1 | ||
2 | ||
3 | ||
4 | ||
5 | ||
6 | 15, 74m | |
7 | ||
8 | ||
9 | 14, 80m | |
10 | 12, 65m | |
11 | ||
BENCH | ||
---|---|---|
12 | 10, 65m | |
14 | 9, 80m | |
15 | 6, 74m | |
MANAGEMENT | ||
M |
The atrocious conditions seemed to suit United's style better, the fast surface suited to passing football whereas Romulus' long ball game was unpredictable in the rain.
An early free kick nearly opened the scoring on four minutes; Swonnel's effort taking a wicked deflection but dropping just past the post with Harris beaten. The resulting corner kick dropped to Ben Gallant too quickly and ricocheted wide off his knees.
Another free kick six minutes on was headed back across goal by Gallant, who showed his versatility by playing the match as a left-winger, and Roni Joe's goalward header was easily held.
Romulus' best effort of the first half came on eighteen minutes when a half clearance fell to Richard Batchelor who slammed a shot well wide.
A set play seemed to be United's best chance of getting a goal, and Kavanagh went close with a header at a corner before a looping header by Nathan Graham was scrambled away by Harris.
The game then swung in Aylesbury's favour when Romulus were reduced to ten-men, Lei Brown dismissed for a high and late challenge which Kavanagh was fortunate to get away from unscathed.
Aylesbury took the lead a minute from the interval, through by far their best player Nathan Graham. A cross from the right went all the way over to Ben Stevens who returned in from the opposite flank and the unattended Graham stooped to head home. 1-0 Aylesbury
Joe might have done better seconds later after Graham teed him up inside the area, but he slashed his effort over the bar and it stayed at one going into half-time.
Half-time: Romulus 0-1 Aylesbury
United were quickest out of the blocks from the restart, and within eight minutes the lead was doubled. Steve Miles found Liburd on the right, and his cross was missed by keeper Harris and dropped nicely for Graham to thump into the net. 2-0 Aylesbury
Graham completed his hat-trick to make the win safe with a great team goal. Some fine passing down the left eventually released Gallant who dug out a cross from the byline which the unstoppable Graham headed in at the far post. 3-0 Aylesbury
Substitutions followed as hero Graham departed for Henney and O'Grady replaced Stevens in midfield.
Joe then had his best chance of the match when a low ball into the area was seized upon, but Harris got across well to block the shot.
As sometimes happens, the substitutions adversely affected Aylesbury's play, and they seemed to ease up a bit on Romulus. To boost their cause the home side were also gifted a goal going into the final ten minutes. A familiar long punt forward tempted Vincent to race off his line, but sadly he completely missed the ball and Ashley Robinson had the easy task of rolling into an empty net. 3-1 Aylesbury
The goal was certainly a wake up call, and for a short period the Ducks seemed genuinely rattled. Roms went close to reducing the deficit further when Colm Tiernan's well struck shot curled just wide of the post. Had that gone in then an unlikely comeback was well and truly on the cards.
As it was, Romulus couldn't build the momentum needed to overhaul United's lead, and instead it was Aylesbury who added to the scoring. A cross in from Liburd struck the arm of Michael Batchelor, for which the referee awarded a penalty - easily converted by Henney to round off another fine win. 4-1 Aylesbury