Aylesbury made their annual trip to the New Eyrie, still in search of their first win on Bedford's ground. Danny Nicholls kept faith with the team that had beaten Chesham United five days earlier, as six ex-Eagles lined up against their former side.

Bedford were quickest out of the blocks, and Aylesbury escaped a penalty appeal early on when Chris Dillon went down under pressure from Luke Graham.

Greg Williams tried a long-shot on his left-foot which went wide, before Bedford took an early lead. Daniel Mead was made left out of position after an attacking surge, which left the right-wing vacant for a good cross. Matt Hayward's untimely slip allowed Craig Rydeheard to find the space and stoop to head the ball home. 1-0 Bedford

The Ducks looked to hit back fast, and Leon Gutzmore ran forward down the left, before being brought-down just outside the area. Jay Gould's free-kick was easily held by Robinson in goal.

As Aylesbury struggled to come to terms with Bedford's style, the home side nearly doubled their advantage but for a fine save by Rashid - denying Rene Howe at his near post after the strong front-runner had held off Hayward.

The visitors' best spell of the half soon followed. A Mead free-kick came to nothing, before Paul Edgeworth had a left-foot shot held by Robinson. The best effort of the half came from Graham, who flicked a Gould free-kick goalwards, which Robinson had to dive to gather.

Howe was still causing problems for Aylesbury, and his run and left-footed shot zipped just wide. Another good chance was spurned, as Eddie Lawley was first to the loose ball, delivering a tempting cross for Dillon. Rashid anticipated his shot well though, diving to collect the ball comfortably.

Things took a turn for the worse for Aylesbury two minutes before the break. The threat of Howe finally bore fruit, as he used his power to get across Hayward to reach a cross, and managed to steer the ball goalwards. 2-0 Bedford

Half-time: Bedford 2-0 Aylesbury

The interval proved chance for Danny Nicholls to re-group and re-organise his side. A change was made in midfield, replacing the below-par Williams with Dean Cracknell, and the switch nearly paid early dividends. Cracknell played Drew Roberts in for his first effort of the game, which was well blocked at the near-post.

Two minutes later, Robinson made a brilliant save to deny a top-corner bound effort from Jay Gould, and Gutzmore saw an effort clawed off the line having headed Cracknell's cross down against the ground.

Edgeworth then hit an effort on the turn, just wide, after good play by Gutzmore. It seemed that United had dragged themselves back into the game, but they were made to rue the missed efforts, as chances soon dried up again.

After fifty-six minutes Rashid was again forced into action, making a splendid save to stop Steve Jackman's curling free-kick reaching the back of the net. Rydeheard had a hooked effort which dropped wide shortly after.

After a Gould cross dropped agonisingly off the bar, without being turned into the net, Danny Nicholls freshened the Ducks attack with the replacement of Drew Roberts with Danny Gray.

In the 78th minute Aylesbury finally got the goal they craved, although their was some good fortune about it. Paul Edgeworth won a free-kick on the edge of the area, and in Thierry Henry style Jay Gould took the kick quickly, catching out Robinson, who allowed the ball to squirm through his hands and into the net. 2-1 Bedford

Minutes later Gray hit a powerful long-range effort, but it was straight at Robinson and caused the Bedford stopper no problem.

The closing stages of the match all went the way of the Eagles though. Dillon broke through the Aylesbury defence, but Rashid came out on top of the 1-on-1 battle. Luke Graham then narrowly avoided heading a corner into his own net, missing by a whisker, and substitute was also denied by Rashid when clean-through.

At the other end Aylesbury's only chance of note, despite seeing plenty of the ball, was a shot from Jaggard which went well wide, and it was Bedford who secured an important and well won 3 points.