ALDERSHOT Town achieved a moral-boosting victory ahead of this weekend's historic Conference opener against Accrington, but little more should be read into this result than that.
Town were clearly the better team in the first half, held firm against a Tottenham Hotspur fightback in the second period and overall were worthy winners.
However, against a North London side consisting of Irish international Gary Doherty and 10 extremely youthful and largely unheard of reserve players, this scoreline will certainly not live long in the memory of the Shots' faithful as one of their all-time giant-killing acts.
'Problems on the M25' was the official reason given for the Spurs team's arrival at the Rec at 3pm, with the kick-off time subsequently having to be put back to 3-37pm.
Whether it was travel lag, the heat or a half-hearted approach to the match, the visitors were certainly caught cold from the belated start as Tim Sills converted a cross from the left after just 90 seconds to give his side a welcome first home goal of the pre-season programme.
Town were simply more eager and quicker to the ball throughout the first period, and while Tottenham at times produced some reasonable passing movements, they looked totally toothless in the final third of the field. A Doherty header that flashed just wide in the 18th minute was their only effort of note.
There was far more action at the other end, with Roscoe D'Sane shooting just over in the 10th minute and the lively Sills twice going close with headers midway through the half.
A minute before the break, Aldershot increased their lead from a penalty. Captain Paul Buckle stumbled from a challenge inside the box, referee Cook significantly hesitated before giving the decision and certainly for a friendly, it seemed a little harsh. D'Sane, however, made no mistake from the spot.
There was little change to the overall pattern early in the second half.
But a triple substitution by the visitors paved the way for them to finally enjoy a period of dominance. Doherty switched from defence to attack to be joined by impressive newcomer Mark Yeates and suddenly it was Aldershot who found themselves pinned back on their 18-yard line for a concentrated period.
Yeates quickly forced a save from Richard Barnard, then stuck the bar with a thunderous free-kick.
Aldershot, however, defended stoutly and broke away to come close themselves through Aaron McLean.
Yet it was 'name to note' Yeates who continued to shine in the latter stages as he made several fine runs and fired just wide before the end.
Aldershot fans who shelled out £10 a head for this game might well reflect that when Tottenham's official reserve team travels to the Rec to meet Chelsea in a month's time, probably a far more recognisable team will be on view for just half the admission price.
Aldershot: Richard Barnard, Dean Hooper, Jason Chewins, Jon Callinor, Ray Warburton, Dominic Sterling, Luke Gedling, Paul Buckle, Tim Sills, Roscoe D'Sane, Stuart Tanfield. Subs (all used): Michael Harper, Nick Roddis, Lee Charles, Jamie Taylor, John Nutter, Mark Kleboe, Aaron McLean.
Tottenham: Shwan Jalal, Dean Marney, Paul O'Donoghue, Ben Bowditch, Ronnie Henry, Gary Doherty, Mark Hughes, Lee Barnard, Jamie Slabber, Johnnie Jackson, David Galbraith. Subs (all used): Mark Yeates, Lee Barnett, Marcel McKie, Danny Foster.
Referee: S Cook.