Opposition View: Aldershot

ACCRINGTON Vital Football caught up with Vital Aldershot Town editor Paul Thorning, who kindly supplied us with his expert opinion in the lead up to the big game on Saturday.

This is what happened when Martyn Robinson spoke to Paul earlier this week:

What are your predictions and hopes for the new season?

I would like to see the club finish in a healthy mid table position, around the 8th-12th place region. We have the quality to mount a Play-Off position push, so if we can play like we did last season, this season, there is no reason why we can’t accomplish that!

Who’ve been the major ins and outs at The Recreation Ground transfer wise?

Joel Grant leaving for Crewe was a big loss, but a club like Aldershot can’t turn down £130,000, and we can’t deny promising players the chance to progress at a higher level.

The capture of Marvin Morgan is nothing but a good thing, providing us extra fire power up front. Scott Davies coming from Reading for his second season on loan with us is fantastic, and Ben Staroska, the Poland U20 right back, is also a massive coup for us.

How has your pre-season gone?

Hasn’t been fantastic, however we have put in some solid performances, and the game against Clive Allens Tottenham XI, although we lost 3-1, was a really good performance from the lads.

First season back in the Football League, some very strong teams in it, how do you think your side will cope?

We will be fine, we fear no-one!

What players should we be looking out for on Saturday?

Marvin Morgan, Ben Staroska and Nikki Bull, by far the best keeper in The Conference last season, and no doubt one of the best keepers in League 2, possibly even League 1.

And what about any weaknesses?

Our midfield play, we have a tendency to lose the ball in the middle of the park, and then comitting clumsy fouls getting the ball back.

What’s your most memorable Aldershot game?

The Playoff final loss to Shrewsbury in 2004. We played out of our skins that game, thoroughly deserving to win. Losing on penalties to a weaker side was heartbreaking.

What do you make of Stanley’s chances this season?

Accrington Stanley!? Who are they!? Only joking, I think Stanley should also be pushing for a playoff spot, some good signings this summer, will be keeping an eye on how you do.

If there was one player you could take from Stanley to Aldershot, who would it be and why?

I’d have to say Paul Mullin, solid centre forward, a real presence in attack.

And if there was one player from The Recreation Ground that you could send our way, who would it be and why?

Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz. He is our Number 2, but he’s better than Kenny Arthur, so you should take him on loan, that way he’ll get first team experience, and be even better for us when he comes back!

And now for your score prediction for Saturday?

2-0 Aldershot, Morgan and Hylton to score.