Shots fans hopes are sky high

Garry Crawford's brilliant young Aldershot side took to the field tonight in a glamour friendly to mark an exciting new beginning for the club against a full strength Middlesbrough side packed with International superstars, and gave the performance of their young lives, stealing the show in the process.

In front of a crowd of just 6.663 mostly away supporters, the 4th Division youngsters soaked up the top flight sides pressure before inflicting defeat on a  Boro side valued at nearly £250 Million.

Middlesbrough took an expected lead in the 2nd minute through Milito and the home side piled on the pressure looking for the second goal that would have put the contest to bed, but Aldershot managed to draw level on the 23rd minute with a goal through Leitner which was met by rapturous applause from both sets of fans.

Middlesbrough then piled on more pressure looking to take a lead into the break, but the Aldershot keeper, and man of the match, Ahamada was in terrific form and single handedly kept the scores level at half time.
The home side then started the second half as they finished the first, but in the 49th minute, out of the blue, Bojan put the visitors ahead with a fine solo goal before incredibly adding another two minutes later sending the away supporters into delerious celebrations.

Middlesboro then pulled one back three minutes later, while the away support were still celebrating, through a Dede strike, but the 4th Division side held on under intense pressure for the remainder of the contest to record an amazing victory against one of the best sides in the country.

Garry Crawford said after the game that 'His young side were taking in the tactical changes he was implementing for the new season and although tonight's game was just a friendly, his youngsters had just produced the performance of their lives, and it would definitely fill the entire squad with confidence for the start of the new campaign.

Aldershot Boss vows to give youth a chance

New Aldershot Boss Garry Crawford has promised the clubs supporters that while he is in charge, not one top young player will be allowed to leave the club.

Aldershot were bombarded with offers for seven of their players when Crawford took over in the last quarter of the season but kept hold of everyone single one of their highly sought after youngsters, letting go only 26 year old Iago Aspas to Wallsall for cash plus Stewart Downing in a transfer that was just too good to turn down as Downing's experience will turn out to be invaluable to his young players. Also leaving the club was the unfancied Ciaran Clarke to Bristol City for 2 young players including the exciting 21 year old Brazilian talent Rodriguez Dudu.

While Aldershot don't have any funds to add to their exciting young team, Crawford said that he had every faith in his squad to make the play-offs and any money made throughout the season would be used to bolster the squad. He also said that older players could be used to bring in more exciting youngsters and that he was currently in talks with a Premiership Club regarding such a deal.