Gary Waddock hails Aldershot character despite shootout defeat

Posted Wednesday, November 21, 2018 by PA

Manager Gary Waddock praised his players his as National League Aldershot pushed League One bottom side Bradford City all the way in a FA Cup first-round replay at Valley Parade.

The Shots eventually went out of the competition 4-1 on penalties after the teams finished level 1-1 after extra time.

Bantams goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell saved two of Aldershot’s three penalties from Matt McClure and Gabriel Osho while Eoin Doyle, Kai Bruenker, Lewis O’Brien and Jack Payne scored Bradford’s four spot kicks.

Bradford had the bulk of possession but struggled to break down a strong Aldershot defence although Doyle twice had the ball in the net only to be ruled offside.

The sides were level 0-0 after 90 minutes, but the deadlock was broken in the 10th minute of extra-time when substitute Bruenker’s low cross from the right was turned into his own net by George Fowler.

However, Aldershot equalised in the 108th minute when substitute Luke Howell seized on a loose clearance from Danny Devine to fire past O’Donnell.

Waddock said: “We gave it everything we had against a League One side. We showed great strength and great character and resilience and I am delighted for this group of players.

“The players showed a lot of character in response to our 4-0 defeat at Salford in the league on Saturday and great fitness levels. Some of the lads had cramp towards the end because they gave it their all. Luke Howell in particular took his chance well and that was very important.

“Unfortunately, we lost in the penalty shootout , but even the best players in the world miss penalties in important matches.

“Our players took on board everything we told them and carried out our game plan and made it difficult for Bradford who are a good side.

“Their manager came into our dressing room and congratulated us on how we had played in both games.”

Bradford head coach David Hopkin said: “We are relived to get through. It was a massive result for us.

“It was a difficult game for us. Aldershot came with a game plan and I congratulated them on their performance. I thought they were outstanding.

“I thought we scored two perfectly good goals that would have seen us through in normal time. We took the lead and then gave away a poor goal, but the penalties we scored were fantastic. It has been an exhausting match in difficult conditions, but we are through to the next round.”