The Ducks travelled to Goff’s Lane, to take on Hertford Town in their last league game of the season. After Oxhey’s defeat by Haringey on Thursday, the team knew their destiny was in their own hands, with just a point needed to secure second place and the high likelihood of promotion back to step 4 of the non-league pyramid. A large contingent of fans made the journey round the M25 with the hope and expectation that the club’s season long unbeaten away record (and new club record 27 game run) would be extended by the one game needed to secure the ultimate goal for the season.

Manager Tony Joyce made one change to the starting line-up, Danny Jones making his first start at left back following injury, replacing Zac Reynolds who was nursing a minor injury of his own.

Buoyed by a large travelling support, Aylesbury started brightly. In the 5th minute, a deep corner from Paul Edgeworth dropped to Steve Hatch at the far post, but his effort on goal was blocked on the line by Albert Adu.

The positive start was rewarded in the 10th minute, Shane Wood playing a speculative ball down the line which Louis Austin chased, managing to reach it before it crossed the bye line. He found Stacy Field on the edge of the box, who took the ball in his stride, and shot below the diving keeper to open the scoring. The goal was his 44th of the season, and it came in his 100th appearance for the Ducks. 1-0 Aylesbury

However, with the fans still celebrating the goal and thinking of what could be coming, Hertford hit back straight away. Summers cut in from the right wing and found Adu on the edge of the box. There didn’t seem to be any immediate danger as he was surrounded by 3 defenders, but he managed to wriggle away from their attention and bury the ball past Sillitoe from 15 yards. 1-1

A fine response from the home team, but not one which was on the script! Two minutes later, a long throw from Summer's found Campbell in the middle of the penalty area, but he could only manage to lift his shot over the bar.

Next it was the turn of Aylesbury’s own long throw expert Shane Wood to launch the ball into the box. It found Paul Edgeworth whose shot was deflected wide for a corner, from which Hatch had another attempt on goal deflected wide.

The game had by now taken on an end to end nature with chances for both teams. Disaster was to strike in the 21st minute for the Ducks. A speculative high cross from the left wing by Tommy Wade saw Sillitoe struggle to get to the ball in the swirling wind. His punch only went as far as Summers 8 yards out, his snap volley finding the top corner of the net to put the home side in front. 2-1 Hertford

Going behind is not something Aylesbury have been used to in their unbeaten run, and for a period of time looked a little shell shocked as Hertford upped the pressure, dominating the game for the next 15 minutes. Adu was fouled by Greg Williams 35 yards out, the resulting free kick was well struck but straight at Sillitoe who managed to touch the ball over the bar.

Towards the end of the half the Ducks came back into the game, In the 34th minute Edgeworth found Ben Baines with a cross from the left, but his header was deflected just wide of goal. From the corner, Louis Austin was well placed but could only place his shot over the bar. More good work by Austin on the left found Field on the edge of the area. He expertly rolled his defender, but his shot was well saved by Kidd in the home goal, who was having a fine game. Four minutes later he was called into action again. Daniel Jones curled a corner in from the right, but Kidd managed to get a touch to the ball under pressure and divert it over the bar. From the resulting corner Jack Wood was unmarked at the far post but placed his header narrowly wide of the post when it seemed easier to score.

That brought to an end the first half. On the balance of play, both sides had chances to score, with Hertford looking dangerous on the break. The away fans were left wondering what the second half would bring, but their hopes were raised slightly when news filtered through that Oxhey were also losing, so all was not lost.

Half-time: Hertford 2-1 Aylesbury

Kicking off the second half into the strong wind, the Ducks strived hard to get the equaliser that they needed. However, it was Hertford who squandered the best chance of the match so far. On 47 minutes, another long throw from Summers found Tomkins totally unmarked by the penalty spot. While he had chance to pick his spot, he blazed the ball high wide and not so handsome over the bar - a big escape!

In the 57th minute, a long free kick from Shane Wood saw Austin challenge Kidd in the air; the ball dropped Jack Wood on the edge of the penalty area, whose crisp volley was well saved by the keeper. On 68, Shane Wood was again the provider, another long throw which was cleared for a corner. From the corner, Jack Wood headed over the bar. After 77 minutes, the referee produced his first yellow card of the game; Louis Austin escaped away down the left and was upended by full back Rhys Watson, just as he was looking to get a cross in. From the free kick, Austin was inches away from connecting in the centre, the ball running away to safety.

However, just as it looked as though Aylesbury were going to get back into the game, Hertford delivered the killer blow. In the 79th minute, with the Ducks committing players forward, Hertford launched a counter attack. An attack broke down on the edge of the penalty area, allowing Malachi Brissett broke forward. Although the defence was undermanned, there didn’t seem to be any immediate danger, but he cut inside his defender and fired at goal from wide on the left side of the penalty area. The ball somehow bobbled over Sillitoe’s despairing dive and found its way into the bottom corner of the net. A sickening blow for the team, and despite a valiant effort from all, one which was to prove insurmountable on the day. 3-1 Hertford

As the final whistle went, the players all sank to their knees, well aware of what had been needed from the game. It was very obvious that they felt disappointed with themselves for losing their season long unbeaten away run on the last day of the season, and coming up short when all that was needed to secure second place was a point. In truth the fans knew they had nothing to be ashamed of, and applauded them as they left the pitch. Whatever the outcome today, it has been a magnificent season.

But the agony of defeat turned to ecstasy when news filtered through that Oxhey had lost their match 1-0 against Hadley. Cue scenes of wild celebration as the players emerged from the dressing room to celebrate with the Ducks faithful.

In the space of 10 minutes, emotions had gone from rock bottom to high as a kite as the reality of what had happened sunk in. While the final verdict from the FA on which clubs will be offered the extra promotion slots is still some time away, no one can deny what the team have managed this season. They have deserved this second place, and promotion would be a just reward. One final game awaits, the League Cup Final at Berkhamsted on Wednesday evening, and the chance to finally win some silverware.

Thanks to Ian Pluck for this match report