Aldershot 0 Torquay United 2
In a way this superb victory at Aldershot was even more impressive than the thrashing of Rochdale at the weekend. Exciting and creative in the first half and hard working and professional throughout, the Gulls were too good for a fancied Aldershot in a result that, along with other results finally going their way, leaves United's fate in their own hands at Grimsby on Saturday where a draw will guarantee League 2 football at Plainmoor next season.
Elliot Benyon & Scott Rendell scored their 14th & 13th goals of the season respectively but it was another fine team performance from a side that is brimming with confidence and full of commitment and endeavour.
There was one forced change for United with Michael Poke replacing Scott Bevan in goal who came off with a thigh injury against Rochdale on Saturday.
The home side got off to a quick start and Michael Poke was forced into a very early save from Dean Morgan which the Gulls' 'keeper did well to palm away. There was a good pace to the game and both teams seemed fully aware of the importance of a victory.
Mustapha Carayol began this match as he finished Saturday's by bamboozling the Aldershot defence and provided the impetus for the Gulls' first period of pressure which after a series of crosses nearly finished with Elliot Benyon scoring the opening goal but his effort went over the crossbar from close range.
Through the early stages United had been a match for the home side and on sixteen minutes the Gulls took the lead. Elliot Benyon chased down a through ball and showed great strength to hold off his marker and from the right edge of the Aldershot area Elliot struck a low right foot shot that beat Young and nestled in the bottom left corner of the net.
Goal: Aldershot 0 United 1 (Benyon 16)
There was a quick response from the home side with Harding sending an attempt at goal from 25 yards wide but United held on to their deserved lead.
United still looked the more dangerous side and from a Kevin Nicholson free-kick a save from Young came off the crossbar and out for a corner. Elliot Benyon's movement was once again proving a major problem for the opposition defence and short of getting over-physical there seemed little the Aldershot centre backs could do to stop him.
United were playing some excellent football and they doubled their lead after good work from Chris Zebroski who crossed to the far post for Mustapha Carayol but Muzzie couldn't finish the move himself but did manage to get the ball to Scott Rendell who finished from six yards although the ball seemed to take a deflection.
Goal: Aldershot 0 United 2 (Rendell 36)
Again Aldershot replied in a positive manner after conceding and this time a corner caused some problems for the United defence but a final effort from Blackburn went a yard wide. Aldershot could have no complaints with the scoreline and it seemed that finally after so many games where little went United's way they were getting their rewards.
Elliot Benyon looked to have a decent claim for a penalty when he tuned Brown who seemed to take a strong tug at his shirt but nothing was given. It was a match of end to end football with United playing the better quality stuff and the Aldershot full backs were thankful to hear the half-time whistle.
Half-Time: Aldershot 0 United 2
There were no changes at the break and there was no change to the dynamic of the match with United the better side and the pressure on the home side was going to build as the second half ticked away.
Aldershot were putting plenty of effort into the game but they were being matched by the Gulls in every department. The Shots didn't wait long before making a double substitution to try and change the obvious looking outcome to the game.
The substitutions seemed to have a positive effect on Aldershot who began to push United back and a succession of corners were won but as the match passed the hour mark the status quo remained and United were heading toward an extremely important three points.
The home side threw on their final sub as the second half remained goalless while Bucks, as he has tended to do in recent weeks, kept things nice and tight and left a team that is functioning correctly well alone.
In a half short of clear chances Nicky Wroe almost caught Young off his line but the United skipper's accuracy was just off but as long as the Gulls had the ball and were attacking there was little to worry about.
United weren't looking as threatening in the second half but that probably wasn't the brief they had been given during the break. They were stopping Aldershot playing and were easing their way to three points in a very professional manner.
Four minutes of added-on time usually mean some finger nail biting for an away side with a lead but it would hardly have raised a ripple in a Gulls team which was coasting to victory. Tyrone Thompson was sent on as the ninety minutes were up to take the place of the seemingly tireless Elliot Benyon who should be delighted with his night's work.
There was still time for Scott Rendell to force a decent save from Young as Aldershot had nothing left to give and United had the run of the pitch.
Full-Time: Aldershot 0 United 2
440 United supporters witnessed the victory and many more enjoyed listening to it as their team continue to produce football & results worthy of their backing. All attention now moves to the match with Grimsby and the chance to put any issues to bed.
