Aldershot Town secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Yeovil Town at The EBB Stadium in a closely fought National League match, a result which propelled the Shots above their rivals in the league table. Referee Niall Smith oversaw the encounter, which saw Aldershot capitalise on a first-half goal and an early second-half strike to ultimately overcome a late Yeovil fightback.
In the first half, Aldershot made an early tactical alteration, introducing Dejan Tetek in place of Cameron Hargreaves in the 36th minute, a move seemingly aimed at strengthening the midfield. The deadlock was broken in the 39th minute when Jack Barham, assisted by Theo Widdrington, put Aldershot ahead, sending the home supporters into raptures as they took a 1-0 lead into half-time.
The second half commenced with Aldershot extending their advantage in the 49th minute, Tyler Frost finding the net. Yeovil’s Harry Kite then received a yellow card in the 54th minute for a foul. In an attempt to revitalise their attack, Yeovil made a triple substitution in the 61st minute. These changes had an almost immediate effect, as Dominic Bernard, assisted by Frankie Terry, reduced the deficit for the Glovers in the 60th minute.
Aldershot responded with substitutions of their own, Kwame Thomas replacing James Henry in the 67th minute, followed by Maxwell Mullins taking the place of goalscorer Jack Barham in the 69th minute. Yeovil continued to press for an equaliser, bringing on Brett McGavin for Ciaran McGuckin in the 76th minute. Aldershot then introduced Kai Corbett for Josh Barrett in the 78th minute. The substitution strategy continued as Yeovil’s Dominic Bernard, who had earlier scored, was replaced by Michael Smith in the 80th minute. Theo Widdrington then received a yellow card in the 81st minute for a foul. Finally, Aldershot brought on Oliver Bray for Theo Widdrington in the 86th minute.
The victory sees Aldershot Town rise to 16th position in the National League table, with a total of 57 points from their 46 matches. Yeovil Town, with 56 points from the same number of games, now sit just below them in 18th place.