Saturday 6th February 2010

Men's 1st XI

Aylesbury Men's 1st XI: 0 - Wycombe Men's: 2

Aylesbury Men's 1st XI travelled to top of the table High Wycombe on Saturday missing two of their stars from the victory over Wokingham. With Quinn and Ferguson out it gave a chance to reintroduce Spencer and Hill to the line-up. From the start it became clear this was going to be an uphill battle against an experienced, well-organised and in-form Wycombe team, with both Usherwood and Gregory being stretched in the centre.

Throughout the first half Aylesbury defended with a lot of heart and soul, and when they got the chance to attack did so at pace with Patterson, Greenlee and Hill all giving Wycombe defenders trouble. It was at the back that the real heroics were taking place though, with Skinner in goal, despite illness having an excellent game, pulling off saves of the quality rarely seen in this league. With Smyth returning after the birth of his first child sticking like glue to his man, and Austin being an ever present shadow on the shoulder of his man, Wycombe became increasingly frustrated with their inability to take the lead despite their dominance of possession. Late in the first half man of the match against Wokingham, Pridgeon, made a goal line save that left the crowd and players breathless as no-one, least of all him, knew how he had managed to keep it out.

In the second half Penson, Bond and Spencer began to give Wycombe more trouble with their skill and pace, but Wycombe kept up the pressure as Aylesbury struggled to clear their lines. Eventually having held on for 60 minutes Wycombe found a way past Skinner to upset coach Cootes' plans for getting something out of this game. In the dying minute a well struck Wycombe short-corner took a deflection and went in, to give Wycombe a 2-0 win which flattered the opposition. It is a testament to the ongoing development of Cootes's squad, supported by the fitness work of Trotter, that Aylesbury can live with a team that are clear at the top of the table.

Final score 2-0 to Wycombe

Men's 3rd XI

Aylesbury Men's 3rd XI: 2 - Ramgharia: 1

A difficult return fixture faced Aylesbury Men's 3rd XI after losing 6-5 in this fixture earlier in the season. A rejuvenated Mosely and Smith ensured confidence in the Aylesbury midfield to take the game to Ramgharia. Showing his continual pace Dan Best broke the deadlock with a fine strike from the top of the D beating Ramgharia's diving goal keeper.

Ramgharia drew level from a penalty corner beating the Aylesbury keeper, Bryant, five minutes into the second half. Aylesbury responded immediately through a fine individual goal from Hodgkins to restore their lead.

Tense pressure was absorbed by the Aylesbury midfield to ensure that Aylesbury overtook Ramgharia in the league. Another well deserved win by the Men's 3rd XI.

Men's 4th XI

Aylesbury Men's 4th XI: 1 - Bicester: 1

With a few changes from the previous week, Aylesbury Men's 4th XI took to a chilly and misty Halton pitch against Bicester.

Bicester started the stronger of the teams having more of the possession early on in the first half. Once Aylesbury settled down into their usual defending high, they gained more composure in the mid-field. Phill Collins and Sam Kaye worked in tandem, controlling the centre with, breaking up Bicester's play and setting up the Aylesbury attacks.

One such break led to Aylesbury taking the lead, against the run of play, when Phill Collins fired home from a penalty corner. With this 1-0 lead Aylesbury looked to push home their advantage. But although Bicester soaked up the pressure well, they still conceded a handful of short-corners. Aylesbury's shots on goal from Wadell Wilson, Tim Wodzynnski, Phill Collins and Jake Rolfe went agonisingly close, hitting the side of the goal, or just missing the goal but sadly, Aylesbury couldn't capitalise on these and Aylesbury's impetus faded.

Bicester then woke up again and put pressure on the Aylesbury defence. They scored to level things at 1-1. That's how it stayed at half-time.

The second half started much the same way as the first. Neither team gaining a clear advantage. Aylesbury’s keeper, Phil Collis, kept Bicester at bay and helped keep the scoresheet respectable. Aylesbury continued to push for the win and thought they’d got it when Tim Wodzynnski scored from another penalty corner. But Aylesbury were denied three points when the umpires disallowed the goal.

The final score: 1-1. Aylesbury played well but just couldn’t get the win they deserved.