ALDERSHOT Town players Nick Arnold and Cheye Alexander made their international debuts and Jake Gallagher his ninth appearance as England C reached the International Challenge Trophy final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Estonia U23s in Tallinn.

Arnold and Gallagher both played 90 minutes, with Alexander an 86th-minute substitute as England defended their narrow lead and withstood late pressure to earn their place in the final against Slovakia.

All three goals were scored in the opening 13 minutes. Lincoln City’s Elliott Whitehouse put England ahead on eight minutes. Estonia equalised within two minutes, but soon Jamal Lowe (Hampton & R) restored the lead, with a second assist of the game from James Hardy (AFC Fylde).

Alexander replaced Lowe late in the game and Woking goalkeeper Brandon Hall made a strong save to preserve the advantage.

England now face Slovakia U21s in the final. Slovakia beat England C 4-3 at Gander Green Lane last June.

*Aldershot are home to Macclesfield this Saturday. Eastleigh visit the EBB Stadium on Tuesday.

*Aldershot Town’s New Year’s Day fixture against Woking at Kingfield has been brought forward to a 1pm kick-off. The match, on Sunday, January 1, was originally scheduled for 3pm, but the time has been switched at the request of Surrey Police.

*The 16th annual Aldershot Town FC Christmas Carol Service will be at Holy Trinity Church on Thursday, December 15 (7.30pm).

Hosted by Aldershot Town chaplains Mike Pusey and George Newton at the church on the junction of Windsor Way and Victoria Road, this popular event is attended by players, management and directors.

Carol-singing will be accompanied by the Alder Valley Brass Ensemble and there will be a collection in aid of local charities Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and The Source.

Free refreshments will include cask ale, mulled wine, tea and coffee, sausage rolls and mince pies. Supporters are encouraged to wear club colours.