Tranmere Rovers v Aldershot Town - FA Cup Preview

Aldershot Town's League Two campaign will take a back seat this weekend as Kevin Dillon's Shots travel north to take on League One Tranmere Rovers in the 2nd Round of the FA Cup.

Aldershot come into this game on the back of a five match unbeaten run in all competitions, which incldues a 2-0 win over fellow League Two side Bury in the 1st round. The Shots are now 8th in the league, just one point away from a play off spot.

Tranmere's season got off to an awful start under John Barnes, but since the former Liverpool star was sacked in October, their season hasn't got much better and despite a 2-0 win over Southend on Tuesday night, the Whites are bottom of the table - four points from safety.

Kevin Dillon has no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game. Dean Howell is still out and captain Adam Hinshelwood is a doubt after missing Tuesday's win over Northampton. Marlon Jackson and Oliver Bozanic, who both joined on loan in the week, are both eligable to play.

As for Rovers, Bas Savage is a long term absentee and Shaleum Logan is struggling with a groin injury. Ian Goodison and Michael Ricketts are both being monitored, while Paul McLaren and Charlie Barnett should be back after an illness.

This is the sixth time in the last seven years that the Shots have reached the second round of the famous cup, but have only managed one win in that time - a 3-1 win over Basingstoke in a replay in 2006/07, before bowing out against Blackpool in Round three. This will be Aldershot's 7th overall appearance at this stage, the first time being a 2-0 defeat away at Exeter City in 1999.

Tranmere Rovers have had their fair share of FA Cup scalps in recent times. The side, then managed by John Aldridge reached the 6th round in 1999/2000 and did reached the same stage again the following season, beating Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park and coming back from 3-0 down to beat Premier League Southampton 4-3 at Prenton Park. The dream was ended by eventual winners Liverpool. In 2002/03 Tranmere beat Bolton in a replay on their way to yet another 6th round appearance, but they were knocked out by finalists Millwall.

The Shots will be making the trip north in high spirits, hoping to finally put an end to their rotten record at this stage of the competition. Tranmere Rovers will be wanting a distraction from their poor league campaign - a good cup run could be just the ticket.

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