Aldershot Town 2, Maidenhead United 0

SHOTS boss Danny Searle has paid the ultimate compliment to superfan John Hannah by saying: “This one’s for you!”

After watching his improving side collect three points with a relatively facile 2-0 win over Maidenhead at the EBB Stadium on Saturday, Searle spoke of his admiration for Mr Hannah, who died last month after supporting the Shots for 71 years, and dedicated the win in his memory.

“It was a touching week,” he said. “Myself and all the management team and players attended John’s funeral on Thursday. From a personal perspective, he was nothing but unbelievable with me and very supportive. He always had a kind word to say and everything was always positive from him.

“And as a member of the club’s support, he was one of the best.”

The Shots built on a decent defensive performance in a recent late losing effort at Harrogate and a gutsy goalless draw away at Boreham Wood to see off former West Ham legend Alan Devonshire’s Maidenhead – and Mr Hannah was uppermost in the boss’ thoughts.

“He’s a massive loss and we needed to show our respects, not only by being there on Thursday but by putting on a performance for him on Saturday.

“It was nice that we got the win, and for John and his family it’s nice to be able to say that one’s for you.”

Goals from second-half substitutes Harrison Panayiotou and Alfie Whittingham were enough to see off Maidenhead and help the Shots keep their distance from the bottom four.

“I thought we looked comfortable,” said Searle. They didn’t really cause us too many problems, it was a good team performance.

“We had two solid away defensive performances and then followed that with a very good defensive performance at home, but also we created a lot of chances on Saturday.

“We deserved a point at Harrogate and it was disappointing to concede the goal that we did in the 92nd minute, but we looked at it and said we need to make sure we start picking up points no matter where we go. Away from home it’s so difficult to get a clean sheet and a point, so we were really pleased with the point at Boreham Wood. We needed to build on it and get some points at home and the lads performed.”

Searle was particularly pleased that big centre half Max Hunt had been named in the National League team of the week after a string of good performances.

“Max has been solid for us since he came in,” said Searle, who saw his side beaten 4-3 by Moneyfields in a topsy-turvy Hampshire Senior Cup tie on Tuesday night with goals from Mo Bettamer (2) and Alefe Santos.

“Sometimes you bring players in and you’re not sure how they are going to fit in with the group, and you’re not sure how they are going to settle, but he has been an absolute breath of fresh air. It’s like he’s always been with us.

“If you didn’t know better, you would think he was one of our long-contracted players. He’s been brilliant and he thoroughly deserves that.”

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup in a seven-goal thriller at Bromley last month, the Shots are out of action now until they travel to face Dagenham & Redbridge on November 16.

“It gives us the chance to regroup ahead of the biggest league game we’ve had all season. It will be a tough game but we are full of confidence and we genuinely believe on our day that we shouldn’t fear anybody,” said Searle.