With DAZN now streaming every National League game, more and more eyes will be cast on the world that is non-league football. In this article, we look at Aldershot vs Forest Green, with both teams looking to start their seasons on the front foot.
Aldershot enjoyed a fantastic season against the odds, finishing 8th, just outside the playoffs, despite being tipped by many to struggle. Young, savvy head of recruitment Jamie Hedges and the astute management of Tommy Widdrington saw the Shots challenge for the playoffs.
Despite losing star strikers Lorent Tolaj and Josh Stokes to Port Vale and Bristol City respectively, Aldershot have recruited well yet again, with the focus shifted towards younger players yet again.
Haydon Vaughan signed from Bracknell, with the 18-year-old tipped for big things as he looks to follow in Josh Stokes' footsteps to the EFL. Kai Corbett (Peterborough) and Ryan Jones (Bristol Rovers) come with some EFL experience, despite their young age. Luke Jenkins, who signs from Chelmsford represents a real coup, with Aldershot beating off stiff competition from the EFL for his signature.
Dominant midfielder Emmanuel Maja signs from Banbury and adds more muscle and tenacity to the midfield. Australian defender Lachlan Byrd (Welling) also augments the defence. The only signing over the age of 25 comes in the form of winger Jame Henry, who brings with him a wealth of experience, having made over 500 appearances in the EFL and Premier League.
Despite reaching League One for the first time in their history, Forest Green find themselves plunged back into the National League after back-to-back relegations. This was brought upon by a string of poor managerial appointments and weak recruitment. Dale Vince will be keen to learn from his mistakes and return swiftly to the Football League.
Sean Long and Liam Sercombe made the shock decision to leave rivals Cheltenham and head to Rovers, while Wrexham’s long throw specialist Ben Tozer also signs. Tom Knowles enjoyed a few strong National League campaigns before signing for Walsall. The 25-year-old is an excellent acquisition for this level. Adam May also arrives from Cambridge – a player capable of playing higher but for injuries.
Leading Forest Green this season is the ever-reliable Steve Cotterill. The 60-year-old was appointed mid-season and Forest Green were ranked 14th for form in his 19 games managed.
With a promotion-winning specialist, a big budget and non-league expertise, Forest Green should be challenging the top end of the table again, and have a tough game to start.
With there being no season data to go off due to it being the first game of the season, it can sometimes be hard to conjure a bet. However, due to the loss of Josh Stokes and Lorent Tolaj for The Shots and the strong, early nature of Forest Green's business, the Greens look good value to take the points on the opening day.
Best Bet: Forest Green 0.0 Asian Handicap - bet365
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