Men’s 2XI v Banbury

Aylesbury men’s 2s maintained their unbeaten start to the season with 2-1 win over Banbury and two goal from Mike Smith.

The 2s brought in youngster Clive Chandler to bolster an otherwise ageing side in which veteran Daniel John Inkley retained the position as eldest looking player.

But it was Dan who claimed an assist in the first half after Dave How intercepted in midfield and drove forward, dropping the ball into Doug Kershaw who found Inkley who in turn played a beautiful ball to Smith who deflected the ball home. 1-0.

The 2s for a short while looked like The Holland team of 1990 before they realised that they were mainly old enough to have been playing in the Holland team of 1990 and as such couldn’t run any more. That was until Ben Husbands uncharacteristically stormed with pace up the right wing before crossing the ball to Smith who brilliantly stuck the ball across the keeper for 2-0.

I promised not to mention Stephen Best missed and open goal in the first half so I won’t.

In the second half having received intravenous assistance Aylesbury suddenly looked more alive and dominated the first 15 minutes. Dan Inkley, despite 9 players shouting, “pass to Matt” decided he didn’t know who Matt was and smashed a ball into the D only for Dave How to be horribly denied what some thought was an open goal. It wasn’t. However Aylesbury were on top and then the drugs wore off and for the last 15 minutes Ays defended for their lives. Thomas Richards put in several fantastic challenges and captain Mark Bowes marshalled his defence admirably.

At some point Banbury got a goal back but the team who now sit second in the league held tight and despite some average game management towards the end came away with the win. Did I mention Paul Gregory played today? Chris Hunter again excelled at umpiring and possibly should consider this as a specialty post Christmas.