It's a return to the garrison town for the first time in two decades, so let's get in the mood for the Shots v Shrimpers on Saturday, August 14th; kick-off 19.45.
v 
SHRIMPERS
After the excitement of the Carling Cup victory last Tuesday it's back to the bread and butter stuff of league football and a return visit to the Recreation Ground, or the EEB Stadium as it's now known, after twenty years!
Mixed memories of trips to Aldershot, that 6-2 reverse in the eighties was not very nice, but looking forward to seeing Paul Sturrock's boys, whoever he selects, try and pick up from the last second equaliser against Stockport to the magic of coming back from being 2-1 down to Bristol City with eight minutes left and winning.
These boys don't know when to give up!
Two goal Matt Paterson but still find himself on the bench.
Left-back Peter Gilbert has an ankle problem and is likely to miss the first few weeks of the season.
Bilel Mohsni and Adam Bouzid may be able to feature in the fixture but are still waiting for international clearance from the French Football Federation and Moroccan FA respectively.
Possible Southend United: Morris, Clohessy, Phillips, Prosser, Barker, Soares Grant, Easton, Simpson, Spencer, Corr.
Subs: Evans, Coughlan, Herd, Zaaboub, Hall, Sturrock, Paterson.
OPPOSITION
While The Shots may well have crashed out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening, the 3-0 score line certainly did not reflect the performance and manager Dillon will head into the match against the Shrimpers in fine fettle, confident that his side can go one better than the result gained at Accrington last weekend.
Speaking about the visitors ahead of the match, Shots boss Kevin Dillon told us: "It looks like they can come back from goals behind - they did it against Stockport and they did it on Tuesday [against Bristol City], so they've got a good spirit there."
Indeed, with another tough test in store for The Shots, Dillon will be hoping that his side can begin to convert some of their chances into goals and with their attacking prowess, it's certainly only a matter of time until things fall into place and players are certainly chomping at the bit to make that happen.
Jack Randall continues to miss out [fractured fibula] as does John Halls, who began training on Thursday following his closed season groin operation.
Aaron Morris returns to the squad following his midweek appearance for the Welsh Under-21 side in Malta and Dillon has also confirmed that all the players who were suffering from a virus at the start of the week, have recovered sufficiently and will be available for selection.
Aldershot from: Jamie Young, Jordan Clement, Ben Herd, Anthony Straker, Glen Little, Anthony Charles, Darren Jones, Jamie Vincent, Ben Harding, Aaron Morris, Luke Guttridge, Reece Connolly, Danny Hylton, Marvin Morgan, Manny Panther, Jermaine McGlashan, Wade Small, Damian Spencer and Clayton Fortune.
(Aldershot team information supplied by official website www.theshots.co.uk)
Final League Two Play-Off Positions (Aldershot lost to Rotherham in the semi-finals.) 4 Morecambe 46 14 6 3 44 24 6 7 10 29 40 20 13 13 73 64 73 +9 5 Rotherham United 46 10 9 4 29 18 11 1 11 26 34 21 10 15 55 52 73 +3 6 Aldershot Town 46 12 7 4 43 24 8 5 10 26 32 20 12 14 69 56 72 +13 7 Dagenham & Redbridge 46 15 2 6 46 27 5 10 8 23 31 20 12 14 69 58 72 +11
Season opener: Accrington Stanley 0 Aldershot Town 0 (played on Saturday, August 7th.)
Accrington and Aldershot began the new season with a point apiece after battling out a goalless draw.
The home side had the better of the first half but a Sean McConville drive, well saved by Shots goalkeeper Jamie Young, was all they had to show for it.
Shots striker Marvin Morgan also had an effort well stopped by Ian Dunbavin.
Jimmy Ryan and Charlie Bennett went close for Stanley after the break but were unable to score the winning goal their side's dominance warranted.
