ALDERSHOT Town will travel to newly-promoted FC Halifax on the opening day of the 2017-18 Vanarama National League season on Saturday, August 5.

Billy Heath’s Shaymen beat Chorley in the National League North play-off final last season. The Shots won 2-0 on their last visit to The Shay, in April 2016.

Aldershot’s first home match follows three days later on Tuesday, August 8 when Torquay United visit the EBB Stadium, with Guiseley AFC the visitors on Saturday, August 12.

The Shots again have a Christmas and New Year double-header against local rivals Woking, with the home match scheduled for Tuesday, December 26, before the return fixture at Kingfield on Monday, January 1. In between, Aldershot host Maidstone United on Saturday, December 30 as part of a run of four games in eight days which also sees them travel to Guiseley on Saturday, December 23.

Aldershot host Chester on Saturday, August 26, two days before a Bank Holiday Monday trip to Hampshire rivals Eastleigh. Easter 2018 also brings two matches: Friday, March 30 at Solihull Moors and on Easter Monday versus Eastleigh. The season closes with a fixture at Sutton United.

• Bernard Mensah scored the first goal of Aldershot’s season, putting them in front against Brentford, but the Championship club eventually won 5-1 in front of 1,400 spectators at the EBB Stadium last Friday.

• Aldershot came away from Southern League side AFC Totton with a 2-1 win on Tuesday. Shaun Okojie scored his first goal for the club and Idris Kanu also hit the target.

• Aldershot Town’s pre-season programme continues with matches at Hampton & Richmond Borough this Saturday and at Staines Town on Tuesday. On Wednesday (July 19), Aldershot have an attractive home friendly against the Chelsea Development Squad (ko 7pm).