Thomas strikes late on to sink promotion rivals and take all three points

A LATE Kwame Thomas goal was enough to give Aldershot Town a narrow win over National League play-off rivals Barnet at the EBB Stadium last Tuesday night.

Tommy Widdrington rested just two players, with Theo Widdrington and Jack Barham being replaced by James Daly and Stuart O’Keefe ahead of another tough test at the hands of Barnet.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, but most of the ones which came were falling the way of the Shots. Lorent Tolaj had a handful of half chances, his deflected effort off the post and

Daly’s lob over the keeper were the only chances of note for the Shots in the opening 45.

Despite the Shots pressing on, Barnet goalkeeper Josh Keeley seemed more than content for the score to remain 0-0, hence his yellow for taking an age with every goal kick that came his way.

Neither side could break the deadlock on a chilly night at the EBB Stadium, so the game went into half-time level.

The Shots continued their pressure but to no avail in the opening 20 of the second half.

Daly had a golden chance within seconds of the restart, as Lorent Tolaj did well to Tyler Frost, he in turn put a great ball across the box but Daly was unable to connect.

Later a goalmouth scramble ended in a clearance, so there were no goals before Widdrington’s first change of Barham for Daly on 67 minutes.

His next change came on 74 minutes as, in search of a goal, Tommy Widdrington made his signature switch, taking off a midfielder, this time Dejan Tetek, for a striker, Thomas.

The EBB Stadium fell silent for the first time in a while in what was a heart-in-mouth moment on Jordi Van Stappershoef’s line, as a failed Ollie Harfield clearance led to a scuffle on the line. The keeper eventually got his hand on the ball and released Ryan Glover.

The resulting attack saw the ball in the back of the net for the first time, as Glover found Ollie Harfield, and he put a good ball into the box, Thomas headed on and Barham netted from close range.

However the assistant’s flag had gone up as soon as the ball connected with Thomas’ head.

And finally, after 85 minutes, Aldershot had the lead.

The ball found a way to Frost, and he hit a half volley towards the Barnet net, however Thomas got a vital touch on the ball, as he converted from close range and put the ball beyond Keeley.

The Barnet keeper was then suddenly eager the get the ball out of his net and up the pitch.

Barham unfortunately had his evening ended early, as he was forced off through injury and replaced by Maxwell Mullins in the 90th minute.

After a tense seven minutes of added time the referee blew his whistle.