ALDERSHOT TOWN 2,

LINCOLN CITY 3

ALDERSHOT face a grim battle for survival after a home defeat to Lincoln last Saturday left them three points adrift of the safety line.

The month of March is likely to decide Aldershot's fate, with this being the first of six home matches.

The Shots, who have won only once in seven games – five have been draws – urgently need to turn the ESS ground back into a fortress if they are to avoid a disastrous relegation to the Conference South.

Aldershot had the millstone of a 10-point deduction round their necks, but the way they quickly got into credit gave hope that a side who competed in League Two last season would coast through the rest of the campaign – perhaps even edge into the play-offs.

But a squad shored up by loan players and recently weakened by injuries has hit the doldrums at the wrong time. They have been scoring goals, but conceded too many – 12 in their last six games, plus four more in the FA Trophy defeat at Havant.

Saturday was a shocker for the Shots defence, with Lincoln scoring twice from corners.

For full match report, see this week's Herald.