After another long break, Aylesbury returned to action with an FA Trophy tie against Banstead Athletic, of the Ryman Division 1 South League.
This was a game that United should have won comfortably, on paper anyway. The status of Banstead was far inferior to the Ducks, but as is so often the case, a cup upset so nearly occured.
In fact, the visitors were only minutes away from recording a one-nil win over Aylesbury, but more on that later.
With Chris Bangura departing to Kingstonian, the Ducks started the match without a recognised striker. Thus the responsibility fell to Warren Williams and Adam Campion to form a makeshift strikerforce.
The game started slowly, which was to be the pattern of things, although Banstead had a half chance in the opening stages. A cross flashed across Kevin Davies' goal, but there was no-one to convert the chance.
Four minutes later and Warren Williams was put free of the defence. With only the keeper to beat, he lobbed the ball, but his effort fell short of the goal line and was cleared behind by a defender.
This was about as much as Aylesbury could create in the first half, as a Gareth Risbridger weak effort was lobbed wide in what was their only other chance.
Just before half-time Banstead squandered a great chance, as a striker capitalised on a defensive error by John Winter, but saw his effort well saved by Davies.
Half-time: Aylesbury 0-0 Banstead
Danny Gray replaced Warren Williams at half-time and almost made an immediate impact. Looking lively the pint sized striker stole in ahead of of the stranded keeper, but found the angle against him, and could only shoot into the side netting.
Aylesbury appeared to be growing in stature at this point, and created more chances than at any other time in the game. A well worked free-kick routine was drilled in low by Adam Campion, and well parried by Tony Webb.
Gray then headed over a cross from Campion. The ball really fell to the wrong player, with Gray being the smallest player on the pitch.
Sadly, their dominance on the match came to nothing, and Banstead seized their chance to take the lead. A goal-kick was inadvertently flicked on by Paul Covington, leaving Lee Cormick with the simplest of finishes. 1-0 Banstead
Two minutes later and Banstead could have double their lead. Some more sleepy defending from the Ducks allowed Nigel Webb in, but he could only lob the ball wide of the goal. A let off for Aylesbury.
With ten minutes to go, Kevin Wilson brought on Matt Haywood for his first match since September (ironically against Bedford). The big defender went straight up front to try and win some balls for Aylesbury.
The Ducks were becoming frustrated by their inability to create chances, and the game appeared to be edging away from them.
After 89 minutes though, Danny Gray got Aylesbury out of jail. A ball played in by Rory Hunter wasn't properly cleared, and Campion fired the ball against the bar, bouncing down and out. Danny Gray picked up the loose ball and smashed a shot into the top corner. 1-1
The match ended a draw, and will now require a replay to decide the outcome. The replay will take place on Tuesday night at Banstead Athletic. One thing is certain - The Ducks will need to be a lot better if they are to progress to the second round.
