We are getting to the business end of the FA Trophy, with the Quarter Finals taking place on Saturday 1st March. One of the games sees Sittingbourne host Aldershot, looking to claim yet another scalp.
Sittingbourne are by far the lowest team left in the FA Trophy, playing in the Isthmian South East Division (step 4). The Brickies are sat second in the league and will have to settle for playoffs but they have undergone a historic campaign.
They were undoubtedly the story of the last 16, beating Southend 0-1 thanks to an Anthony Church 97th minute goal. Southend United had previously defeated NLN Southport (1-0) and Step Four Brentwood (3-5) but were stunned by Step Four Sittingbourne who continued their hot streak.
It was the Brickies’ eighth game in this season’s competition, including qualifying rounds, and their sixth victory over higher-division opposition. They are priced as 3.50 underdogs for this game but will take solace in the fact that they have exceeded expectations thus far. A win would be huge for Sittingbourne's aspirations next season, with the winners taking home £7,500.
If Sittingbourne are to cause their National League opponents issues, Mitchell May is likely to be at the forefront of the action. The 21-year-old is the teams' top scorer in the league with 16 goals, as well as scoring in wins against Dover and Winchester in earlier rounds. With Aldershot's tendency to recruit youngsters from leagues below, it would not be a surprise to see The Shots in for the talent in the summer.
Aldershot have endured a disappointing National League campaign but wins against Hartlepool (3-2) and Solihull Moors (3-1) have lifted them out of the relegation zone. The Shots are now three points clear of the drop and now have a welcome distraction in the FA Trophy against Step Four Sittingbourne.
The 75-mile journey Aldershot make on Saturday will be their first away game of the FA Trophy campaign. Tommy Widdrington's side beat Wealdstone (3-1), Chertsey (8-0) and Boreham Wood (2-0) to reach the quarters, meaning they have played a team in each division so far.
The Shots games have been full of entertainment. With 49 goals scored and 55 conceded in 32 games, their games are averaging 3.25 goals. They have played in the National League since 2014 without being relegated or promoted, so The Fa Trophy represents an opportunity to bring some joy to the Hampshire squad. Aldershot have reached the semi-finals on two occasions but have never got further.
Score Prediction: Sittingbourne 1-3 Aldershot
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