Aylesbury FC welcomed Aylesbury United to Haywood Way in this Southern League encounter and just as in the away fixture way back in August; it was the Moles who repeated the 3-1 scoreline to complete a memorable double over their neighbours. All the goals were scored in the final 20 minutes of the first half however this only laid the foundations for an exhilarating second half full of incident and excitement played out in front of a decent sized crowd with excellent support coming from both the Ducks and Moles contingents.

It was the Ducks who threatened first. Joey Acheampong struck in the first minute but James Weatherill gathered the ball at the second attempt. Five minutes later and FC had their first chance as Gareth Price saw his snap shot clear the bar. Ex-Mole Greg Williams was the next man to attempt to break the deadlock and his thundering effort again whistled just over. The half was settling into a tense yet fascinating affair. FC were playing a high line and there were occasions when United attempted to break with Ollie Hogg on the right under pressure on occasions. Ollie along with his defensive partners Connor Baker, Ben Logie and the warrior like Ben Stevens were resolute in keeping out United, in particular their main man Stacy Field playing in unfamiliar wing role. The Moles’ opening goal came on 25 minutes. Gareth Price found space on the right lofting the ball into the path of the ever-improving Jamie Rudd. His first effort was saved by Ducks’ keeper Jack Sillitoe however the ball rebounded back and Jamie made no mistake this time, smacking the ball into the net much to the delight of the vociferous Drummer Boys behind the goal.

1-0 became 2-0 very soon afterwards. A terrific break on the left hand side saw Lamar Simpson accelerate towards the visitors’ goal and as Sillitoe advanced, Lamar guided the ball into the bottom corner. A powerful Keith Williams shot, a few minutes later reminded everyone that the Ducks were unlikely to give things up that easily. A towering Brian Haule header from a lofted free kick gave United notice that FC were very capable of extending their lead and this was proved on 44 minutes. Bradley Wadkins placed an inch perfect pass to Gareth Price whose pinpoint shot flashed past the advancing keeper creeping in at the far post.

Still the excitement did not cease. On the very stroke of half time, Ollie Hogg was deemed to have committed a foul in the box and Paul Edgeworth calmly sent James Weatherill the wrong way for a half time score of 3-1.

Acheampong had the first real chance of the second half. His powerful drive was saved by Weatherill at point blank range. FC then attempted to reassert their stranglehold on the game. A mix up between Wadkins and Price where both men left the ball for each other should have been capitalised upon and then a Lamar Simpson effort could have brought more joy on another day.

The big talking point of the second half happened soon afterwards. After a drop ball just inside the Ducks’ half, Bradley Wadkins attempted to win back the ball with a stretching tackle however the referee, under pressure from the noisy Ducks fans watching nearby, judged the tackle to be dangerous and gave the ex Potters Bar man a straight red card. Aylesbury reshuffled their pack with Brian Haule dropping into the midfield alongside the industrious Sam Bateman leaving Gareth Price as the lone target man.

United were finding more space with the additional man. Keith Williams, Ben Baines, Acheampong and finally Steve Hatch had decent efforts which if successful could certainly have rattled the Moles. As it was FC’s line held firm and at the final whistle, the home team were able to celebrate a great victory and three precious points to continue their magnificent progress since the appointment of boss Steve Bateman.

Line Up:
1. James Weatherill
2. Ollie Hogg Yellow Card '45
3. Conner Baker
4. Sam Bateman
5. Adam Logie Yellow Card '75, Sub Off '85
6. Ben Stevens Man of the Match '90
7. Jamie Rudd Goal '25
8. Bradley Wadkins Red Card '75
14. Brian Haule
10. Gareth Price Yellow Card '33, Goal '44
11. Lamar Simpson Goal '27

Used Sub:
14. Ken Feyi Sub On '85

Unsused Subs:
17. Fraser McLachlan
15. Kevin Mealor
16. Jacob Lowe
17. Greg Copcutt