FEW people would have tipped Aldershot Town as promotion contenders this season, but 16 games into the season, the Hampshire club are currently sitting 8th in the National League table.
The Shots narrowly avoided the drop last season, with the arrival of manager Tommy Widdrington late in the season helping guide the club to safety and an 18th placed finish in the National League.
One of the few bright sparks last season for the club were the performances of Tyler Cordner, who left for York City in the summer.
Despite losing their star man, some smart recruitment from Widdrington has the Aldershot faithful dreaming of promotion, rather than fretting over relegation.
Josh Stokes was signed from AFC Sudbury of the Southern League Premier Division Central and has made the step up to the National League look easy.
Stokes has scored eight times in 17 appearances in all competitions this season and his fine form already has Aldershot fans wondering how long they can keep hold of the young talent for.
Lorent Tolaj arrived on a free transfer in the summer after being released by Brighton & Hove Albion and the Swiss striker has started to hit form in recent weeks.
Add to that the return of defender Haji Mnoga, who is back for a second successive loan spell from Portsmouth, and multiple signings from Widdrington’s former club, King’s Lynn Town, it’s no wonder the Shots are performing well.
Earlier this month, Aldershot became the first side to beat Solihull Moors this season, with a Tolaj strike earning them a hugely impressive 1-0 away win at the ARMCO Arena.
They followed that up with a comfortable 4-1 win over Lewes in the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup, where a Tolaj hat-trick set up a tasty first-round tie with Swindon Town.
A late turnaround at home to Hartlepool secured a 2-1 win in their most recent match to take the Shots up to 8th, with only goal difference keeping them out of the play-off zone.
It remains to be seen whether Widdrington’s Aldershot side can mount a genuine push for the play-offs, but the early signs under the former Southampton player are certainly promising.
