A game of three penalty kicks as Bristol Rovers edge Gary Waddock's side out of the Carling Cup at the first stage. Marvin Morgan netted the lone visiting goal from the penalty spot in the 59th minute.Gary Waddock returned to his former club aiming to progress an Aldershot side to a rare second round spot in the competition. Last season his team were unfortunate to make an early exit at the hands of a Coventry City side that were pressed during the first half.
Pre 1992 the competition had few fond memories for Shots supporters always hoping for that luxurious tie that has rarely happened in Aldershot football over the years.
For the visit to the Memorial Stadium the boss introduced Lewis Chalmers to the right back berth after Ben Herd was unable to recover from the late injury that he received in Saturday's opener at home to Darlington. Clark Masters came in for his Aldershot debut between the sticks.
Rovers were forced to make changes from the side that were defeated 2-1 at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday with the seven figure sale of popular striker Rickie Lambert to Southampton on Monday. Added to goalkeeper Fraser Forster, on loan from Newcastle United, not being able to play due to his parent club's restrictions the experienced Rhys Evans made his "second" Rovers debut after signing a short-term contract yesterday. Evans was at Bradford City last season.
Aldershot started promptly. Andy Sandell, against his former club, laid the ball into the path of Marvin Morgan on the edge of the 18 yard box. His delicate touch put Scott Donnelly through on goal and his firm left-footed strike was just a touch too close to Evans who forced the ball away with his feet. From an early Louie Soares corner Morgan got in front of his marker at the near post and guided his header wide of the far post. It was an encouraging early stint.
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