FC reminded their supporters just why football is known as the beautiful game by beating a strong VCD Athletic side 2-1 with the winning goal coming courtesy of a Matt Hall thunderbolt with virtually the last kick of the game. After a tension filled first half the second period was a veritable feast of entertainment as both teams put on a display to delight the watching Aylesbury and Athletic fans.

It was Athletic that opened the brighter of the teams. In the opening few minutes Stuart Zanone and then James Duckworth had decent chances with both efforts saved by FC keeper Rhys Marshall. FC’s first effort occurred on 11 minutes with Matt Hall striding through midfield only to slice wildly at the ball sending it over the crossbar. VCD’s Ray Powell found himself in a decent position soon after but his choice of cross box header could have brought more joy if he had directed the header goal wards instead. VCD were continuing to apply pressure and Karl Dent was the next man to try to break the deadlock. Again Rhys Marshall saved with his feet and the chance was gone. A rare FC chance occurred on 22 minutes as Ben Stevens attempted to flick on a right field corner but there was neither power nor direction in his effort.

VCD were showing the form that has given them an incredible 14 point lead at the top of the Ryman Division 1 South with Stuart Zanone finding his space in the box. Once again however a direct header could have been more profitable rather than the cross field header which Tom Cutts managed to clear. Not the first time that half, Stuart Zanone was denied by Marshall. Matt Hall tried another long range effort which flew wide before Zanone saw his final chance of the half blocked by the keeper as VCD wondered just why one of their many chances had not developed into a goal.

The second half was only four minutes old when FC were awarded a spot kick after Gareth Price was felled in the box. Kwasi Frempong took the kick but his shot hit the bar and bounced away to safety. FC heads did not do down however and they began to take control of the proceedings. Ollie Hogg, Sonny French and Jerome Federico were finding space in the midfield with Jerome playing in two crosses of great quality which teammates unfortunately failed to read. Lamar Simpson tried to put Gareth Price soon after but the keeper managed to collect the ball this time. Sonny French took the game by the scruff of the net a short while later and his thunderbolt strike was tipped over dramatically by VCD keeper Nick Blue.

A Tom Cutts’ header could have given FC the lead but the team were made to pay for missed chances when Karl Dent turned with ease in the box and struck a low shot into the bottom corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. FC did not let this setback disappoint them however and their continued attacking meant the VCD lead would not last too long. Sonny French fed wingman Jerome Federico on the right hand side and Jerome’s measured cross found Gareth Price at the far post who stroked home the ball to make the score line 1-1.

Both teams would now go hell for leather to grab the winner and avoid the extra time and penalties. Tom Cutts and Lee Grant were instrumental in preventing a Nick Reeves effort in the 84th minute and a couple of minutes later Baff Adae had a decent chance which the FC defence dealt with admirably.

This set the scene for Matt Hall to win the game with the most perfect of goals. Matt strode purposefully into the VCD half and when 25 yards out, he hit a low shot which flashed past keeper Blue and into the bottom corner. Matt went to celebrate with supporters but not before teammates had ambushed him, congratulating him on his brilliant winner.

Line Up
1. Rhys Marshall.
2. Lamar Simpson.
3. Lee Grant.
4. Kwasi Frempong.
5. Tom Cutts.
6. Ben Stevens
7. Jerome Federico.
8. Sonny French.
9. Gareth Price. Goal '71 Sub Off '83
10. Ollie Hogg. Sub Off '90
11. Matt Hall. Goal '90 Man of the Match

Used Subs
14. Alex Kedzierski. Sub On '90
15. Jamie Rudd. Sub On '83

Unused Subs
12. George House.
17. Richard Roberts.
16. Elias Armagh-Tackie.