20 years ...

20 years ago last Sunday my football team was wound up over a sum that pails into insignificance compared to many of the debts that have been accrued by todays teams.

A new team rose from the ashes of the old and started in Ryman Division 3 - effectively division 9 of the English league. Who would have thought that 20 years later we would be more than holding our own in Division 2 (effectively the fourth division) - and had a fantastic cup run this year including knocking out 2 teams from the league above us, and an unforgetable night where we won away at West Ham earlier in the season.

Many of the legends from the old team were at the game tonight to celebrate achievements, oncluding Len Walker, Glen Johnson, Jack Howarth, Joe Jopling, Malcolm Crosby, Alan Wooler, Colin Smith, Paul Shrubb, Alex McGregor, Les Briley, Kevan Brown, David Puckett, Tony lange, Paul Bennett and Colin Fielder. Well done Guys - and well done to Fred Brown who also came out to greet the crowd, after having played for the Shots in the 1940's.

A night to remember the sad demise of the old club, but also to commemorate the fantastic achievements of the new.

And to cap the night off, we beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 in a close fought game. How we managed to keep the ball out of our net in the 94th minute, I will never know! But it was meant to be, and a new record (for either club) of 6 consecutive home wins was created.

Well done to everybody connected to the mighty Aldershot Town FC past and present. We're proud of you :-)