United Ladies recorded their first win of the pre-season on Sunday with an improving performance in Hertfordshire.
With three weeks until the campaign starts in earnest it?s performances rather than results that are important but after the frustration of conceding two late goals the previous week it was psychologically good for the team to gain this victory.
A quiet start to the match saw little action and no goalmouth activity until ten minutes in when keeper Mel Gilbert saved well from a dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The home side broke the deadlock five minutes later when United failed to clear a corner and the ball was finally turned into her own net by Leigh Reed.
The Ducks were back on level terms soon afterwards though as Kayleigh Johnston?s pass picked out Sue Wynes in space and the United centre forward made no mistake.
On the half hour mark Hitchin were back in front as a quick break caught United unawares but again Aylesbury hit straight back with Tine Jensen this time picking out Wynes who finished with aplomb.
Five minutes before the break a wonder strike from thirty yards left Mel Gilbert no chance as United trailed for the third time in the match but impressively the lead only lasted minutes again as Sue Wynes turned provider and Susie Cole was on hand to level things going into the interval.
United continued to press in the second period as Lucy Ilic had two efforts blocked from a corner before they finally took the lead just after the hour mark. Leigh Reed?s pass set Sue Wynes up for her hat-trick.
Tine Jensen had an effort go just over from an acute angle before the home side hit back to level at 4-4 midway through the half.
Substitute Sarah Short had a shot saved before the winner finally came two minutes from time. The home keeper did well to save a stinging Sue Wynes shot but the ball fell to Short who made no mistake from a yard out.
The young striker almost added a sixth moments later as she burst through a stunned Hitchin defence only to see her shot well saved.
Another competent performance from the Ducks but there is still work to do ahead of the season opener with Banbury on 12th September.
