Aldershot win FA Trophy with victory over Spennymoor
Over 18,000 Aldershot fans watched their side win the FA Trophy in the club’s first-ever trip to Wembley
Dan George
BBC Sport at Wembley Stadium
Aldershot Town scored three second-half goals as they beat Spennymoor Town 3-0 to win the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium.
Jack Barham opened the scoring early in the second half, bundling the ball home after a cross by James Henry from the right-hand side.
With 20 minutes remaining, manager Tommy Widdrington’s side doubled their lead, Dan Ellison glancing the ball into the net from a corner kick.
Josh Barrett then wrapped up the game with a stunning strike on the volley from outside the box.
The Shots fans that made the trip to Wembley travelled in great numbers, and with over 18,000 tickets sold they packed out their allocated quarter of the ground.
Before the match, their supporters were bouncing as the players made their way to the pitch, a sea of red and blue throwing balloons and streamers into the air.
It was the National League side’s Wembley debut after they beat Woking 2-1 to progress to the final, while Spennymoor, of the National League North, reached the final after beating Rochdale on penalties.
Despite being smaller in number, the Spennymoor supporters still made a decent noise, with a big group of their fans packed into a section behind the goal as well as further along the stand.
It was Aldershot who had the first real chance, a cross was whipped in from the right and forward Barham’s glancing header sailed just wide of the far post.
After 20 minutes Spennymoor had a brilliant chance to take the lead. Finley Shrimpton burst down the right and charged into the box, laying the ball off to Rob Ramshaw, but his weak attempt fell right into the grasp of Aldershot keeper Marcus Dewhurst.
The Shots then went up the other end and Barrett forced a tremendous save from Brad James as the Spennymoor keeper palmed away a dangerous curling effort.
Josh Barrett (centre) scored a stunning volley to wrap up the game in the second half
Early in the second half, Aldershot found the breakthrough that they were looking for when Barrett produced a beautiful touch to send Henry down the right.
His cross found Barham waiting at the far post and he helped the ball over the line before standing on the advertising boards in front of him, hands raised to the delighted Shots fans.
That lead was then doubled with 20 minutes remaining as Barrett sent in an inswinging corner and Ellison was there to nod it home.
In the final moments Aldershot’s Barrett produced a moment to remember with a stunning third goal. After the ball bounced, he smashed it into the top corner with his left foot to seal victory.
‘Not a prouder person in the stadium’ – Widdrington
Aldershot Town boss Tommy Widdrington told BBC Radio Surrey:
“I thought the lads struggled a bit in the first half, but in the second we really stepped up and the substitutions were very positive.
“There is not a prouder person in this stadium. I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve had during my health problems and the people of Aldershot have been incredible.
“To finish the year I had with this moment is great. This final is the best of the teams outside the top four divisions, it’s no mean feat to win this.
“The town of Aldershot have been waiting to go to Wembley, they have all come out and I’m thrilled to take the trophy back to the town.
“I’m made up for the lads and Wembley is about winning, if you don’t win it then it has to be the worst feeling in the world, the players have their names in the history books of the club, I’m delighted.”
‘We will party hard tonight’ – Barrett
Aldershot Town goalscorer Josh Barrett told BBC Radio Surrey:
“It’s crazy, I can’t believe these scenes, we didn’t really execute the game plan in the first half but in the second half we dominated. That finish was one I knew was coming, I always try things and that’s who I am.
“The fans deserve this, give our manager some money and we will be a League Two team in no time, let’s hope we can get back up that table next season.
“I’ve loved every minutes of being here, the fans have accepted me and we’re going to party tonight, party hard.”
‘One hell of a journey’ – Lee
Spennymoor Town boss Graeme Lee told BBC Radio Tees:
“I feel emotional, it’s been one hell of a journey just to get here.
“Every single one of the lads should be very proud, we just fell a little bit and weren’t able to get back into the game after going behind.
“It’s unbelievable for us to reach the final and in the first half we created some great chances, unfortunately we just got punished in the second.
“I just couldn’t be more proud of this team and everyone involved to get here, it’s been a fantastic ride and story.”
