Aylesbury travelled to south Buckinghamshire to play fellow mid-table outfit Marlow and once again the team suffered a defeat going down 4-1 in a very one sided game. The hosts opened the scoring within the first ten minutes and extended that lead before FC pulled a goal back ten minutes into the second half. It was to be a false dawn however as Marlow gently restored their lead in a game where they rarely broke sweat.

The game was just six minutes when Marlow took the lead. FC were guilty of ball watching and meanwhile Devontae Romeo sneaked in to fire the ball beneath the recalled Richard Roberts in the FC net. Seven minutes later and FC could have capitalised on a mistake by Simon Grant in the opposite goal but as has happened too many times recently, neither Gareth Price nor Jamie Rudd would hit a first time shot and as they dallied, the ball was cleared. The same two men enjoyed good interplay just a few minutes later but another of FC’s issues, the lack of a target man, meant the quality cross was played in to no one. Ben Gladwin, on the Marlow left, was having a lot of luck against Alex Kedzierski and Gladwin’s effort on 27 minutes just cleared the post. The pressure continued and dangerman Romeo played a neat cross into the box and the lead was extended when Jon Bennett was on hand to head the ball home from a couple of yards.

FC did threaten occasionally. The industrious Craig Faulconbridge had a header which whistled past a post and then Aston Goss saw an effort go wide. Olly Hogg was the next man to make a decent stab at goal but his shot, just after half time, again cleared the bar from a distance. Ben Gladwin, at the other end, forced Richard Roberts to rush from his goal and the FC keeper parried the ball to safety. Two nil could very easily have been three nil soon after as Ian Davies chipped the on-rushing Roberts in a one on one. The ball cleared the keeper but, luckily for FC, it dropped just the other side of the post.

On 54 minutes FC grabbed their goal. Gareth Price turned one way and then the other and after finding suitable space hit the ball into the net. Despite the reduction of the deficit, Marlow’s lead was never in peril and on 61 minutes the two goal cushion was restored when Jon Bennett broke clear and slipped the easiest of chances beneath the advancing Roberts. Still Marlow threatened and both Gladwin and Romeo had presentable chances to increase the margin.

The highpoint of the evening occurred soon after for FC as three young Academy players made their debuts. Jacob Lowe, Greg Copcutt and Alex Wray entered the fray and all three lads gave a great account of themselves. It was just unfortunate that one more goal was conceded as the substitutes acquitted themselves to the pace of Southern League football. It was a strange goal as a melee in the box saw the ball forced goalwards. Initially the referee was reluctant to award a goal however after consulting his linesman, a goal was given.

Ben Stevens gave his usual heart on sleeve performance and Kwasi Frempong tried to set an example to his team mates but this is a squad short on confidence and low ideas. Those FC supporters at the game will hope the new manager can help the team rediscover these qualities when he takes over the reins.

Line Up:
1. Richard Roberts.
2. Alex Kedzierski.
3. Matt Hall.
4. Kwasi Frempong.
5. Kevin Mealor. Sub Off '74
6. Ben Stevens. Man of the Match '90
7. Jamie Rudd. Sub Off '71
8. Ollie Hogg. Sub Off' 83
9. Gareth Price. Goal '57
10. Craig Faulconbridge.
11. Aston Goss.

Used Subs:
14. Jacob Lowe. Sub On '71
15. Greg Copcutt. Sub On '74
17. Alex Wray. Sub On '83

Unused Subs:
12. Robert Tomlin.
13. Rhys Marshall.