"The pitch was dreadful. This particular arena is quite open so you should be able to grow grass quite easily. They've had four months to get the pitch right and it's inadequate. It's not good enough. As a spectacle the game was pretty inept. In the end the pitch probably won 3-0.
"It was a solid performance in the end. The draw was probably the fairest result possible with half chances both ends. The back four were excellent again and we looked solid as a team. We looked in control of what we were trying to do and in the end we nullified each other."
(Match report, and some match highlights if you click on, supplied by http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842730.stm
PREVIOUSLY
(All these matches are against the noe defunct Aldershot FC)At Aldershot (39) At Southend Utd. (42) Results Total % Results Total % Aldershot 15 38.46 Southend Utd. 27 64.29 Southend Utd. 9 23.08 Aldershot 7 16.67 Draws 15 38.46 Draws 8 19.05 Goals Total Av.pg Goals Total Av.pg Aldershot 67 1.72 Southend Utd. 102 2.43 Southend Utd. 54 1.38 Aldershot 44 1.05 On Neutral Ground (0) Overall (81 matches) Results Total % Results Total % Aldershot 0 0.00 Aldershot 22 27.16 Southend Utd. 0 0.00 Southend Utd. 36 44.44 Draws 0 0.00 Draws 23 28.40 Goals Total Av.pg Goals Total Av.pg Aldershot 0 0.00 Aldershot 111 1.37 Southend Utd. 0 0.00 Southend Utd. 156 1.93 Records Highest Aggregate 11 Southend Utd. 10 - 1 Aldershot 1990/1991 Highest Aldershot score: 6 Aldershot 6 - 2 Southend Utd. 1984/1985 Highest Southend Utd. score: 10 Southend Utd. 10 - 1 Aldershot 1990/1991 Season Date Home Score Away Competition 1990/1991 Tue 06 Nov Southend Utd. 10 - 1 Aldershot (Associate Members) Tue 04 Sep Aldershot 2 - 2 Southend Utd. League Cup Southend United won 4-3 on aggregate Tue 28 Aug Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot League Cup 1989/1990 Sat 27 Jan Southend Utd. 5 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Sat 09 Sep Aldershot 0 - 5 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1988/1989 Sat 28 Jan Southend Utd. 1 - 1 Aldershot Third Division Sat 17 Sep Aldershot 2 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division 1987/1988 Mon 04 Apr Aldershot 0 - 1 Southend Utd. Third Division Sat 21 Nov Southend Utd. 0 - 1 Aldershot Third Division 1986/1987 Sat 18 Apr Southend Utd. 2 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Thu 01 Jan Aldershot 0 - 1 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1985/1986 Sat 15 Mar Southend Utd. 2 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Sat 12 Oct Aldershot 1 - 3 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1984/1985 Sat 02 Mar Southend Utd. 1 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Sat 27 Oct Aldershot 6 - 2 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1980/1981 Sat 18 Apr Aldershot 1 - 2 Southend Utd. Fourth Division Sat 27 Dec Southend Utd. 3 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division 1977/1978 Sat 25 Mar Aldershot 3 - 0 Southend Utd. Fourth Division Tue 27 Dec Southend Utd. 3 - 1 Aldershot Fourth Division 1976/1977 Sat 01 Jan Southend Utd. 5 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Sat 06 Nov Aldershot 0 - 0 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1975/1976 Mon 08 Mar Southend Utd. 0 - 2 Aldershot Third Division Sat 04 Oct Aldershot 2 - 1 Southend Utd. Third Division 1974/1975 Sat 29 Mar Aldershot 3 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division Mon 23 Dec Southend Utd. 1 - 1 Aldershot Third Division 1973/1974 Sun 17 Feb Aldershot 3 - 3 Southend Utd. Third Division Sat 13 Oct Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot Third Division 1972/1973 Sat 18 Nov Southend Utd. 0 - 2 Aldershot F.A. Cup Wed 16 Aug Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot League Cup 1971/1972 Fri 24 Mar Southend Utd. 1 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Sat 11 Sep Aldershot 0 - 0 Southend Utd. Fourth Division Mon 23 Aug Southend Utd. 1 - 2 Aldershot League Cup Wed 18 Aug Aldershot 1 - 1 Southend Utd. League Cup 