Nicke Kabamba netted the only goal as National League leaders Barnet beat 10-man Aldershot. Kabamba was on target for the second successive game, nodding in Bailey Hobson’s cross at the back post in the 26th minute to earn the Bees a fourth successive win. Worse was to follow for Aldershot, who are without a win in five, when captain Aaron Jones was sent off for a challenge on Idris Kanu five minutes later. The Bees made the trip to Aldershot in the Vanarama National League looking to make it four wins in a row. The hosts looked to get off the mark early when Hady Ghandour went for goal from the edge of the box, his effort rolled into the arms of Nick Hayes. Aldershot were pressing early on and registered their second shot of the game when Theo Widdrington rolled an effort wide of the left-hand post. Despite the early pressure it was the Bees who came closest in the opening ten minutes when a shot from the edge of the box by Mark Shelton rattled the crossbar. The Bees opened the scoring after 25 minutes when Bailey Hobson’s cross met the free head of Nick Kabamba at the back post who fired past Dewhurst. Aldershot were reduced to ten men when captain Aaron Jones went sliding in on Idris Kanu, the referee showed no hesitation to show a straight red card. Shelton was looking to cause problems again when his lobbed effort from just inside the box goes just wide of the post. With two minutes to go in the first half Shelton had another opportunity to make it two when Anthony Hartigan’s crossed free kick met the number 19 at the back post but he fired over. Half Time 0-1 Hobson took on the first chance of the half for the Bees but his shot from inside the box floated over the bar. In a half of few chances, it was the hosts with a half chance when Ghandour went charging into the box, only to be denied by the Barnet defence. Ben Coker swung in a free kick from the right-hand side, but his cross was headed away at the near post. Idris Kanu looked to make a darting run through on goal, but he was brought down just inside the Aldershot half, brandishing a yellow card for the Shots man. The Bees saw out the remainder of the game with the one goal advantage, ensuring the fourth win in a row before returning to the Hive next Saturday. Full Time 0-1 The Shots are back in action this Tuesday evening as we welcome Barnet to the EBB Stadium. The Bees will make an 87 mile round trip from the Hive Stadium to the EBB Stadium, and are playing in their seventh season in the Vanarama National League. LAST TIME OUT The last time both sides met was at the EBB Stadium in February of this year during the 23/24 season. The Shots were able to gain three points at the EBB, as Kwame Thomas was able to deflect a Tyler Frost shot into the back of the net to secure the Shots the win with an 85th minute winner. The previous outing was back in September of last year, where the Bees managed to come out on top with a 2-1 win at home. Danny Collinge was able to put Barnet ahead just a few moments before half-time, and the Bees doubled their lead just five minutes into the second half through Nicke Kabamba. Lorent Tolaj headed in a corner to make it 2-1 with a goal in the 59th minute, however the Shots couldn’t grab another. SINCE WE MET After their 1-0 defeat away at the EBB in February, the Bees lost only three of their remaining league games. Barnet finished the campaign in second, earning them an automatic place in the National League play off semi-final where they faced Solihull Moors. However the Bees suffered a 4-0 defeat at home which ended their chance of being promoted. This season Barnet have started well and currently top of the league after 10 games due to their superior goal difference over Forest Green Rovers and Saturday’s opponents York City who also sit on 21 points. IN THE DUGOUT In the dugout for Barnet is Dean Brennan who is now into his fourth season at Barnet, having originally been appointed as Head of Football at the Hive. He took the role of Head Coach on a permanent basis towards the end of the 21/22 season having been Interim Head Coach for the majority of the season and has led Barnet into the playoffs in both of his full seasons as Head Coach. The Irishman ended his playing career early to move into coaching/management at just 29 and now 44-years-old, has enjoyed a successful rise up the Non-League pyramid where he has now led his side, Barnet, to the very top of before today’s play. FORMER SHOTS There are a number of ex-Shots in the Barnet ranks: Ryan Glover – The most recent ex-Shot is centurion Ryan Glover who made 130 appearances during his time at the EBB Stadium. Myles Kenlock – Myles Kenlock made 10 appearances after joining the Shots in March 2023, including featuring in five of Tommy Widdrington’s six games in charge at the end of the 23/24 season. Rhys Browne – Rhys Browne made 39 appearances for the Shots during the 15/16 season, scoring six goals. Idris Kanu – The winger broke into the Shots first-team as a 16-year-old and became the Club’s youngest ever player after his debut against Solihull Moors, and the youngest ever goal scorer just over a month later, going on to make 31 appearances that season. Nicke Kabamba – Nicke Kabamba spent half a season on loan with the Shots in 2018, scoring three times in 11 appearances. TICKET INFO Tickets are available HERE, and are priced as follows after the Earlybird period has ended: We strongly encourage buying tickets in advance or online to save queues in the Ticket Office before the game. You can purchase your tickets for the game from the Club Shop in person from Mon-Fri 11-2 or from 12pm on the day of the game, or by calling 01252 320211. IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT Live updates will be available from our social media platforms X (@OfficialShots), Instagram (@aldershottownfcofficial), and Facebook. After the game, highlights will be available on our YouTube channel. The game is being broadcast on National League TV and a match pass can be bought for £9.99. Click HERE to visit National League TV There will be live commentary of the game provided by BBC Radio Surrey – listen online HERE