Saturday 20th February 2010

Men's 1st XI

Aylesbury Men's 1st XI: 7 - Ashford Men's: 2

Aylesbury Men's 1st XI travelled to bottom of the table Ashford with a win and a valuable 3 points very much on their minds. Despite some good recent performances, and the potential returns of former captains Howe and Kiely to sharpen the minds of those whose places may be at threat, Aylesbury started the game playing like the underdogs, not a strong mid-table team. Thanks to the usual solid partnership of Pridgeon and Austin in the defensive middle, and some fine goal-keeping from Skinner, Aylesbury weathered the early storm from Ashford. As the sun came out so did a more recognisable Aylesbury with veterans Stephens and Usherwood using all their experience to grab hold of the midfield, and give able support to young skipper Gregory. In the 15th minute Penson surged through from the right hand side to slot the ball confidently past the keeper in the far corner. Aylesbury began to batter Ashford with Quinn and Smythe operating as roving full backs, and shortly before half-time Greenlee completed a fine move to slot home a second for the visitors.

Starting the second half with a 2 goal lead seemed to help Aylesbury relax, and despite some physical tussles, the goals started to come at ease. Greenlee grabbed two more to complete his hat trick and earn man of the match, Usherwood and Stephens were both rewarded for their hard work with one each, and the match was rounded off with Higgerton linking well with Patterson to score the goal of the game. A 7-0 win, rather scrappy at times, but Aylesbury continue to gel as a team and manage to avoid this potential banana skin with fine tactics and leadership from the coaching staff led by Cootes and Trotter.

Men's 4th XI

Aylesbury Men's 4th XI: 6 - Ramgarhia: 4

Aylesbury Men's 4th XI faced Ramgarhia on a sunny springlike (except for the odd snow flurry) afternoon at Halton. The 4ths were with a full complement of players this week and looking for their first win in a long while, on the back of a 1-1 draw with Bicester a fortnight earlier.

Ramgarhia's mix of youth and experience struggle to settle into the game from the start and this lead to an early short corner for Aylesbury. Ollie Venn stepped up to inject the short corner to Phill Collins who, struck the ball low and wide of the keeper to give Aylesbury a 1 nil lead. Aylesbury continued to push and won another penalty corner which again was converted by Phill Collins.

Aylesbury were guilty at times of trying too hard. Ramgarhia soon found their form and started pushing into Aylesbury's defence. Before long Ramgarhia had levelled the score. But all credit to Aylesbury who managed to collect themselves with Ollie Venn scoring a goal to give Aylesbury a 3-2 lead going into half time.

An exciting second half ensued but Aylesbury managed to stay ahead. With two further goals from Phil Collins and one from Jack Rolfe, Aylesbury secured a much needed win. Final score was 6-4 to Aylesbury.

Team: Charlie MacLaughlin, Alex Davis, Anthony Wilson, Phill Collins, Ollie Venn, Dave Bryant, (Mark) and Martyn Collins, Alex Furness, Rob Fulton, Sam Kaye, Jack Rolfe, Wadell Wilson, Richard Locke.