1970/1971 Mon 29 Mar Aldershot 2 - 2 Southend Utd. Fourth Division Fri 12 Feb Southend Utd. 2 - 2 Aldershot Fourth Division 1969/1970 Sat 14 Mar Aldershot 2 - 1 Southend Utd. Fourth Division Sat 29 Nov Southend Utd. 2 - 2 Aldershot Fourth Division 1968/1969 Mon 07 Apr Southend Utd. 4 - 2 Aldershot Fourth Division Wed 18 Sep Aldershot 2 - 1 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1967/1968 Sat 23 Mar Aldershot 1 - 3 Southend Utd. Fourth Division Fri 27 Oct Southend Utd. 1 - 1 Aldershot Fourth Division 1966/1967 Tue 27 Dec Southend Utd. 4 - 0 Aldershot Fourth Division Mon 26 Dec Aldershot 5 - 2 Southend Utd. Fourth Division 1957/1958 Wed 18 Sep Aldershot 0 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Wed 11 Sep Southend Utd. 1 - 2 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1956/1957 Sat 02 Mar Southend Utd. 2 - 4 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 20 Oct Aldershot 5 - 3 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1955/1956 Sat 03 Mar Southend Utd. 3 - 2 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 22 Oct Aldershot 3 - 3 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1954/1955 Sat 01 Jan Southend Utd. 0 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 28 Aug Aldershot 1 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1953/1954 Sat 17 Apr Aldershot 4 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Tue 13 Apr Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1952/1953 Sat 28 Feb Aldershot 1 - 1 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Sat 11 Oct Southend Utd. 1 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1951/1952 Sat 01 Mar Aldershot 2 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Sat 13 Oct Southend Utd. 7 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1950/1951 Tue 12 Sep Southend Utd. 4 - 2 Aldershot Third Division (South) Wed 06 Sep Aldershot 2 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1949/1950 Tue 02 May Aldershot 1 - 1 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Sat 08 Apr Southend Utd. 3 - 0 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1948/1949 Sat 19 Feb Southend Utd. 1 - 0 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 25 Sep Aldershot 1 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1947/1948 Sat 20 Mar Southend Utd. 4 - 0 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 01 Nov Aldershot 1 - 1 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1946/1947 Sat 29 Mar Aldershot 0 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Sat 23 Nov Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1938/1939 Sat 25 Mar Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 19 Nov Aldershot 1 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1937/1938 Mon 18 Apr Southend Utd. 4 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) Fri 15 Apr Aldershot 1 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1936/1937 Sat 23 Jan Aldershot 1 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Sat 19 Sep Southend Utd. 2 - 2 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1935/1936 Sat 29 Feb Southend Utd. 2 - 2 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 09 Nov Aldershot 1 - 1 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1934/1935 Wed 05 Sep Aldershot 3 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) Wed 29 Aug Southend Utd. 2 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) 1933/1934 Sat 17 Mar Southend Utd. 1 - 0 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 04 Nov Aldershot 2 - 0 Southend Utd. Third Division (South) 1932/1933 Sat 31 Dec Southend Utd. 5 - 1 Aldershot Third Division (South) Sat 27 Aug Aldershot 1 - 2 Southend Utd. Third Division (South)
GROUND
The interior of the ground hasn't changed a great deal since the days of Aldershot FC who alas went out of business in 1992. A new Club was born shortly after named Aldershot Town, who took over the Recreation Ground and have successfully risen through the lower leagues and now find themselves, back in the Football League.
