We had gloomy thoughts in spite of the bright sunlit start to our journey. The prospect of playing top place Aldershot didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Arriving early and being unable to find even elbowroom in the nearby pub, we entered the ground well before the stroke of three. I dined on pie and peas, and very nice they were too, thence into the away fans bar. It is so low slung as to be almost subterranean; the sum total of visible Harriers supporters being five made it a little unreal.
My only gripe was drinks being served in the enemy of all environmentalists, plastic glasses. I noticed an article in their programme penned by their keeper, Bull. Part of it read, “The power of team spirit, a hunger to succeed, and a will to win should never be underestimated.” Amen to that.

An added bonus was that we were entertained by the Royal Logistic Corp band pre-match and at half time. (No sign of Harry, though.) When you think what’s going on in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan, it does put things into perspective, especially in such garrison towns as Aldershot.

The result was much as expected though not the margin. It was something of a dream start via Barnes-Homer followed by our nightmare gift of an equaliser. Up until astute substitutions by the home side in the second half, we looked content with a draw. It was not to be so. The Shots wanted and got an edged win. Jeannin’s too-casual clearance gave away possession, with which they cracked home the winner. I'm sure Jeannin has some talent, but it’s not yet obvious.

Memo to McGrath: When you give a pass, at least look for a possible return. Don't stop to admire what you've just done.

Overall at least the effort was there, with a welcome glimpse of the team ethic. Jones was again outstanding, obviously destined for better things. For me Smikle was MotM; given the limited time he has been allowed to play, he made the most of this opportunity. We did have two chances late on to pinch a point but it was not to be. I heard a Shots fan say that that was the worst they’d played all season. I belong to the school of thought which says that you can only play as well as the opposition allows, which gave us some credit.

Aldershot looked every inch league leaders. They have an acquired authority about them, a confidence bred from winning. They certainly have turned things around. Last season they teetered on the brink of relegation. Mind you, if memory serves me right (it usually doesn’t) we did help them by allowing them to beat us when they were then bottom of the league. I can’t see us going back there next season. Let’s just hope they stay in League Two and we get to join them in the not-too-distant future.

One thought which did cross my mind (other than that my pie and peas were nice) was that whilst teams such as league leaders Aldershot can wallow in the luxury of having both a reserve and youth squad, we don’t. In essence, what it means is that whereas Yates has a squad of roughly 20, others can select from triple that number. I make no apologies for jumping on my old hobbyhorse about the need for a competitive reserve side to keep first team members honest in their endeavours, something which has not always been evident. It’s just a personal opinion, but I have no doubt that the sort of set-up at Aldershot, whist it may not guarantee success, has to be a step in the right direction. Whatever the chosen profession, without adequate resources, be it finance or manpower, anyone can struggle. The management team has been very much handicapped in that sphere. Until we can reach that level that would put us par with others, it is perhaps unfair to belittle those in charge under such a restrictive clime.
A brief word of praise for the dwindling band of away supporters. It’s a long road to travel when you’re on to a hiding for nothing.

We’ve almost become addicted to losing, a habit hard to kick. However, it’s bound to change on Tuesday when we play Steve Bull’s Stafford Rangers. Due to a prior commitment, I’ll not be there to witness the first step of our weaning off process. Whatever transpires, can I just say, as always, thanks for your time.




Waggy