The last meeting of these two teams was a 1-1 draw, seemingly years ago back in September. Plenty has changed for Aylesbury since then, with the transission between two managers, and an entire playing squad.
There were, however, four players who featured in the original game in the squad involved today - Daniel Mead (returning after a spell at Hitchin), Rory Hunter, Ryan Wiffin and the returning Alvin Bubb (after his self-imposed exile).
The game started well for the home side, and as the Ducks were given early warnings some of the less optimistic were ready for a thrashing. Des Boateng volleyed over after just two minutes, after the ball was flicked on for him. Matt York then had the first of his many chances of the game, heading straight into the arms of Kevin Davies in goal.
After eight minutes some determined midfield work from Aidie Corcoran won the ball back for Aylesbury, and he released Danny Gray who played the ball in for Lewis Pritchard. The striker worked himself a shooting opportunity, but could only find the side-netting from an angle.
The game fell into a lull for the next ten or so minutes, as Aylesbury matched their hosts across the pitch. Davies was called to make his first testing save of the afternoon, as he tipped over an on-target corner-kick.
A minute later and the Robins took the lead. A corner was half-cleared, before being crossed in again, where Ali Russell was waiting to head the ball into the net. 1-0 Carshalton
Aylesbury tried to hit back, as Rory Hunter attempted an ambitious long-range effort on his unfavoured left-foot, which went well wide. The Ducks then had a strong appeal for a penalty appeal turned down. Danny Gray beat the Carshalton keeper, Stuart Searle, to a ball over the top, before being brought down. Bizarrely, the referee awarded a corner. Gray was sadly unable to continue after his collision, and was replaced by Alvin Bubb.
The game was fairly evenly matched towards the end of the half, although Carshalton had the lead. Dale Marvell cut-inside and shot hard and low for the near post, but Davies was up to the test and parried wide. At the other end a quickly-taken free-kick from Bubb was easily held by Searle.
Half-time: Carshalton 1-0 Aylesbury
The start of the second half was all action from a Carshalton point of view. Russell burst into the box, and knocked the ball past Davies, before apparently being clipped by the keeper. A possible case for a penalty.
The home side got off to the start they were looking for, as they had a two-goal advantage within five minutes. A mis-hit cross from Dale Marvell flew in over the head of the helpless Davies, to the dismay of the Ducks. 2-0 Carshalton
Another penalty appeal was turned down by the referee, this time for Aylesbury, as a Carshalton defender seemed to clearly handle the ball in his area. Sadly, nothing was going the way of the Ducks.
The first Aylesbury chance of the half fell to the ever-young Matt Hayward, as he flung himself at a quickly taken free-kick, but headed just wide.
Both teams were creating chances now, as the game had become an open affair. Russell broke into the box, and laid the ball to York who looked certain to score, but Davies made an excellent save. Ryan Wiffin powered into the box, before firing an effort over, as Aylesbury threatened once more.
The game was well and truly settled midway through the second half, as Carshalton added their third goal. Some hesitant Aylesbury defending saw a long-kick allowed to bounce, and Des Boateng pounced. The midfielder stole in and deftly lobbed the stranded Davies. 3-0 Carshalton
As the game entered the final ten minutes, there were still chances to be had for both teams. A powerful drive from York required another top save from Davies, as he tipped the ball over.
Aylesbury came closest to scoring through none other than Alvin Bubb. Showing a charasmatic turn of pace, he raced in and lobbed Searle. Sadly, his effort lacked the power to reach the goal, and was scrambled clear by the home defense.
As the Ducks tired, the arrival of Kunle Olusesi provided a new, exciting outlet for Carshalton's attacks, and it was the striker who came closest to adding a fourth. First he ran onto a flick-on, rounded Davies, but could only hit the post from the angle he found himself at. The final action of the game saw Olusesi shoot into the side-netting, after once again working himself a good shooting opportunity.
So a defeat, but not entirely unexpected. It's not hard to see why Carshalton are so highly placed in the table. Having said that, the performance of the youngsters was once again quality, as they tried to play football for the entire 90-minutes.