The ground itself is set in a pleasant setting with plenty of trees visible around its perimeter. This is particularly so at the High Street End of the ground which is an open end. Some of the trees there are almost as tall as the floodlight pylons of the ground. This end doesn't have any terracing as such, but merely a narrow path that runs along behind the advertising hoardings.
On one side is a two storey green portakabin that serves as a Police Control Box, otherwise this end is unused for spectators.
Opposite is the East Bank. This is a covered terrace that has a barrel shaped roof and a number of supporting pillars running across the front of it.
On another side is the North (Main) Stand, which was built in the late 1930's. This partly covered (to the rear), is slightly raised having small sets of steps in front of it, so fans can access it. It once was all terrace, but a number of seats have now been added to the middle portion of the stand, with terrace still present on either side.
Opposite is the South Stand, which is another covered seated stand, which looks a lot more modern than its age suggests (it was built in 1929). This stand only runs for around the half the length of the pitch, sitting astride the halfway line. The ground benefits from an impressive set of floodlights.
Special thanks to Ben Smith for helping www.footballgroungguide.com out with some of the information for this page.
Away fans are housed in the South East corner of the ground, where there are 212 covered seated places available in the South Stand and space for a further 888 in the East Bank Terrace.
This stand is shared with home supporters - and those familiar with the Rec will notice that the dividing fence has been moved during the Summer of 2008 to reduce the away area significantly. However in good weather the area shouldn't feel cramped as access remains to the uncovered terrace on the South side.
There are a number of supporting pillars in the East Bank, which could obstruct your view. Although the stand is showing its age, at least it does allow a good atmosphere to be created. Despite the club having done significant work to improve facilities for away supporters, they remain pretty basic.
Robin Carder informs www.footballgroungguide.com; 'Travelling fans are also reminded that the Away turnstiles (11 and 12) are not at the front of the ground but via the park entrance accessed off Redan Road (Hill). The walk from the High Street entrance to the Away turnstiles can take 10 minute so allow plenty of time, and factor in potential queues due to there being only two turnstiles (there are plans to increase this to three).
(Ground information supplied by www.footballgroundguide.com)
WEATHER
Warm at 20c's but heavy rain showers forecast in the area.
REF
The man in the middle is Graham Horwood from Bedfordshire.
And he gives an interview here: www.refworld.com/referee/143/1
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 14th; (all kick-offs 15.00): Aldershot v Southend, Barnet v Burton Albion, Bradford v Stevenage, Cheltenham v Crewe, Hereford v Gillingham, Lincoln City v Torquay, Macclesfield v Shrewsbury, Morecambe v Rotherham, Northampton v Accrington Stanley, Oxford Utd v Bury, Port Vale v Chesterfield, Stockport v Wycombe.
BET
Aldershot (to win) - 11/10, Draw - 12/5, Southend (to win) - 11/4.
For all the footy odds go here: www.oddschecker.com/football/english/league-two/
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw5/
aldershot_a_cheap_day_return_in_group_save_area_532733/index.shtml
By Car go here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw7/
aldershot_town_533071/index.shtml
By Coach go here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw3/
aldershot_town_533070/index.shtml
PUB AND PIES
For the best drinking around the ground, and we recommend the Royal Staff, go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw8/
join_the_royal_staff_pub_crawl_in_aldershot_545480/index.shtml
HISTORY
In March 1992, the town of Aldershot was without a football club after Aldershot F.C. became the first Football League team to fold during the football season since Accrington Stanley in 1962.
Aldershot Town was born later the same year, and began life competing in the Isthmian League Division Three.
Despite Aldershot Town playing five divisions lower than the Football League, the attendance for their first competitive fixture was higher than the old team's last home tie.
Ten successive victories were recorded under the guidance of former player Steve Wignall and Aldershot won the championship by an 18-point margin.
Eventually, after 16 long seasons, the garrison town of Aldershot had a football league side to support once again.
For a far more comprehensive history of the club than we could ever find the space, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldershot_Town_F.C.
