United battled bravely against higher league opposition on Sunday in their first appearance in the Women’s FA Cup for three years, eventually succumbing to Southern League Newbury
In searing temperatures both teams naturally started slowly with only unsuccessful long range efforts to show for the opening quarter of an hour
The visitors took the lead on 17 minutes when the Ducks were unable to clear a corner, a powerful header from the edge of the area giving Carly Swain no chance in the Aylesbury goal
Two goals in as many minutes on the half hour should have ended the match as a contest but this blow seemed to spur United on as the home side dominated for the period leading up to the break, deservedly reducing the arrears when the Cole sisters combined on the edge of the area and Susie slid the ball home
Right on half time Kerry Naisbitt had a free kick saved as United looked to claw their way back in to the game
The second period started in a similar vein as Naisbitt and Rachel Saunders combined well before the latter shot just wide and then the ever lively Kay Norton picked out Susie Cole but the diminutive winger’s shot was well saved
Unfortunately on 65 minutes Newbury hit the Ducks on the break and a neat lob left Swain stranded and effectively the match was over
Ten minutes from time the Berkshire side added a fifth to put an unfair slant on the scoreline, but Aylesbury continued to look for goals with both Coles and Laura Warmbier all going close
This was always going to be a tough match but United performed very well against a well organised opposition in sweltering conditions and showed that they have the potential to have a very productive season.
