Report by Iain Wilcocks

It was a blustery afternoon as Didcot Town, currently 4th in the Division took on a new, resolute Aylesbury FC at Loop Meadow. Ben Stevens returned to the side that had beaten Cambridge City with Sam Odusoga dropping to the bench.

A decent crowd of 180 turned up to watch the game and were almost rewarded with an early goal as Hackett burst clear of the defence but his cutback just eluded Barcelos. Lewis Merriden and Bruno Brito then combined to set up Ty Deacon with the Moles first attempt but that was well blocked. Both teams were attacking early on, trying to make the breakthrough but some good defending saw chances limited in the early exchanges.21 minutes in Bruno Brito was booked for handball in the middle of the park and the resulting free kick, was nodded down by Carnell but Jordan Jenkins was on hand to clear his lines.

Then a most bizarre incident…Brian Haule appeared to be fouled in a strong challenge but the referee waved play on. When the ball went out of play, the Linesman called the referee over and he promptly dismissed Brian Haule immediately. At this stage we can only assume for foul and abusive language. With 28 minutes on the clock, Aylesbury FC were facing an uphill task to get anything from the game now.
Didcot, now with a numerical advantage, tried to use both wings to create chances, however, they were met by Ben Stevens and Hayden Clack who were equal to everything that was thrown at them.

In fact, with 5 minutes of the first half remaining it was Aylesbury FC who looked stronger and Bruno Brito combined with Alfi Touceda and he in turn found the ever willing Ryan Young bursting down the right flank. His cross just evaded Ty Deacon as he rushed in. In the final seconds of the first half Alfie Touceda was booked for a late challenge. First half ended 0-0.

The second half started much as the first ended with Aylesbury again looking lively. Ryan Young was causing problems and Bruno Brito and Craig Carby were battling well to win the ball. 51 minutes and Didcot forced Nick Bennion into a fine save, low to his left from Barder. A few minutes later Haydon Clack played the ball out to Bruno Brito and his deft touch found Ty Deacon heading towards goal. He was fouled by Humphries about 20 yards from goal and a subsequent yellow card to the Didcot player. Bruno Brito placed the ball and then smashed a superb free kick into the bottom corner of the goal. Aylesbury FC were 1-0 and fully deserved.

With 70 minutes on the clock Didcot were starting to make the extra man count but Aylesbury FC were defending well. Humphries picked the ball up just in the Aylesbury half and surged forward unchallenged, he unleashed a shot from 35 yards which Nick Bennion tipped round the post. The resulting corner saw Carnell head the ball over the bar. 4 minutes later and a free kick from Humphries whistled just past the right hand post, Didcot were pressing and getting closer.

A couple of minutes later and the pressure finally told. A long throw was flicked on by Ballard, and Barcelos was on hand to beat Nick Bennion from close range. With Aylesbury FC now having played with 10 men for over 50 minutes the referee levelled things up as Humphries came steaming in and mistimed a challenge on Lewis Merriden in the middle. The remaining 15 minutes saw both teams go toe to toe with chances at both ends.

Didcot worked the ball wide and the resulting cross was cleared by Jordan Jenkins and the rebound was superbly blocked by Ben Stevens as AFC were under pressure. Then a great ball out by Haydon Clack found Sam Odusoga, on for Ryan Young, free on the right hand side, he skipped past a challenge and crossed in for Ty Deacon. He controlled and shot but it went wide of the mark.

The final roll of the dice by Paul Bonham was to put Ken Feyi on for the tiring Bruno Brito. In the 90th minute FC were looking far the stronger team and surged forward. First Ty Deacon had a shot well saved and the resulting corner landed with Alfi Touceda who hit his shot over the bar. Moments later, in injury time, Ty Deacon again was involved, this time he played Ken Feyi in and he sidestepped his marker and hit a lovely shot which was heading into the far corner, only for Bedwell to save with his fingertips.

Just as the crowd thought they had seen all the drama…another Red Card was shown. This time a second yellow for Didcot’s Ballard as he walked it made it 10v9 for the final 2 minutes. Didcot still managed one final shot as Hackett saw his shot well saved by Nick Bennion in the last seconds….what a match. Final score 1-1.

A great team performance as Aylesbury FC continue to move up the table. Paul Bonham’s boys showed great character when down to 10 men early on. The defence held strong with Ben Stevens and Haydon Clark impressive and Jordan Jenkins winning many duels in the heart of the defence.
Man of the Match today was Bruno Brito for a powerful display and a great workrate…and of course for a bullet free kick!