Cup fever returned to the EBB Stadium as Shots turned the tables on League One giantkillers Brentford, dumping them out of the FA Cup, thanks to a wonderful eighth minute strike from Wade Small!
For the first time in Aldershot Town's 18 year history, they have beaten a team from one of the top three tiers of English football and what's more, they thoroughly deserved it!
The two sides came into the tie with almost identical records in their respective divisions. Ten days earlier, there had been little between them as they drew 1-1 at Griffin Park and tonight, there was 'Little' between them too.....Glen Little!
Little took up an attacking midfield position from the off, in a side which had two changes that which was defeated at Macclesfield on Saturday. Harding and Panther made way for Little and the returning Marvin Morgan.
Shots have been labelled as a slow starting team for much of the season so far, but could not be accused of that on this misty November night! Gutteridge tackled like a man possessed early on. McGlashan gave Brentford's ever present left back Woodman a torrid time, Wade Small showed great pace and Little pulled the strings to great effect.
With just eoght minutes on the clock, Shots scored the vital goal. Little picked up the ball in centre midfield, turned towards goal and slid a delightfully weighted pass through the middle to the on-rushing Small, who timed his run perfectly, eased away from former Champions League defender Stephen Wright and slotted the ball under former Premier League keeper Richard Lee.
Shots grew in confdence and put more pressure on the startled Bees. The visitors settled and came more into it, but good positioning and defending by the Shots defence and midfield kept them at bay. Saunders, Wood and Simpson, on a number of occasions had efforts on goal, but all were from long range and none troubled Jamie Young in the Aldershot goal.
Shots led at half time and although Brentford began the second half the better side,still they failed to force a save out of Young. Shots countered well. McGlashan, Straker and Hylton all had attempts at goal, all of them just over, just wide, or blocked. Harding replaced the tired legs of Little. Hylton, eventually, replaced Man of the Match Small, after he took a whack, bearing down on goal once more, late on, but Shots held on and deservedly so, for a magnificent win!
A week on Saturday, the boot will be on the other foot and Shots will be cast in the role of 'Goliath' at non-league Dover, who, as 'David' have already knocked out a League Two side in neighbours Gillingham! However, for now, it's glory at last for Shots......thanks Kevin, Gary and the lads....you did us proud!!
Shots: Young 7, Herd 7, Vincent 7, Morris 7, Jones 7, McGlashan 7, Gutteridge 8, Little 8, Straker 7, Small 8, Morgan 7. Subs: Harding 6, Hylton 6. Attendance: 3,627 (549 Away Fans)