Aylesbury 2nds 3 - Staines 3rds 0

A confident Aylesbury travelled to Staines undefeated after a strong start to the season, despite availability challenges meaning the side were limited to a bare XI with no subs. Facing a side relegated into the division, Aylesbury started the game carefully, looking to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Chances were few for either side for the bulk of the first half, with strong experienced defending from each side nullifying attempts to break into the oppositions area. When it looked like the game would go into the break all square, a terrible pass from the Staines defence was pounced upon by the rapid Mike Batye, beaming with confidence following his hat trick heroics the previous week, calmly beat the advancing keeper with ease. With Aylesbury one up at the break, Captain How's words of wisdom at half time focused on retaining the ball and making the easy pass to ensure the intensity could be maintained given the lack of subs, especially given the bountiful Staines bench allowed fresh legs to be brought onto the pitch on a constant basis. Staines came out with purpose at the start of the second half, keen to drag themselves back into the match. Fortunately Staines lacked inspiration and continued to look for the long ball crashed through to their centre forward, but the experienced pairing of Husbands and Dickie were more than a match for the opposition forward line. However, Staines managed to turn over a ball in midfield and quickly broke into the Aylesbury half, and releasing their winger for a one on one opportunity at th Aylesbury goal. A smart double save from Portlock denied the opportunity and Aylesbury cleared their lines. This prompted an Aylesbury response, and following an outstanding piece of patient build up play, Smith threaded the ball into the oppositions area where James Harrington was on hand to calmly finish while the Staines defence procrastinated. It was clear that the game was over and Staines were out of ideas, but Aylesbury were keen to press for more. Inkly picked up the ball inside the Staines half and with a surprising turn of pace, ghosted past two defenders as if they weren't there, rounded the keeper before unleashing an unstoppable reverse stick strike for an increasingly tight angle. A fine goal which moved Aylesbury to the top of the table, whilst resolute defending secured the 3rd clean sheet of the campaign.