By Jools Thomas

The progress of Aylesbury FC this season was finely demonstrated by this solid point at strongly fancied Daventry Town. In times gone by, FC would have entered the field against an in-form playoff contender with fear and trepidation but this is no longer the case. The belief instilled by Craig Faulconbridge and Keith Walker was evident to see. FC were under pressure for long spells of this game yet with Simeon Charles in goal playing a blinder, they stood fast and indeed could even have nicked it right at the death.

Seven minutes into the game and home striker Ashley Robinson challenged Simeon after good left wing work with the FC stopper winning the chase. Nat Liburd created the next opportunity, a couple of minutes later, crossing into the box. Again Robinson was the recipient but Charles was his equal, saving at the striker’s feet. The home side continued to pressure. Craig Faulconbridge was robbed on the edge of the box by Scott Cross alerting Charles who rushed from his goal and smothered the attempt. Simeon was finally beaten on 20 minutes. The greasy surface just invited striking from range and a clever corner to the edge of the box saw a home midfielder strike through a crowd of players but luckily Luke Abraham was on hand to clear off the line. FC created their first real chance shortly afterwards. Max Farrelly lofted a left hand sided free kick into the box to be met by Brian Haule whose header was well saved by Daventry keeper Richard Morris. The status quo returned soon after however. Scott Cross spun on the edge of the box and his low shot was bravely tipped round the post by Simeon.

FC were dealt a hammer blow just a minute into the 2nd half. A rocket shot into the box, hit with such power it appeared impossible to avoid, struck the hand of Davis Haule and a penalty was awarded. It was an extremely harsh decision but Simeon kept Town at bay by making finger-tip contact with Guy Sander’s penalty and pushing the effort onto the bar and away to safety. FC showed they had attacking intentions on 60 minutes. Boss Faulconbridge drove a powerful header goalwards from a right wing corner. Unluckily it just deflected off a home defender and away. At the other end, Robinson was put through one on one but Simeon again won the duel saving with his feet. On 72 minutes a cross was met by dangerman Robinson who nodded the ball the wrong side of the post. Perhaps the home team’s closest chance occurred soon after. A quality cross into the box was met by Liam Dolman but Simeon somehow clawed the ball away when it seemed destined for his top right hand corner. On 90 minutes home Robinson tried to chip Simeon. Falling backwards the Aylesbury stopper tipped the ball over the bar. It was in the final few minutes that FC could have been awarded a penalty. The ball was delivered to Brian Haule in the opposition box and whilst the big striker was holding the ball up, he appeared to be wrestled to the ground by an opposition defender. Despite the protestations from teammates and the FC fans not 20 yards from the action, the referee wasn’t interested and the match finished with honours even.

FC should be very satisfied with a point from the game. Likewise Simeon Charles should be very proud of an excellent evening’s work that drew praise and admiration from both home and away followers.

Line Up
1 Simeon Charles. Penalty Save (50'), Man of the Match
2 Lamar Simpson.
3 Luke Abraham.
4 Max Farrelly. Sub Off (70')
5 Craig Faulconbridge.
6 Liam Fowler.
7 Davis Haule. Yellow Card (29')
8 Sonny French.
9 Brian Haule.
10 Leon Osei.
11 Matarr Touray.Sub Off (80')
13 Kwasi Frempong. Sub On (70')
14 Kurt Morlese. Sub On (80'
Unused Subs
Ade Joshua.
Ollie Lynch.
James Faulkner.