Recap

Aldershot 2 Exeter City 1. FAT. Saturday 28 February 2004.

Referee: Andy Woolmer

Att:  3800

BBC match report – http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/3496222.stm

FA Trophy quarter final.

BBC preview

Exeter City do battle with Aldershot in the tie of the round in the FA Trophy quarter-finals this weekend. The tie means one of the favourites for the Trophy will be knocked out. But whoever wins must fancy their chances of going all the way. For City, it’s not only an opportunity to reach the semi-final – it’s also a chance to avenge the 2-1 Conference defeat at the Recreation Ground. City’s director of football,

Steve Perryman, also believes a good cup run will have a knock-on effect for the Grecians’ league form. “It’s all about that winning mentality,” he said. “Success breeds success. Exeter are capable of winning this tournament and that could mean a successful spell for the club.” He added: “We were unlucky to lose the match up there earlier in the season. “It’s going to be a cracking game. We have to be respectful to them because they are a good side, but at the same time we aren’t frightened of the challenge,” Perryman told the Express and Echo.

The Shots are 3rd in the Conference – three places above City. They have a formidable home record, and have lost just one league game at the Recreation Ground all season. They’ve just signed defender Jay Lovett from Lewes, but he’s unavailable for this game. Aldershot are expecting a crowd of 4,000-plus for the game and City have been allocated 2,000 tickets, including 250 seats