ALDERSHOT Town boss Tommy Widdrington insisted that Portsmouth and Southampton is the only derby he is aware of in Hampshire.
His side host fellow Hampshire club Eastleigh in the National League on Saturday, looking to build on their 2-1 win over Bath City in the FA Cup last weekend.
The shots have not won in the league, though, since they beat Maidenhead United 4-3 at the end of August.
Speaking to Solent Sports News, Widdrington revealed that he does not see the clash as a derby, and he is instead looking forward to seeing Eastleigh manager Kelvin Davis and his assistant Danny Butterfield.
He claimed: “I am not being dismissive but the only Hampshire derby I’m aware of is Pompey and Saints.
“I have been made well aware that there is two teams that are far more disliked by the faithful at Aldershot Town and neither of them are actually in Hampshire.
“I know Kelvin and I know Danny Butterfield well. Once the game is done, they will be invited to my office for a glass of wine. We’ll shake hands and I’ll wish them the best of luck for the rest of their season.”
Eastleigh’s Paul McCallum struck 31 goals in the National League last season and Widdrington is fully aware of the danger that he possesses.
The Aldershot manager admitted that his side need to be switched on defensively, while also trying to play their front footed style.
He continued: “Historically, Eastleigh have been a big side. They have been very effective in both boxes. We have to make sure we defend our box particularly well. We’re strong being on the front foot.”
It was the Spitfires, who came out on top in both league meetings last season, winning 3-0 at the Silverlake Stadium, before a 5-3 success at the EBB Stadium in December.
