After the defeat at Bedford Town, Aylesbury FC answered their critics in the best way possible by putting Arlesey to the sword in this comprehensive Southern League Division 1 Midland victory. A brace from Brian Haule in the first half was followed by a second half close range strike from Ben Stevens as FC put their play-off ambitions firmly back on track on a nippy night at Haywood Way.

Gareth Price made a return to the team and his impact was immediate as he danced in from the left hitting a shot that the keeper just gathered after only a couple of minutes. In response a melee in the FC box almost led to Lewis Wilson having a poke of the ball before FC keeper James Weatherill gathered.

FC grabbed an early 6 minute lead to settle these initial nerves. A cross into the box gave Brian Haule the opportunity for a strike and although his original shot was saved, Brian used his not inconsiderable strength to bundle the ball home at the second time of asking. This effort steadied FC and the team started to sweep the ball around well on a sometimes sticky pitch.

This isn’t to say the away team had chances. Soon afterwards Arlesey centre back Sean Beesley snatched at a header and saw it fly wide when composure was the order of the day. Unfortunately Grant Fryer had to limp off injured on 20 minutes and he was replaced by club legend Ben Stevens who slotted in at centre back to continue the defence’s steadfastness. As the back line resettled, Lynton Goss, a man who didn’t stop all evening had a half chance to increase his side’s lead. This was the prelude to FC’s second. An Aston Goss cross was met perfectly by Brian Haule with the daintiest of sidefoot volleys which nestled in the far corner of the Arlesey goal.

Further 1st half attacks could have produced a goal from Gareth Price as he forced the keeper into a quick reaction save and also from Jonny Montgomery who after pushing the ball past the keeper, found himself clear. Unluckily the midfield engine house then lost his footing and the chance went.

FC kicked towards their traditional covered end in the 2nd half and Jamie Rudd soon joined the action replacing Kieron Schmidt. Rob Tomlin was enjoying his 1st start for a while and even Yaya Toure would have been proud of the lung busting run the young midfielder made in order to play in Gareth Price with Price forcing a save from away keeper Nick Thompson. It was just one of a fine selection of moves that earned Rob his man of the match award.

A Jamie Rudd cross, on 65 minutes, led to the final goal of the evening. Lynton Goss attempted to head it goalwards but instead the ball fell to Ben Stevens who crashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Arlesey had their first real strike at goal with 20 minutes remaining as substitute Dylan Gutting hit a powerful cross shot that Wetherill palmed away. The last real chance of the game fell to Lynton Goss. A corner from the ever reliable Daniel Murphy was headed goalwards by the all action Lynton only to be plucked from the air from the alert Thompson.

As the referee sounded the final whistle, the team can look back on this game with great satisfaction with the applause received from the hardy Moles fans at full time was richly deserved.