Preview: Aldershot Town v Bradford

Aldershot are suffering their first blip since promotion from the Blue Square Premier League last season and manager Gary Waddock believes it is time for all at the Recreation Ground to show patience.

Waddock lambasted his side after their 4-2 defeat at Macclesfield last week but has pleaded with supporters to rally behind a team that are only one win away from the play-offs.

"Everybody seems to forget that we have stepped up a level here," said Waddock. "We are playing against better teams, better clubs. I am looking at it knowing that we have to defend better and we all know that but we will take it on from there.

"A couple of indifferent performances by the players at the back doesn't make them bad players.

"We'll respond and the players will be fine. There is no easy game.

"Everybody says that we are a good passing side but we have to be a good hard-working side too and that is what is going to happen."

However, they won’t find it easy against third placed Brentford who are proving stubborn opponents under Andy Scott this season.

Scott has extended the loan spell of Josh Wright for a further month but is keeping his player’s feet firmly on the ground despite their impressive start.

"We are highlighting the mistakes we are making but we are not getting beaten - that is a good thing," he said.

"When we get it right we are a good side, and at the moment when we are not doing it right we are working hard and still getting points."

CLARKY’S VERDICT: Brentford will come unstuck as Aldershot’s passing game proves too much on the day in a high-scoring encounter.