ALTRINCHAM 1, ALDERSHOT 2
Tom Peers ended newly promoted Altrincham’s home goal drought, but it was insufficient to stave off a home National League defeat to Aldershot.
It looked as though the Robins, still seeking their first home league goal of the campaign and opening win, were going to ensure a third scoreless game when Peers struck in the 88th minute to end a run of 268 minutes without finding the net at the J Davidson Stadium.
By that time, however, The Shots had established a 2-0 lead through strikes from Toby Edser and substitute Chike Kandi.
After eight league games, though, the Robins have scored only five goals with their lack of a cutting edge a glaring shortcoming which needs addressing if they are to survive. They are in the relegation places.
The injury-hit Robins, without seven players, had their three new signings all featuring.
Winger Andy Dales, 26, signed on loan from Scunthorpe United, made the starting line-up.
Dales, who has also had spells at Dundee and Hamilton Academical, is no stranger having appeared against the Robins during his time at Mickleover Sports.
On the bench were midfielder Alistair Smith, 21, who is on loan from Mansfield Town. He played for Kettering Town at the J Davidson Stadium in February and striker Jamie McDonald, 27, who has been signed on non-contract forms from City of Liverpool. He rose to prominence at Warrington Town.
Aldershot also had three new signings with all three making their debuts.
Goalkeeper Brad James, loaned from Middlesbrough, started in goal as did Watford winger Joe Hungbo and free agent striker Mike Fondop who played for Chesterfield last season.
Former Scotland international Ross McCormack, 34, the ex-Cardiff City, Leeds, Fulham and Aston Villa striker, remained on the sidelines through injury.
Altrincham failed to heed an early warning after Alfie Whittingham poked an effort narrowly wide.
The Shots took a 12th minute lead through a scruffy goal as former Nottingham Forest midfielder Toby Edser cut in the from left and his shot from the edge of the area crept in.
The Robins had a great chance to equalise when Tom Peers was put through on goal, but Shadrach Ogie got back superbly to deflect his shot for a corner.
The Robins enjoyed their best spell of the game midway through the second half when Peers, following an electrifying run, struck the crossbar.
And that was quickly followed by Matty Kosylo forcing a decent save from James.
They were made to pay for those missed chances as The Shots doubled their lead with 11 minutes left.
Substitute Kandi, a former Chelsea and Brighton youth team player, bent home a terrific low shot from the edge of the box to round off a slick passing move.
The Robins, in fairness, kept batting to the end. Substitute Curtis Miller broke clear only to see his shot blocked for a corner.
But they were finally rewarded for their efforts when Peers finally found a way past James who got a hand to the striker’s effort but was unable to keep it out.