After recording their fourth straight win in all competitions with a 4-1 home Ryman League Division 1 demolition of Yeading in midweek that took their total unbeaten run to ten games, United made it five in a row as they made it through to the next round of the FA Cup with this 2nd Qualifying Round win over the previous season?s Ryman League Division 3 Champions Arlesey at Buckingham Road.
After their virtuoso attacking display against Yeading, hopes of a repeat were high, but it was a below par performance by the Ducks against a strong and well organised Arlesey rearguard and as a result the game rapidly turned into a very turgid affair.
The closest the visitors came to breaking the deadlock came when Anthony Ward?s corner found the unmarked Dave Hatchett who volleyed over from 6 yards.
The hosts gradually improved as the half wore on and their only worthwhile shot came just before half time when Ollie Stanbridge?s effort was comfortable saved by Arlesey keeper Martyn Patching. However, they suffered a blow as in form Dwight Marshall suffered a groin strain and had to be replaced by Steve Clark.
The second half began with United on top and their pressure finally paid off in the 50th minute when Stuart Maynard?s left wing corner was flicked on by Scott Honeyball to Chris Bangura who scuffed his shot home from 2 yards.
The visitors fought back and put the Ducks under brief pressure during which only a vital interception by Honeyball denied Barry Dellas a clear shot on goal.
However, the game was effectively over as a contest in the 60th minute when Arlesey sub Martin Gittings (on the field for just two minutes) pressed the self destruct button when he was involved in a bust up with Honeyball that left referee Mr Randall with no option but to send the Arlesey man off and leave the visitors to battle on with 10 men.
Then, in the 71st minute, it was 2-0 when Bangura released sub Roni Joe down the right who showed good pace and strength to reach the byeline before sending over a precision cross for Clark to head firmly past Patching.
Ducks defender Greg Williams suffered a nasty clash of heads with Gary Watts (and was replaced by Peter Clifford) in the 81st minute before the hosts went close to adding to their lead when Dwain Clarke?s fine run ended with his shot being pushed away by Patching.
The Ducks were not at their best in this game but did enough to progress past lower division opponents.
David Figg
