We all know the circumstances leading up to this game, so there's no need to reproduce the details here. Only that today was always going to be difficult, but always going to be a proud moment for the players who played.
Aaran Cavill was the sole survivor of the fateful defeat against Northwood, in Aylesbury's 'Football Development' side. Whilst most players had first team experience, several had little in terms of league appearances, and for John Marsh this was his league debut.
A few seasons ago this Boxing Day game would have been a prestige fixture, likely to attract a four-figure crowd. Today there were just 440 spectators to witness the match, a mark of the dramatic decline in both teams fortunes.
The opening few minutes of the game were one-way traffic, as St Albans loaded the pressure on the Aylesbury box. Kevin Davies made an excellent save to keep out an effort from Matt Jones early on.
Absolutely unexpectedly, and against the run of play, the Ducks took a shock lead. A corner wasn't properly cleared, and fell to Nadim Akhtar on the edge of the area. His half-volley was controlled and deadly accurate, and nestled finely into the bottom corner of the net. 1-0 Aylesbury
Sadly, the Saints didn't take lightly to being a goal-down, and soon picked themselves up and started playing again. Although it took eight minutes, the home side levelled with their next meaningful attack. A free-kick was played into the box, and Graeme Tomlinson nipped in at the near post to turn the ball in. 1-1
The bizarre nature of the match was compounded, as Aylesbury keeper Kevin Davies came close to retaking the lead for the Ducks. A deep free-kick bounced awkwardly, and had Wesley Jackman back-peddling, and needed a tip-over to prevent it finding the top-corner.
The Ducks didn't let their heads drop, and kept working hard to find openings. Some great work down the right by Aaran Cavill resulted in him working an opening for Lewis Pritchard, but his effort was well blocked in the area.
The game could have swung either way at this point. At one end Jamie Richards shot over when well placed, at the other Cavill broke free but chose the wrong option in attempting to lob Jackman.
Sadly, the Ducks lack of inexperience eventually told, as they were undone before half-time with rather cheap goals. Firstly Jamie Richards netted a rebound, after Davies had rushed out to make a good block, to give Saints the lead. 2-1 St Albans
Two minutes later and the game was effectively, and harshly on Aylesbury, wrapped up. Another set-piece was made to count for the home side, as a corner was fired home by Richards. 3-1 St Albans
There was still time for a hint of reply from Aylesbury, as Akhtar shot wide from outside the box.
Half-time: St Albans 3-1 Aylesbury
The second half was a difficult affair for Aylesbury, as they found themselves outplayed for large periods. To say they weren't good enough is unfair though, as St Albans effectively shut up shop and prevented the away side posing a serious threat.
The start of the half was scrappy. Danny Gray tried a volley which dropped just wide of the post, with Jackman stranded.
After a lull in the game, the home side clicked into gear, and but for some wasteful finishing could have increased their lead. Graeme Tomlinson worked his way into the area, but fired wide. Scott Oakes then broke onto a loose ball, and drove a fierce effort wide.
Some nice play by the home side saw Kevin Davies produce another top save, from Greg Deacon's top corner bound effort. Dean Powles then showed what potential he has, by making a superb last-ditch tackle to deny substitute Andy Oxby when a goal appeared the only likely outcome.
As Aylesbury struggled through the closing stages, seemingly drained after their efforts earlier in the match, St Albans attacked at will. Again though, they only had woeful finishing to show for their efforts.
Tomlinson, when clean through, saw his shot well stopped by Davies. Oakes shot over in the very final minutes, before Oxby cut-inside and shot straight at Davies, in the final action of the game.
So it finished 3-1, but today wasn't about the result. Getting a team out on the pitch was in itself a great achievement, and the players that played can feel well and truly proud of their performances, hard work, and commitment to the cause of Aylesbury United.
