Non-league / Frank Gregan / 21 November 2007 /

Frank Gregan thinks former Spurs defender Justin Edinburgh's Blue Square hopefuls can shut out their league-leading opponents...

Following tonight's Lord Mayor's Show at Wembley there will be a return to earth with a thump tomorrow night with only two domestic games. Aldershot V Grays being the live conference game and Staines V Stockport in the FA Cup. There will probably be a few hangovers lingering around tomorrow throughout the English football community, hopefully they will have been gained in celebration rather than in sorrow!

The game at the Recreation Ground will give us a chance to take a look at two sides that have been exceeding expectations this season. For a manager, the remit is set before the season starts by the board of directors and failure to meet that target usually results in the early receipt of a P45. The board of directors at both clubs in action tomorrow night should be satisfied with how their season is progressing.

With the large fan base that Aldershot enjoys, a play-off spot would have been a realistic goal at the beginning of August and Grays would probably have been happy to be clear of the dogfight at the bottom of the table. Gary Waddock and Justin Edinburgh, the two managers in question, will probably be sleeping soundly at the moment. Believe me, when the targets set by the board are not being met the sleep pattern suffers!

Although Waddock's men are top of the table I think that the job being done by Justin Edinburgh at Grays is first class. I've locked horns with Justin a few times particularly during his time at Fisher Athletic. He is still a young manager, only 37, but he already has four years experience in the non-league game behind him. He was a defender himself during his playing career and that defensive quality is apparent in his teams. His team's defensive record this season is exceptional, having only conceded 15 goals in 20 matches.

Even more impressive is that his team have only conceded four goals in 10 matches on the road this season. That is exceptional and the fruit of long sessions in training with the focus on pattern of play relating to specific tasks when the team does not have the ball. Listen to the comments being screamed from the technical area during any professional game and I guarantee that the single word you will hear shouted the most is: "SHAPE!" That command means get your butt back into your starting position so that we can regain possession. Good teams without possession have 10 defenders and a goalkeeper. Grays will try and keep the play in front of them, ensure that the defensive line is not too high and deny Aldershot the space behind their back four. It means allowing the opposition a lot of possession, but that possession is meaningless if they can't get behind you. If the shape is right, possession is regained when the opponents lose patience and try to force a pass

Grays have won their last three league games 1-0. Four-and-a-half hours without conceding a goal. The law of averages dictates they must be due to concede soon. However, as you are probably aware by now, I am a sucker for a big price and the 5.6 available for a Grays clean sheet is irresistible. It's a great market to explore although you might find yourself screaming: "SHAPE!" at the TV set every time the ball goes dead! As I stated previously, with such a sound defence Justin Edinburgh will be sleeping well. Clean sheets are conducive to comfortable nights after all...

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