Well done "Super" Shots. Yes, once again we can add that superlative in front of our club nickname. For this evening, our boys were outstanding against the best team in the league. Not only did they bounce back from a poor performance on Saturday to show their own supporters exactly how well they can play, but in doing so, they ensured that Swindon Town's promotion celebrations were kept on ice for a few more days at least! Goals from Guy Madjo and Danny Hylton earned Shots a superb, thoroughly deserved victory over The Robins.
Manager Dean Holdsworth made just one change to his starting line-up, preferring Guy Madjo to Jordan Roberts. Troy Brown passed a late fitness test for Shots and took up his place in the back four alongside Darren Jones.
Shots began well and settled quickly. As is so often the case when faced with strong opposition, they played with an upbeat tempo and despite the obvious quality they were up against, took the game to the visitors whenever they could throughout the first half.
Swindon were pretty handy on the ball too, but found Shots defence hard to break down. Anthony Straker and Troy Brown in particular, were outstanding on the evening. Indeed it was Brown who began the move which led to Shots taking the lead in the 13th minute. He brilliantly trapped a ball - AND passed it to Straker, all with one touch! Strakes then fed Aaron Morris, who played a delightful ball into the path of the onrushing Guy Madjo. As Guy advanced toward goal, it looked like the ball had got away from him, so Danny Hylton picked it up, shifted it to the right and shot toward goal. Foderingham could only parry it and Madjo was on hand to follow up and score from close range. 1-0 Shots
With Robins a little shell-shocked, Shots then had a purple patch. Hylton went down in the area - a little too easily according to the ref. Then a wonderful flowing move between Risser (flicked header) Danny (back heel) and Madjo got the crowd on their feet. It came to nothing in the end, but Shots were back at their best and what a delight that was to see after the recent run of four winless games.
Swindon only occasionally threatened and with the entire back four playing well, Young had little to do and Shots deserved their lead at the interval.
Swindon pulled level 9 minutes into the second half, thanks to a penalty, given for handball against Peter Vincenti. Skipper Paul Caddis tucked it away with ease to send the visiting fans into raptures.
Shots weren't about to lay down though and just five minutes later they regained their lead, thanks once again to the combination of Madjo and Hylton. This time Guy robbed a defender on the by-line and squared the ball across the goal. Danny met it at the far post and rammed the ball high into the net. 2-1 Shots!
Wilko Risser battled superbly for Shots throughout, but took a heavy knock on 80 minutes and was replaced by Reece Connolly, who almost connected with a great through ball, just seconds after coming on.
Swindon tried to come again, but Shots held firm through four minutres of added time, which included two more substitutions, Roberts and Molesley coming on for Mekki and Hylton, who had both worked tirelessly throughout.
All in all a superb night for Aldershot Town FC, of whom the 2300 odd Shots fans in attendance this evening, will once again be extremely proud!
Shots: Young Herd Jones Brown Straker Mekki (Molesley) Morris Vincenti Hylton (Roberts) Risser (Connolly) Madjo. Subs: Clement Bergqvist Att: 3562 (1263 Swindon fans)