Match Preview | Barnet FC v Aldershot Town

Barnet are back at the Hive tonight against Aldershot Town, where they’ll try to reclaim top spot.

So, what’s the Buzz?
After a disappointing 4-2 loss at Rochdale, Barnet dropped to third place in the table, tied on points with Solihull Moors and three behind Chesterfield.

The Bees’ two goals came from Nicke Kabamba, who is now the league’s top scorer, with eight goals in nine games.

Following the defeat, Dean Brennan emphasised the need to get back on track, telling his side they “need to move on now, straight away”.

Club Profile
Club Name: Aldershot Town
Nickname: The Shots
Founded: 1992
Ground: The EBB Stadium
Manager: Tommy Widdrington
League Position: 14th
Form: WLLWD

Opposition Report:
Escaping their previous game against Gateshead with a point, Aldershot will want to put a better performance in at The Hive. In a game against a good possession-based team, The Shots led 1-0 through forward Josh Stokes before conceding late on, making this the third time they’ve dropped points after scoring first this season.

In 14th place with 11 points, Aldershot have conceded the second most goals in the league with nineteen. That said, they are the joint-highest goalscorers in the bottom half of the table on 16 goals- three behind Barnet.

One to Watch: Josh Stokes
With five goals in eight games this season, the Bees’ defence will need to keep Stokes quiet if they want to keep a clean sheet. The 19-year-old is one of the best young players in the league.

Compared to all players under the age of 21 in the National League, Stokes ranks second in shot accuracy and expected goals, making him a dangerous threat.

In the Dugout: Tommy Widdrington

Born in Newcastle, Tommy Widdrington’s playing career included a six-year spell at
Southampton where he made 75 league appearances after being scouted at 15 years of age by John Hixon, the same man who scouted Alan Shearer. Having also played for Wigan Athletic, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool, Port Vale and Macclesfield, Widdrington retired at Salisbury City in 2010.

He then became head coach of Salisbury City, and after moving around non-league in various
managerial roles, ended up at Aldershot Town at the end of last season, helping them secure an
18th-placed finish.