Aldershot Town 0 - 0 Weymouth

Last updated : 23 April 2008 By Stray Shots Team
On a highly charged emotional evening at the Rec, The Shots were held to their second successive goal-less draw, but in the process notched up their hundredth point of the season.

John Grant missed a penalty just after the interval, but a draw was a fair result on the night and it also secured Weymouth's Blue Square Premiership place for next season.

The Championship Trophy was presented to the Shots after the game, sparking exuberant scenes all around the packed ground.

The introduction of the 1992 - 1993 squad to the crowd at half time brought home the fact that, every player that has donned the red shirt over the last 16 years, has played a part in this fantastic journey.

The Shots started the game at a good tempo and after a couple of early corners came to nothing, Kirk Hudson fired an effort in the 4th minute just wide of the target.

After Rob Gier had a couple of surging runs down the Shots right, Rob Elvins flashed a shot narrowly wide of the far post.

In the 23rd minute a well weighted pass from Harding found Elvins on the edge of the box. The former West Brom forward played a neat 1 - 2 with John Grant before unleashing a shot which was well saved by Henderson.

Weymouth were now looking dangerous on the counter attack, and Bully positioned himself well to claim a free kick which was heading for the top corner.

After 36 minutes the visitors had a good chance to take the lead.

Another free kick was floated over and Bailey, who was unmarked 10 yards out, planted his header just wide of the far post.

Lewis Chalmers then fizzed a well struck effort just wide of the far post and in the 43rd minute the Shots came close to breaking the deadlock.

John Grant found Soares, who after twisting and turning, got his shot away - but saw a defender clear the effort off the line.

Shortly before the Shots right winger had created space well for himself but then blasted his shot well over.

At the other end Straker made an excellent last-ditch clearance, to deny a goal scoring opportunity.

Half Time: Shots 0 - Weymouth 0

The Shots were awarded a penalty just 20 seconds into the second period.

A long through ball found John Grant in a tussle with a defender who was adjudged to have pulled him back inside the area.

The Shots leading marksman took the spot kick himself, but although he sent the keeper the wrong way, his strike cannoned off the post.

Soon after Simon Weatherstone saw his 20 yard effort, fly just wide.
In the 54th minute, Jaimez-Ruiz replaced Nikki Bull between the sticks for the Shots.

He was called into action almost immediately when he pushed an effort from Malcom around the post.

Joel Grant then replaced Rob Gier which meant Soares reverted to full back.

Just after the hour mark the Shots counter attacked with a flowing one touch move. At the end of which Joel Grant saw his shot blocked, but the rebound fell to Chalmers whose screamer from 25 yards flew just over.

Then after a long range effort from Soares was only parried away, John Grant turned the ball back into the six yard box, but the keeper had recovered in time to gather Elvins' header.

Rhys Day replaced Charles in the 71st minute.

Five minutes later the Shots created another good chance after a well worked move.

Soares played an excellent ball into the right channel for John Grant to run on to. The latter did well to control the ball before squaring it for Hudson, who saw his first time strike go agonisingly wide of the far post.

The last chance of the match fell to Joel Grant after a superb run through the middle by Chalmers had set it up.

However the substitute's fierce effort was well saved low down by Henderson.
The final whistle was the cue for the celebrations to start, and after the Championship Trophy was presented to Captain Rhys Day, the party officially began.

With thanks to Tongham Shots.