United went into this game with no realistic prospect of victory as Farnborough lead the Ryman Premier table, whilst the Ducks were struggling at the wrong end of Division One. Yet against the odds United out-battled their more illustrious opponents and were well worthy of their win.
From kick-off United looked focussed and up for the challenge. Farnborough were a slick passing side and featured ex-Aylesbury favourite Gary Crawshaw up front, but he was kept at bay by towering performances from centre-backs Peter Clifford and Scott Honeyball, whilst keeper James Courtnage had his most authorative game in an Aylesbury shirt.
Whilst it was inevitable that the home side would have more of the ball, they created few genuine chances. Meanwhile, when United had the ball they used it well, and always looked dangerous on the break.
Phil Mason and Gary Wotton tested keeper McKenzie with long range shots in the early stages. He dealt with these comfortably, and sought to distribute the ball quickly. Then came another long range effort, from Bobby Highton. This time McKenzie was left helpless as the ball looped over his head and into the net.
The somewhat comical opener was cue for sustained Farnborough pressure, but it wasn't until just before half-time that they really looked like scoring, when a superb last ditch clearance from Danny Honeyball denied an equaliser.
After the interval Farnborough were beginning to create more chances, but United still looked dangerous on the break. They scored their second when Roni Joe robbed a Farnborough defender, before calmly rounding the keeper and slotting home - sending the Aylesbury fans into raptures.
United had been under pressure before then, so the travelling fans expected the goal to be under siege for the last twenty minutes. But it wasn't the case. The home side were unable to change things, having been forced into two substitutions through injury in the first half, and ran out of steam. So much so that United should have made it three - Highton spooning a great chance over the bar following good work by Donnelly and Callinan.
Farnborough had a reasonable claim for a penalty turned down in the closing stages, but United held out to continue their FA Cup odyssey, and Farnborough to concentrate on their league challenge.
