Hot Scott shows class to settle nervy cup affair

SCOTT Rendell’s superb 79th minute header against his former side eased Aldershot Town through a tightly-fought all-National League tie and into the firstround.

The Shots front man had spurned a couple of chances before his goal, including a point-blank header which he directed over the bar.

But in guiding Adam McDonnell’s excellent cross into the far corner of the net he finally broke the deadlock in a match which always looked likely to be settled by one moment of quality.

The Shots’ clean sheet, though, was reward for another fine display from goalkeeper Jake Cole.

He denied long-range efforts from Luke Young and former Shots midfielder Damon Lathrope either side of half-time as Torquay United – led by two former Shots assistant managers, in Gary Owers and Martin Kuhl – threatened to snatch a result with a solid away performance.

The Gulls defended resolutely but, after a lacklustre first-half display from the hosts, Gary Waddock demanded more from his Shots side.

Buoyed by the return from injury of livewire striker Bernard Mensah, they delivered extra tempo and intensity, and soon centre back Will Evans hit the post from James Rowe’s free-kick.

Jamie Reid was lively for Torquay, and his own header dropped inches wide of the post, but Rendell eventually earned his reward for a fine individual performance and, in the end, Aldershot were good value for their first appearance in the first round in two seasons.