Mens 2nd XI 2 West London 1st XI 3

The Mens 2s suffered a battling yet agonising 3-2 defeat to West London on Saturday. Aylesbury started the strongest and the form of the previous week appeared to be apparent despite losing 3 key players. Against the run of play West London scored two goals in almost identical circumstances. Both times a West London player hit hard hopeful balls toward the D which got deflected by Aylesbury defenders in their efforts to defend the circle. Both times Aylesbury's otherwise solid defensive duo of Ben Husbands and Tim Atcheson were wrong footed by the deviation and the ball importantly fell into the path of the West London forward in front of goal leaving goalkeeper Ady Portlock helpless.

Ays though remained calm and patient and by early in the second half had made it 2-2 with well taken close range finishes from Dan Inkley and Mark Tofte and they looked the most likely to push on for the win. With tensions mounting the physical home side began applying more and more pressure to the umpires in an attempt to seek advantage. Eventually the pressure told when one verbal barrage from the WL danger man saw Dave How sin-binned, a punishment that was doubled for no reason other than he was Captain. With 10 men though the team held solid with resolute defensive play from Matt Hinge, Mike Smith and the midfield shielding the defence. It was only when parity was restored did WL take the lead from a short corner for 3-2. In the last minute however, a ball from Will Davison found Craig Quilter in front of goal. His scuffed shot was saved but fell to Mark Tofte on the back post with the goal gaping. It wasn't to be though and the chance went begging. A good performance and a positive sign of things to come despot the result.