On a bitterly cold evening, Jack Wells took the Ducks back to one of his former clubs, looking to maintain the recent revival in form. On arrival, the match looked in doubt as frost was already forming on the ground, however in racing parlance, the going was ‘good to firm’ and the match referee was happy for the game to go ahead.

The Ducks started well, Jake Bewley winning the ball in a tackle with Rhys Wells, before advancing and passing to Nasha Mukwada, who would have been disappointed with his weak finish which didn’t trouble home keeper Henry Woodcock.

Midway through the opening period, Shaquille Ishmael, making a return from the injury he sustained in his first Ducks appearance played the ball to Ben Seaton 25 yards out, but his shot was comfortably saved by Woodcock.

The hosts were next to threaten Connor Ferguson cutting in from the wing and firing a shot which Jack Hopwood did well to keep out with his feet. Just past the half hour, a Bewley corner from the right was met at the near post by skipper Jack Wood, but his side foot volley was just thew wrong side of the post.

Wells had a good chance to give his team the lead on 34 minutes, as Luis Fernandes misjudged the unpredictable bounce, setting the winger clear, but his shot was always rising and cleared the crossbar. As half time approached the hosts looked most likely to make the breakthrough. Good work from Harry Whitehead saw him make space for a cross onto the head of Tom Moore, but his effort was narrowly wide of the goal.

Just as the Ducks thought they had weathered the storm, a clearance fell to John Dennis 25 yards out, whop looked up and picked his spot in the top corner to give his team the lead on the cusp of half time. 1-0 Kidlington

Half-time: Kidlington 1-0 Aylesbury

The second half started with a great chance for the Ducks; a fine ball over the defence which allowed Tyriq Hunte to advance towards Woodcock’s goal, but he placed his shot just wide of the far post.

The scores were level in the 53rd minute; great work by Hunte to hold off a defender, before playing a square pass into the path of Jack Moriarty, who placed a fine shot past Woodcock from 18 yards to notch his first goal for the club. 1-1

Two minutes later Ferguson fired in a shot from the right edge of the penalty area, but Hopwood was equal to his effort, parrying the ball to safety.

The lead was restored just past the hour mark; a free kick from Dennis saw Matt Cheetham rise highest to plant a firm header into the top corner. 2-1 Kidlington

Shortly afterwards Moriarty could have doubled his tally as he met a ball in from Mukwada, but could only steer his volley just wide of the near post. That was to be Moriarty’s last involvement, as he was withdrawn and Chief Boateng introduced as the Ducks changed shape, joining Hunte in a double pronged forward line.

The substitute almost made an instant impact, collecting a pass from Sonny French before shooting from 18 yards, but just wide of the target.

It was French who brought the Ducks back into the game, and in some style; Seaton found his midfield colleague 25vyards out, he drifted away from the defence before firing into the top corner of Woodcock’s net to register an outstanding equaliser. 2-2

Having drawn level, the Ducks were forced to defend to preserve their point as the hosts pressed for a third goal. In the 83rd minute Whitehead had a great opportunity as he turned on the edge of the penalty area, but couldn’t keep his shot down. From the next attack, Whitehead combined well with Moore whose shot was well saved by Hopwood.

Five minutes before the end, a breakaway saw Ishmael outpace Tom Griffiths down the left, but with two team mates well placed for a pass he shot towards the near post, where Woodcock made a good save.

The last action of the match was an unsavoury incident, which started after a foul by Luis Fernandes near the dugouts. As players from both sides rushed to get involved, Ducks Assistant Manager was shown a red card for spitting at an opposition player, taking the gloss off a fine, competitive game of football by both sides in challenging conditions. Nonetheless, a good point on the road, and a 3rd match unbeaten for the Ducks. Next up, a trip to play Hadley on Saturday, weather permitting.