Aldershot Town produced a commanding 2-0 pre-season win over Championship outfit Portsmouth at the EBB Stadium on Wednesday, with goals from Hakeem Sandah and Marcus Dinanga. The Shots, now 20th in the National League with 46 points from 46 games and recent form LLLLL, dominated the contest in front of 1,030 fans.
What happened in the first half?
The Shots started brightly and nearly opened the scoring in the third minute when Basil Tuma’s inviting cross found no takers in the box. Aldershot went close again on seven minutes when a corner fell to Dominic Odusanya, whose right-footed volley flew over the bar. Pressure mounted and the breakthrough arrived on 30 minutes when Sandah rifled home from the edge of the box after Gilbert found space in the box.
Dinanga doubled the lead four minutes later, calmly slotting past Portsmouth keeper Ben Killip after a defensive mix-up. The Shots nearly made it three before half-time when Michael Stickland’s header forced a fine save from Killip, keeping Pompey’s comeback hopes alive.
Why it matters for Aldershot Town
Scott Davies’ side showed composure and quality against a Championship side, with Sandah and Dinanga leading the line. The win follows a run of five straight league losses, leaving the Shots 20th in the National League with a goal difference of -18 (69 scored, 87 conceded). Their next step is a pre-season test against National League South side Farnborough on Saturday, July 18 at 3pm.
Changes and late chances
Davies made 11 changes at half-time, including Jack Matton for Michee Efete, while Pompey boss John Mousinho made a full-team overhaul. The Shots nearly extended their lead in the 68th minute when Tristan Abrahams blazed over from distance. Portsmouth’s Colby Bishop then forced a smart save from Nick Hayes in the 71st minute, keeping the visitors in the game.
Late drama saw Charlie Patmore replace Hayes in goal for Aldershot, and Pompey’s Bishop blazed a powerful effort off-target in the 85th minute, tipped behind by Patmore. The Shots held firm to secure a morale-boosting pre-season scalp, with Davies’ side seeing out the game in professional fashion.
What comes next?
Aldershot Town face Farnborough in their next pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 18 at 3pm. The Shots sit 62 points behind league leaders York with a recent run of five straight losses, but this win offers a lift ahead of the new campaign. The EBB Stadium faithful will hope the momentum continues into the upcoming season.
