The Shots continued their dominant league form with another authoritative win against third placed Spelthorne on Sunday.
The opening exchanges were keenly fought with both defences holding sway.
However, as the half wore on, the Reds midfield began to take control and chances started to appear at regular intervals. After a series of near misses (and a disallowed goal for offside), Aldershot finally took the lead when an inviting left-wing cross from Ben House was turned in at the far post by Tom Collman who’d timed his run to perfection.
1-0 then became 2-0 a couple of minutes later when a quick throw from George Patten found Dan “Van Basten” Bennett in space who looped a left foot volley over the keeper from an acute angle.
With their tails firmly pointing skywards, the Reds were now in complete control and George made it three with a trademark chip after being played in by an astute pass from Tom Bussell.
H/T 3-0.
In truth, the boys never truly found their rhythm again in the second half and the game became something of a midfield battle with neither team asserting themselves.
The Shots increased their lead after 40 minutes when Dan curled home a virtual repeat of his first-half effort after being superbly found by Alex Telfer on the left wing.
Spelthorne did manage to reduce the arrears through a penalty – awarded for hand ball – with 10 minutes remaining but never really threatened the Reds goal again thereafter and thus another comfortable victory was duly recorded.
F/T 4-1.
Speaking to the Stray Shots after the match, manager, Russ Woolley said: "First half, good - second half not so good”.
When asked for a more detailed assessment of proceedings he went on: “It was the first time I’ve had all fifteen boys available for selection which does make things tough.
"The need for a deal of continuity and team balance has to be offset against making sure all the boys get a decent amount of playing time – whilst ensuring they all play in positions that they’re comfortable with.
"And also of course, never forgetting that we, or more accurately I, actually play to WIN THE GAME. Having said that, we do NEED the full squad.
"We’ve been down to the bare bones on several occasions already this season and - looking at our upcoming fixture list – we’re going to need every single one of the boys to get us through the season”.