A late dagger sees the Ducks exit the FA Cup in the extra preliminary round for the third consecutive season. The venue was Holloways Park, the home of Beaconsfield FC. The Ducks, for the next month or so, are playing at the home of the Rams due to Chesham United's ongoing pitch renovations. The two teams had initially gathered the previous Friday, but the game had been abandoned due to a power outage.

Nevertheless, there was a fresh sense of optimism for the start of another season. With the new ownership in charge and a set of fresh new faces in and around the team, the Ducks fans were hoping to get past the extra preliminary round for the first time since the 23/24 season, where they overcame Fairford Town.

The Ducks started the first half brightly, but Flackwell slowly grew into the game, having a flurry of dangerous free kicks which were defended well by the Aylesbury defence. Jack Hopwood was also called into action but got down well to tip the ball round the post. As Flackwell continued to put the pressure on the Ducks’ backline, it did allow for counterattack opportunities. The attacking trio of Wil Turner, Ike Okwusogu and Rocko Tamplin looked lively on the ball, but nothing up until that point worked the Flackwell keeper.

The away side’s pressure ultimately paid off, though, as in the 34th minute they were awarded a penalty after Jack Hopwood was adjudged to have brought down their striker just inside the penalty box. Their number nine, Marcus Mealing, stepped up and smashed the ball straight down the middle to give Flackwell the lead.

After the goal, though, Aylesbury flipped the game on its head. They started to attack with more conviction, and this led to the equaliser in the first minute of added on time at the end of the first half. A well-worked one-two slipped Ike in behind the Heathens’ backline, and he composed himself to slot the ball into the bottom corner. A debut goal which you could tell gave him more confidence from that point onwards.

The referee blew his whistle for halftime with the game tied at 1-1. A first 45 where there were periods of sustained pressure for both sides, setting up an intriguing second half.

After the break both sides had chances to take the lead. The Ducks’ confidence continued to grow, and they looked more threatening in the final third. However, Jack Hopwood was on hand once again to keep the score level.

As the game began to stretch, Flackwell regained the lead in the 56th minute. A looping cross was sent to the back post, which was then headed back across the box to number eight Matthew Ayres, who converted to regain the lead for the visitors.

However, the Ducks didn't lie down and, once again, responded positively. Five minutes after conceding they gained the chance to level the scoring. This time it was a penalty in favour of the home side. James Bone was fouled inside the area by a Flackwell defender, and up stepped Ike, who tucked away the spot kick to make the score 2-2. A second on the night for the forward. A good start to life at the club.

After the penalty, the game became even more open. The fact it was the first competitive game of the season, along with the high temperature, led to an enthralling final third of the game. Aylesbury had numerous clear-edged chances to gain the lead for the first time but failed to capitalise. Alfie Anderson came off the bench and had a sight of goal, but his effort went agonisingly over the bar. Shortly afterwards, fellow substitute Bax Daffeh had a good chance, but he pulled his shot just wide of the post from 15 yards. These chances were followed by numerous corners and free kicks from dangerous positions, which the Ducks were unable to capitalise on.

Ultimately those misses came back to haunt the Ducks. In the 79th minute Matthew Marriott hit a screamer from just outside the edge of the box, smashing the ball into the far top corner. Jack Hopwood had no chance of saving it. Aylesbury once again had to try and level the scoring. All the subs had a positive impact, as the Ducks never gave up trying to find that all-important equaliser.

That said, it wasn't enough, and Flackwell stood firm and therefore confirmed their place in the next round of the FA Cup. As fans left the ground, it was a mixture of emotions for the Ducks. Despite fighting back to equalise twice, it wasn't to be. A spirited performance, which the home side were just on the wrong side of. Good luck to Flackwell for the rest of the competition. Attention now turns to Saturday, where we face a tough test away to Potters Bar. Our first league game of the season!