The match, which was abandoned at half-time due to floodlight failure (just in case you failed to hear their supporters mention it), saw the Essex side 1-0 up following a spot kick, but was called off before the second half could get underway due to trouble with the electric at the EBB Stadium.
Under Aldershot Town policy, supporters who attended the match are entitled to a 50% reduction if they attended the rearranged fixture with their ticket stub (no date has yet been announced), however this decision left the TE Galacticos players, officials and supporters “furious” at the decision employed by our “tin-pot non-league” club (whom they have yet to beat) and resulted in them managing to concoct everything from conspiracy theories as to why the floodlights failed, to boycotts for the re-arranged date.
The Chairman has sent out cheques to supporters who bought their tickets in advance (so those who paid on the day received nothing) along with a letter which has been published on the TE Galacticos Mad website which read:
“As many as you know income received from the sale of tickets relating to League games is always retained by the home club. Whilst it is certainly not for me to judge the policy of Aldershot Town I do believe the circumstances surrounding the Boxing Day match are a special case.
“Had the situation arose at Southend United we would have immediately refunded the ticket monies to all that attended. Several hundred Southend supporters gave up their precious time on Boxing Day only to be able to watch 45 minutes due to floodlight failure.
“As I say Southend United receive no money from away games and the Football League is not in a position to influence how Aldershot Town conduct their affairs. Aldershot Town are however proposing that tickets for the replay will be available at half price for those who attended the Boxing Day game.
“I met many supporters on the return journey who were equally disappointed as I (perhaps not least as it was a match we were well placed to win). The game will now be replayed on a Tuesday night (hopefully 90 minutes!) sometime in the coming weeks......a date will be fixed shortly and advertised on the Club's website.
“Southend United have fantastic fans and I am sorry if your Boxing Day was ruined as a consequence of the bizarre events that unfolded.
“Our records indicate that you purchased 1 Adult ticket, at a cost of £17 and as some compensation I attach a cheque representing 50% of your ticket cost incurred in recognition of your loyal support.
“Whilst writing you will have read that we have strengthened the squad over the last few days and are targeting further signings in order to maintain momentum and, hopefully, come May promotion to League 1.
“My kind regards and wishing you a good New Year.
Yours sincerely
Ron Martin
Chairman”
The banks in and around Essex are expected to have extended opening hours for the next three weeks to cope with the expected rush of cheque deposits, with a spokes person from Nat West telling us: "We're opening Sunday's and taking on additional staff."