ALDERSHOT Town make the long trip to Gateshead this Saturday, hoping to pick up from where they left off a fortnight ago when a third successive win propelled them to seventh in the National League, just four points outside the play-off places.

After two wins over Woking during the holiday period and then a home victory against Southport, Aldershot had an untimely break from league action last weekend, due to being knocked out of the FA Trophy by East Thurrock.

But the Shots hope the rest will do them more good than harm as they attempt to complete a league double over Neil Aspin’s Tynesiders who are ninth in the table, three points behind the Shots.

The Shots won 3-0 at the EBB Stadium back in September with goals from Iffy Allen, Matt McClure (pen) and Charlie Walker. Of those three, only McClure remains in Gary Waddock’s first-team squad and he cannot command a regular place.

Gateshead lost in the FA Trophy second round last Saturday, beaten 3-1 by Lincoln, the National League leaders and this week’s FA Cup giant-killers with their superb 1-0 win over Ipswich.

* Chelsea U23s return to Aldershot’s EBB?Stadium for two big games in February, including a visit from Manchester City.

The young Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League 2 table after a seven-match unbeaten run stretching back to October. Last Friday, Adi Viveash’s side twice took the lead against Tottenham – the second time through Dominic Solanke – but had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Reading academy, who are managed by former Shots assistant manager Martin Kuhl, are Chelsea’s opponents on Friday, February 3 (ko 7.05pm). Simon Davies’ Manchester City elite development side are in town on Friday, February 17.

Several of City’s academy players, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Aleix Garcia and Tosin Adarabioyo, have recently graduated to Pep Guardiola’s first team.

Admission for both matches is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions, with season-ticket holders for both Aldershot Town and Chelsea admitted free of charge.

* Aldershot Town’s sixth annual Golf Day takes place at Puttenham Golf Club on Thursday, April 20 – with only a few team places left available. For further information, contact Mark Butler on 01252 320211 or email [email protected]