Match Report by Robert Cameron

The Moles went into the Buckinghamshire derby match at Beaconsfield in a confident mood after drubbing Ware 6-0, but this confidence seemed to manifest as complacency as Aylesbury struggled to cope with the demands of playing twice in three days and left it too late to rescue a point which would have been harsh on Beaconsfield.

There were only two changes to the starting line-up, with Jamie Rudd replacing the injured Danny Murphy and James Dobson dropping to left-back. In the other change Steve Bateman picked his son Ben to start alongside captain Davis Haule, replacing the injured Jon Montgomery.

Aylesbury brought a large and noisy group of fans for this away match but from the offset the team struggled to get into the game. The first chance fell to Beaconsfield midfielder Aaron Minhas but his shot from the edge of the box was tipped around the post by James Weatherill. 2 minutes later FC created their first chance, as Gareth Price headed just wide from Lamar Simpson’s cross. A lively Gareth just failed to thread a through ball into the path of Brian Haule just a minute later.

Although there were few chances for either side early on, Aylesbury kept giving the ball away in midfield and it was only a matter of time before the home side opened the scoring. They did so in the 21st minute when Andy Dean fed Omari Patrick, whose cross was headed home by Aaron Berry. 1-0 Beaconsfield.

Just 4 minutes later FC had their first real opportunity, as Brian Haule was fouled in the box and opted to take the penalty himself. Normally a very assured finisher from the spot, everyone expected the former Beaconsfield striker to equalise but he hit the post with a weak penalty. He did convert the rebound, but as keeper Brendan Hazlett did not get a touch, the goal did not stand. If it had, maybe the Moles would have gone on to secure victory.

As it was they continued to allow Beaconsfield to have real chances; one of these was stopped by Weatherill and Lamar Simpson reacted brilliantly to block the follow-up. Jamie Rudd was keen to test Hazlett, with a 31st minute shot that required a good save followed by one just over the bar from James Dobson’s cross.
The excellent Omari Patrick caused havoc in Aylesbury’s defence again a minute before half time, crossing for Charlie Losasso who fired narrowly over.

Early in the second half, Ben Stevens was replaced by Adam Logie and Lynton Goss came on for Rudd, but still the best chances fell to Beaconsfield, with scorer Aaron Berry drawing another good save from Weatherill, who stopped a powerful high effort.
Aylesbury’s fears of extending their poor away form were exacerbated in the 59th minute when Patrick shot just a few inches wide of Weatherill’s far post from Berry’s cross. FC added some pace to their attack by bringing on youngster Ken Feyi, who linked up well with Gareth Price and Aston Goss. Still Beaconsfield were creating more, however, as Weatherill parried a dangerous free kick and Lee Togwell shot just wide. Omari Patrick was at it again, striking a well hit low shot towards Weatherill’s near post which the Aylesbury No1 did well to hold.

Unfortunately Patrick’s next involvement stemmed from a less impressive piece of goalkeeping. Weatherill slipped as he attempted a clearance, but the left-winger still had a lot to do, placing the ball perfectly into the bottom corner of the goal from a full 30 yards. 2-0 Beaconsfield.

Aylesbury finally got back into the game with 4 minutes left as a brilliant low free kick from James Dobson gave the left-back a third goal in as many games. With the Moles dreaming of an unlikely equaliser in Fergie Time- the amount of stoppage time frustrated the home fans- Beaconsfield almost hit them on the counter. Although Weatherill saved from Omari Patrick, Beaconsfield were able to hang on.
Aylesbury created precious few chances but credit must go to Beaconsfield who defended well and attacked prosperously, with Aylesbury generally defending well with the partnership of Logie and Kyle Anthony but giving away a sloppy goal and putting in a lacklustre attacking display. They will hope to return to winning ways with more attacking football in the FA Trophy on Saturday.