FC recorded their first win since late September with this emphatic win over St Ives Town and whilst the visitors certainly made the brighter start of the two teams, once Sam Bateman opened the scoring there was only ever going to be one winner. Even conceding a goal late in the day didn’t take the shine off this most welcome of victories.

St Ives were out to test FC keeper James Weatherill from the off. As early as the 3rd minute strike partners Dan Bannister and Karl Gibbs tested him with meaty strikes. In response Lamar Simpson attempted to break the deadlock but couldn’t dig the ball out from a somewhat sticky opposition penalty area when presented with a clear sight of goal. A few minutes later, St Ives’ Karl Gibbs had another golden chance after dispossessing Tom Cutts on the half way line. Again Weatherill was equal, performing a stunning save with his feet.

Aston Goss and debutant Simon Sweeney then combined well to feed Simpson but Lamar’s chipped effort was turned over by Barney McLaughlin. From the resultant corner Tom Cutts saw his header cleared off the line. The third gift wrapped chance for St Ives occurred soon after when Avelind Viera found himself clear and only a save by Weatherill with his chest prevented a goal.

After two decent chances from Bradley Wadkins and then Lamar Simpson, FC finally broke the deadlock. The busy Lamar Simpson found space on the right and his low cross found Sam Bateman at the far post who poked home the opener. After a couple of half chances, most notably from Bradley Wadkins, FC gave themselves breathing space with a second goal. Gareth Price was put clear and as the keeper advanced, Gareth delicately chipped the ball into an empty net for a goal as worthy of any football match.

On 59 minutes Aylesbury went further into the lead. Gareth Price was brought down by keeper McLaughlin and Aston Goss elected to take the spot kick. His initial effort was saved well by the St Ives keeper but McLaughlin could nothing about the rebound which Aston prodded home to the delight of his teammates. FC, with their midfield superbly marshalled by Bradley Wadkins, now looked to attack at every opportunity. That’s not to say that St Ives didn’t post the occasional danger. On 64 minutes, Viera broke clear with his lofted shot beating James Weatherill but also clearing the bar. In the main however Kevin Mealor, Steve Perkins, Sweeney and Cutts dealt with the attacks admirably and were indeed allowed the privilege of seeing their team mates’ attacking prowess.

FC continued to look menacing and the score line was increased still further when substitute Jamie Rudd collected the ball and advanced on the St Ives goal. As McLaughlin narrowed the angle, Rudd neatly slid the ball under him to make the score 4-0. Still the FC goal scoring hadn’t finished. Sonny French had made plenty of darting runs and started many an attack and therefore it was appropriate he should claim the fifth as he buried the ball from close range with the away defence in total disarray.

A rare St Ives attack in the last 5 minutes, saw substitute Tom Meechan nick a goal from a left sided cross but the afternoon really belonged to the men in red and black. It appeared as if the pressure of recent weeks disappeared in an instant as the recent encouraging form of the past few games finally produced three points.

Line Up:
1. James Weatherill.
2. Simon Sweeney.
3. Kevin Mealor.
4. Sam Bateman. Goal '30
5. Tom Cutts.
6. Steve Perkins. Captain
7. Lamar Simpson.
8. Bradley Wadkins. Man of the Match '90
9. Gareth Price. Goal '37 Sub Off '69
10. Sonny French. Goal '72
11. Aston Goss. Goal '49, Sub Off '73

Used Subs:
12. Jamie Rudd.Sub On '69, Goal '70
14. Jack Westlake. Sub On '73

Unused Subs:
15. Stephen Bateman.
16. Robert Tomlin.