certainly the season highlight for me.
"I didn't play for the club the previous year so I'm not sure how the standard of the opposition differed, but the Hawks won the title by a long way so being the only side to get a point from them during our one-all draw in April was fantastic."
Woodfield continued: "It was a great point and a well deserved point.
"Against the stronger teams we do often produce outstanding performances and then against 'weaker' teams drop silly points. As a team we discussed how we could be more consistent with our results and this started to show at the end of the season.
"We want to make more progress next season, finishing higher than fourth but the most important thing is we keep the majority of the squad together, make some new additions and ensure the ladies keep enjoying their football."
Lack of resources caused six teams to withdrawn from the Combination Leagues during last season however, other club's misfortune has certainly been capitalised on by the club who are very much focusing on their future and appeal within the local community. "We have strong sponsorship and backing from the Army," said Woodfield.
"The Ladies contribute financially through the season and Aldershot Town are also very supportive.
"I know however that if we were promoted we would not have the finance to travel, stay over or train two or three times a week. We are lucky though, we seem to have a good reputation as a Ladies team and always have interest from other players.
"I feel the standard of Football in the Southern Premier League is challenging but not to the extent that it requires the Ladies or staff to commit massively as we all have other work or study commitments."
To that end, manager Andy Liddicott hasn't set any strict Gary Waddock style close season training regimes, but the current crop of players will no doubt be putting in their own hard work during the summer break as they bid to retain their places next term.
That team however, will be without defenders Amber Marsh who has joined the Army and Di Smith who has retired. "Both Amber and Di will be greatly missed as they have been great servants to the team." said Woodfield.
"Amber is only 16 and I'm sure we will see her again whereas Di is an Aldershot Ladies legend who has served the club for many years. There is no doubt that we will miss her experience and determination massively next season but we have already had interest from other players about attending our pre-season training, so that is very positive.
"Several younger players who were promoted from the Reserves have now also had a season in the Premier League 'under their belts' and so we will be looking for these Ladies to give us more experience for the forthcoming season."
Lesley Hubbard concluded by saying, "I'd like to think that if we keep hold of the team and add a couple of new faces before the league campaign starts, then there is no reason why we shouldn't be in the top two at the end of the season."
The Ladies continue their training during the close season every Wednesday evening at the Ash Manor School, Manor Road, Ash. Anyone interested in attending is invited to turn up at 7pm. Training finishes at 9pm.
Pre-season training gets underway on the 30th June and the 2nd July at the Military Avenue, Aldershot between 7pm and 9pm and new players are welcome to attend.