Aylesbury United Ladies took a break from league action this week as the younger players took to the stage in a Berks & Bucks U18 County Cup match. They travelled to play Chesham United Ladies with confidence but aware that their opponents play good football and can be dangerous.
Aylesbury started strongly with Tara Woodward and Katie Squire running forward strongly causing the Chesham defence problems. The first ten minutes saw several balls through the defence leading to Aylesbury chances and in the 13th minute Jo Rogers passed the ball in from the right for Harriet Wallace to knock it through to Shannon MacLeod to calmly finish past the keeper.
More chances came as the Ducks continued to push forward, several set up by good runs out of defence by Jen Smith, however Chesham also created chances and just past the half hour they equalised as a free kick was missed by the defence and their striker had an easy finish.
The start of the second half started in a similar manner with both sides creating opportunities. Chesham had a great chance to take the lead as a cross from the left was dropped by the Aylesbury keeper but under pressure Jen Smith brilliantly cleared off the line.
The home side were playing better in the second half with some lovely passing football but the Aylesbury defence, lead by Elise Devanney, held firm. After 65 minutes Tara Woodward made a great run up the left, crossed into Katie Squire who shot powerfully from 20 yards and hit the crossbar.
After the half hour Aylesbury took the game by the scruff of the neck with Anna Thompson making a fantastic run up the left wing before crossing to Woodward who passed it inside to Squire to shoot past the keeper.
They did not have to wait long for the third as a long ball through was cleared from the edge of her box by the Chesham keeper but fell temptingly to Squire who returned it over the keeper's head from the half way line.
A minute later the young striker scored again after a pass by Thompson to make the game safe and complete her first senior hat-trick
This confidence boosting win will assist the whole squad in the games leading up to Christmas as the Junior players look forward to a semi-final against Moretonville, Woodley or Wargrave
