In a dramatic turn of events at the EBB Stadium, Aldershot Town secured a heart-stopping 2-1 victory over Altrincham, snatching all three points with a goal deep into stoppage time. The encounter, played under a tense atmosphere, was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the English National League, offering spectators a thrilling display of resilience and late-game heroics.
For much of the match, Altrincham held the upper hand, weathering early Aldershot pressure and gradually imposing their own rhythm. The visitors grew in confidence as the first half progressed, their midfield asserting control and limiting the home side’s attacking forays. Aldershot, meanwhile, struggled to find their usual fluency, their passes often falling short and their attacking movements lacking the incisiveness that has characterised their play at times this season.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 62nd minute. Oliver Crankshaw found the back of the net for Altrincham, giving his side a deserved lead. The goal visibly deflated the home support and spurred the Robins on, who sought to capitalise on their advantage.
Aldershot Town, however, refused to buckle. As the clock ticked towards the final whistle, a palpable sense of urgency descended upon the EBB Stadium. The home side began to throw everything at Altrincham, desperate to salvage something from the fixture. Tactical adjustments were made, with substitutions aimed at injecting fresh legs and attacking impetus into the Aldershot ranks.
The pressure finally told in the 89th minute. Hady Ghandour rose to the occasion, finding the equaliser for Aldershot Town and igniting a surge of belief within the stadium. The goal, coming so late in the game, shifted the momentum entirely, and Aldershot sensed an opportunity to complete a remarkable comeback.
As the fourth official indicated a minimum of five minutes of added time, the tension was almost unbearable. Then, in the 92nd minute, the EBB Stadium erupted. Substitute Tyler Frost, who had been introduced just minutes earlier, found the decisive goal for Aldershot Town, assisted by Coniah Boyce-Clarke. The strike sent the home fans into delirium and secured a dramatic victory that felt like a win in itself. The late turnaround was a bitter blow for Altrincham, who had come so close to securing a valuable away point.
The victory provides Aldershot Town with a much-needed boost. They remain in the lower reaches of the English National League table, currently sitting in 23rd place with 16 points from 22 games. This win, however, closes the gap on teams above them and offers a glimmer of hope in their battle to avoid relegation. Altrincham, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have let a lead slip so late in the game. They occupy 15th position in the league standings, with 26 points from 22 matches, and will be looking to regroup quickly from this setback.