Broxbourne 3rd XI 0-3 Aylesbury 2nd XI

Aylesbury travelled to Broxbourne with high hopes of winning. Having beaten the same team 9-0 away last year, there was a good chance to improve Aylesbury's goal difference in the league which could prove important at the end of the season.

The match started with Aylesbury's bare eleven dominating possession while testing out the opposition. A slow Broxbourne defence would prove an advantage, while the centre forward's exemplary first touch could cause problems. Playing an attack formation, meant Aylesbury were not afforded the luxury of master interceptor Tiz Brooks at the back. They were also not afforded neutral umpires, which quickly changed the flow and dominance of Aylesbury. A raft of short-corners were awarded against them - all of which confused the defence. When the match was halted for Keeper Karen Munson to changed her straps and was re-started with a long corner to Broxbourne, rather than the 16 yard hit had been before the whistle, it was clear that Aylesbury was going to have a tough game on its hands, playing against both Broxbourne and its umpires.

Undeterred, Aylesbury's superior passing and dribbling soon undid the Broxbourne midfield. Driving on, they overwhelmed the defence and a sharp pass found the stick of captain Liz Brooks on the 'P' spot who slipped the ball to the side of the keeper. Just as the half-time whistle blew, Aylesbury was awarded a short corner. The ball found the captain's stick again as she hammered the ball home from the edge of the 'D'. Aylesbury was 2-0 up at half-time.

Broxbourne fought back in the second half and again received short corner after short corner for apparent fouls by Aylesbury. By this time, it was apparent that short corners were not Broxbourne's strong point, so the umpire's decisions weren't giving an absolute advantage. The majority of the match was played in Broxbourne's defensive half, with Aylesbury switching the ball left and right to find an unquestionable opportunity. That moment soon came when Tiz Brooks darted through a number of players and smacked the ball to her sister in front of the keeper. Taking a wide run around to leave the keeper stricken, Liz Brooks flicked the ball up into the top corner, giving Aylesbury a lead which could not be contended. Player of the match was awarded to Kristyn Dee-Crowne for her lightning quick runs out-pacing everyone on the pitch.

P.S. The umpires expressed their disappointment at the end of the match stating that, "we should have won that 6-3". So that's nice. Aylesbury looks forward to the return match at the end of the season when they will sample the annoying neutrality of Aylesbury umpires!