As the basement sides of the Ryman Premier Division met at Buckingham Road, today seemed to be the ideal opportunity for Paul Curtis to record his long-awaited first win as manager. With the Ducks going into the match on the back of some good recent displays, the fans were optimistic.

The match started quite well for Aylesbury, as Daniel Mead tried a few early drives, one of which skimmed the far post. Donovan Reed tried a long-shot which lacked conviction, and trickled through to the goalkeeper, Paul Rutherford.

Greg Williams then came forward, and tried a left-footed shot, which went just wide. Aylesbury controlled much of the first half, especially in terms of posession, but were unable to create too much in the way of openings.

Aylesbury's best chance came after 36 long minutes, through Alvin Bubb. The winger beat two players, but placed his shot over from outside the area.

The Ducks then nearly conceded a goal, with Braintree's first real chance, although it was an inadvertant flick-on by an Aylesbury defender that was heading goalwards.

Half-time: Aylesbury 0-0 Braintree

Things could only improve in the second half, and it was Braintree who made a go of it from the restart. James Ayres saw a header from a free-kick saved by Jack Rashid, and then the same player headed a corner over the bar. Jamie Richards also saw a shot blocked, in Braintree's best spell of the match.

Aylesbury's best move of the game came midway through the second half, and resulted in Donovan Reed volleying over the bar. A cross was whipped in from the right-flank by Ryan Wiffin, nodded down by Greg Williams, and volleyed over by Reed.

At the other end Richards had a shot saved, and Carl Allison's mis-directed cross dropped onto the top of the bar.

As the game drew slowly to a close, both sides had one further chance of note, to snatch the three points. For Braintree Ollie Blackwell spectacurlarly volleyed over, and Wiffin had a shot deflected to the keeper for Aylesbury.

The match ended goal-less, and will quickly be forgotten by all who were unfortunate enough to witness it.