Everyone knew we had to win this match. Everyone was confident we would win this match. And so it turned out. And comfortably so. With the defensive injury "crisis", Steve Cordery opted for an unfamiliar back four of Sloma, Houghton, Dicker and Burgess. Craig Maskell returned up front, with Chris Bangura giving way. The best piece team news though, was that Adam Wheeler had past his fitness test, and was back in the Aylesbury goal.

A good start in crucial matches is imperitive, and the omens for this game were good. The Ducks took the lead after just five minutes play. Some wonderful one-touch passing from the half-way line lead to Campion playing a superb through ball. Joe Baker raced onto it, and coolly finished past Andy Iga in the Beaver's goal. 1-0 Aylesbury

Hampton had a couple of quick chances, as they first broke well, and with pace. The ball was pulled back, before it was cleared for a corner. In the second attack, Sam Sloma was outpaced down the right, and the Beaver managed to cut inside and hit a cross-shot, which was beaten away by Adam Wheeler, making his return to the Ducks goal.

Aylesbury were two goals up, inside fifteen minutes. A Sam Sloma pass found Adam Campion, who fancied his chances from distance. His shot looked comfortable for Beaver keeper Iga, but he managed to let the ball squirm out of his hands, and into the net. 2-0 Aylesbury

The Ducks took their foot of the gas now, and found themselves unable to get as much of the ball as they would have liked. Chances were still being created, and Kezie Ibe had a superb cross just taken off his head by a superb piece of defending by pre-season Ducks trialist Aiden O'Brien.

A basketball style deliberate handball by a Beaver went punished with a yellow card. Aylesbury were back attacking again, as a quickly taken Maskell free-kick was held, and not spilled into his net, by Iga. Kezie Ibe produced some magic in the box a minute later, which resulted in a corner.

Ten minutes later, with 41 minutes on the clock, the game was wrapped up. A corner was cleared by Hampton, only to be powerfully headed back by Greg Williams. As the ball came over him, Craig Maskell flipped, and performed a bicycle kick, virtually on the ground. The keeper was well beaten as the ball dropped inside the far post. A superb piece of skill by the Ducks assistant manager. 3-0 Aylesbury

Half-time: Aylesbury 3-0 Hampton & Richmond

The second half started as the first half, with Aylesbury keeping the ball well, and passing it around nicely. The first chance of the half fell to Ibe, as the ball bobbled through to him after a defensive mix-up. His left footed shot was unfortunately placed over. Kezie had another chance soon after, as he rolled the ball past a defender, and tried to place a 25 yard shot. The placement didn't happen though, and the ball flew wide.

By now the Ducks were teasing their opponents, as they tried to walk the ball in. Some smooth play by Campion resulted in his half-volley sailing just over the bar, after he had superbly brought the ball down.

As the game went on, Hampton began to enjoy long spells of possession. Aylesbury were happy to let them get on with it, as the Beavers played the ball about in their own half. Even with all their possession, they never threatened the Ducks goal.

Bangura replaced Ibe after 69 minutes.

Hampton played their hand after 75 minutes, as they made a triple substitution. It didn't help, however, the game carried on as before. Hampton were still getting a load of possession, just in places that never really threatened our defence.

The first Hampton chance of the half finally came, and through a free-kick. Ashley Sestanovich stepped up to deliver a venomous effort, from a fair distance, which was well parried by Wheelo. The rebound really should have been stuck away, but was blasted over the bar. Hampton's scoring problems were clearly evident, they have only scored five this season!

A pleasing site to end the game, as Rory Hunter made his Ducks debut, coming on for Campion. Rory had been ever-present for the reserves this season, and had been playing well. Nice to see him given a chance in the first team.

To round off the game, ex-Aylesbury winger Frankie McCormack hit a wild shot, which summed up Hampton's frustrating night. A good night's work for the Ducks. The attack again was awesome, and the defence handled what little Hampton threw at them very comfortably. How they'll deal with Aldershot though remains to be seen...