Founded in 1992 after the bankruptcy of its predecessor, this club is known for its tenacity and unexpected victories over favourites. Such outcomes lead to large payouts in betting, as the odds for Aldershot's success often reach high values.
Victory over Fulham in the 2004 FA Cup
One of the most striking cases, according to bookmaker Finestwager, occurred on 10 January 2004 in the third round of the FA Cup. Aldershot Town, then playing in the Conference (fifth tier), hosted Fulham from the Premier League. Fulham, led by Louis Saha and Lee Clark, were considered the clear favourites. The odds on their victory were around 1.20, while the odds on Aldershot's success were 10.00 and above.
The match began with the visitors dominating: Fulham scored first in the 15th minute through Saho after a mistake by the home defence. Aldershot responded in the 35th minute when James Hill scored with a header from a corner. In the second half, Fulham increased the pressure, but Aldershot goalkeeper Peter Hitchy saved several chances. In the 72nd minute, Clinton Morrison put the visitors ahead, but Aldershot did not give up. In the 89th minute, Mark Newman equalised with a long-range shot, and in added time, in the 93rd minute, Jeff Butt scored the winning goal after a counterattack. The final score was 3-2 in favour of Aldershot.
This sensation brought big winnings: bettors who placed £100 on the home team's victory received up to £1,000. Total payouts are estimated in the millions, as many players took a chance on the underdog.
Triumph over Reading in the 2005 FA Cup
The following season, on 8 January 2005, Aldershot Town shocked English football again by beating Championship side Reading 1-0 in the third round of the FA Cup. Reading, the favourites at odds of 1.30 to win, had Kevin Doyle and other stars in their line-up. Aldershot, still in the Conference, offered odds of around 8.50.
The game was played at the Recreation Ground. Reading controlled the ball, taking 18 shots on goal, but Aldershot's defence, led by captain Leith McNeill, held firm. The visitors missed several chances: Doyle hit the post in the 25th minute, and in the 55th minute, Glen Murphy made a save on the line. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Justin Steed scored the only goal after a pass from Hill, beating the Reading goalkeeper. The match ended in a narrow victory, extending Aldershot's run of cup upsets.
The winnings were substantial: a £200 bet returned a profit of £1,700.
Success against Coventry City in 2005
On 31 January 2005, Aldershot Town advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, beating Championship side Coventry City 2-1. Coventry, with odds of 1.40, had experienced players such as Paul Telfair. Aldershot offered 7.00 for a win.
At the Etihad Stadium (then Highfield Road), Coventry took the lead in the 12th minute when Malo Yula scored from a set piece. Aldershot equalised in the 38th minute when Justin Steed converted a penalty for a foul on Hill. In the second half, the hosts increased the pressure, but in the 65th minute, Andrew Taylor doubled the lead with a header. Coventry reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute, but there was not enough time for a comeback.
This result brought bettors payouts of up to £1,400 from a £200 stake. Aldershot reached the fifth round, where they lost to Sheffield Wednesday. Facts from official FA records and The Guardian reports.
Draw with Leicester in 2017
On 4 January 2017, in the third round of the FA Cup, Aldershot Town drew 2-2 with Leicester, the 2016 Premier League champions. Leicester were favourites with odds of 1.25, Aldershot were 12.00 to win, but a draw was 6.50.
At King Power Stadium, Leicester took the lead in the 48th minute when Jamal Wassell scored from a pass by Ally. Aldershot responded in the 60th minute when Sean McCairn converted a cross. In the 75th minute, Vassell put the visitors back in front, but in the 89th minute, Aldershot equalised with a goal from Mark Durie. The replay ended 3-2 in Leicester's favour, but the draw had already brought winnings on over 2.5 goals (odds of 1.80) and on Aldershot goals.
Bettors earned thousands: £100 on a draw returned £650. This highlights how even top clubs are vulnerable.
Victory over Hartlepool in 2023
On 7 October 2023, in the National League, Aldershot Town beat Hartlepool United 2-1. Hartlepool were the favourites (odds 2.20), Aldershot 3.50.
The match at Victoria Park: Hartlepool took the lead in the 20th minute with a goal from Oliver Graves. Aldershot equalised in the 45th minute with a long-range strike from Oliver Creecly. In the second half, in the 70th minute, Joshua Barrett scored the winner after a solo run. Aldershot dominated in the final stages.
Winnings reached £350 from a £100 bet. This helped the club in the fight for the playoffs.
