SHOTS SHOW SIX APPEAL
VERDICT: Aldershot were simply irresistible with Guiseley unable to live with Gary Waddock’s young and vibrant side who made it nine points out of nine at an absolute canter
ALDERSHOT TOWN dismantled Guiseley to keep their place in the National League’s 100 per cent club.
It’s played three, won three for Gary Waddock’s early table-toppers in the opening week of the season as they outclassed the sorry Lions from the first whistle to the last.
While the boss was pleased with their display, he has reminded his players the bar has now been set high.
“It’s three points firstly,” Waddock said, feet firmly planted on the ground with his side the only to take maximum points so far. “A clean sheet and the goals for column is also important when you get the opportunity. So I’m very pleased with the first week of the season.
“We always want more. I’ve just said to the lads in there, ‘You’ve got a problem. You’ve set the standard now and you’ve got to maintain it’. The level of play was very good and we were clinical in our finishing. It was a good day all round.”
Bobby-Joe Taylor’s 14th-minute header was chalked off for offside. It only delayed the inevitable.
Shamir Fenelon took the ball off John Rooney’s toe and the Shots broke by spreading the ball right to Matt McClure. With red shirts pouring forward, the striker set off towards goal, drifted inside and bent a shot that kissed the post on its way into the far corner.
The next three came in a devastating nine-minute spell before the break. The first went to Callum Reynolds. Fenelon crossed to far post, McClure cushioned the ball back across the face where the skipper was on hand to turn in from under the bar.
They didn’t need help, but Marcus Williams’ error handed the Shots’ third on a plate. The ball squirmed through his legs as he tried to control in the box and Jim Kellermann swept in to smash home.
Just when the half-time whistle was about to provide the visitors much needed relief, the Shots got a fourth. Taylor skipped away from Danny Lowe, crossed low and, although Jonny Maxted kept the initial attempt out, Fenelon hammered into the net from close range.
It took the outstanding Rowe eight second-half minutes to get the goal his performance deserved.
Danny East’s ill-advised backheel outside his own box was seized upon, fed to Rowe who dropped his shoulder and fired into the bottom corner.
And a sixth duly arrived on 74 minutes when McClure rose high to nod in Chris Arthur’s centre.
“I suppose everybody will always say it’s in tough times you do learn about people around you,” Guiseley boss Adam Lockwood said. “Today will be no different. I’ve always done that as a player and a manager. You have to see how people react in times when they are up against it. Obviously today we were.” STAR MAN: James Rowe (Aldershot) ATT: 1,938 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Samuel Allison 7/10
“I said to the lads, ‘You’ve got a problem now. You’ve set the standard, now you’ve got to maintain it’” Gary Waddock Aldershot manager
“You have to see how people react when you’re up against it. Obviously today we were” Adam Lockwood Guiseley manager