It’s fair to say that the summer has proved one of the most interesting in United Ladies’ history with the merger of four clubs into two teams and on the evidence of this match the side are a promising work in progress

It wasn’t the best in terms of performances but there were definitely signs of improvement and the result speaks for itself and was never really in any doubt.

Four players made their full debut; Holly Glover and Kayleigh Forsythe from the now defunct Tring Athletic along with Alice Wright and Tara Woodward from former U16 side AFC Lightning and each made a telling contribution

But it was two of the ‘old guard’ who created and then had the early opportunities as winger Rachel Saunders shot over before Laura Warmbier’s precise ball to Forsythe saw an effort well saved

Saunders, celebrating her birthday, was heavily involved in the opening exchanges and set up Tara Woodward for her first chance, a shot which found the side netting, before United finally took the lead on 28 minutes

Kayleigh Forsythe found Woodward in space and the youngster made no mistake with a firm drive into the top corner of the net

The Ducks had further half chances as the half drew to a close but keeper Beanie Cameron also had to be at her best to twice thwart the visitors

It was clear to all those present that Aylesbury were the better side but United had to wait until the 63rd minute to double their advantage.

Holly Glover’s return ball into the box wasn’t cleared and Woodward pounced to claim her and her team’s second

The debutante was then denied a hat-trick when United were awarded a penalty but the spot kick was too close to the keeper who gratefully cleared her lines

Holly Glover and Kayleigh Johnston both went close before Aylesbury did claim a third goal with just seven minutes remaining. The hard working Forsythe took the ball round two defenders before firing home

A minute later though, spurred into life, Bracknell hit back with a fine strike which gave Cameron no chance and a minute later United were very fortuitous when a second break from the visitors saw a rasping shot come back off the post

In injury time the Ducks restored their three goal advantage when referee Tuxford adjudged that a Bracknell defender deliberately handled just outside the box, earning a yellow card, and Kayleigh Forsythe fired home with aplomb

A fine result with room for improvement as United, at least for the time being, top the table.