Aldershot's ability to keep clean sheets was the telling factor not only at Canvey Island's Park Lane ground last night, but throughout a season that now looks certain to bring them the Ryman Premier championship.

Few home fans had any real confidence that, in front of a record 3,553 crowd, the visitors would relinquish a lead given them from the penalty spot after 28 minutes by striking star Roscoe D'Sane.

Ball watching - Ollie Berquez gets a good look as Aldershot go forward Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

The former Southend United trialist picked himself up after being brought down in the box by Micky Bennett to score the goal which was eventually to bring the visitors victory by a 1-0 scoreline for the tenth time in 41 league starts.

This Aldershot side has been brought together by manager Terry Brown with a specific job of winning the Ryman.

Opponents can argue that Shots are not entertaining to watch -- that they use dubious tactics to time waste and stop the flow of the opposition with a succession of fouls.

All this is true but you have to say that there is a quiet efficiency about their all-round play which makes them worthy champions.

Canvey had the major share of possession during this gripping affair, but long before the end they appeared to have run out of ideas on how to break down a rearguard which enjoys the best defensive record in the Premier.

They were even able to cope with the 32nd minute departure of their most experienced defender, ex-Football League man Ray Warburton, through injury with fellow rearguard man Dominic Sterling, in my book, earning man-of-the match ratings.

The goal apart, Shots only really had two clearcut chances for the rest of the proceedings with long-serving Jason Chewins breaking through from the back seven minutes after the break and putting his final effort just over the top.

Then D'Sane's clever lob was touched wide by home goalkeeper Danny Potter deep into the second period.

It would be wrong to suggest that Canvey were without their goal chances. Chris Duffy broke free on the left after only eight minutes and pulled his effort just wide of the far post.

A good Ollie Berquez-Duffy move saw 39-goal star Lee Boylan hit the woodwork after 25 minutes.

And outstanding young visiting keeper Nikki Bull turned Berquez's 39th minute header over the bar.

For more on Ryman Premier League sides see our Ryman Premier League section

Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003

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