Aylesbury's first Isthmian League encounter with Staines came during their inaugural season in the League following their relegation from the Conference. It was the side's first meeting since the early 1970s when they crossed swords in the Athenian League.
The Ducks had started the season in fine style and sat proudly at the top of the Premier Division. Staines had also started reasonably well after lifting the Division One title the previous season and lay in a mid table position.
For much of the match it seemed that United had their minds on a forthcoming FA Cup game with Southend United. Staines hadn't won at Wheatsheaf Lane all season and for seventy five minutes a goalless draw seemed the only likely outcome. Then in the space of two minutes that all changed. Substitute Rob Smith flicked a ball to Glen Donegal. The former Northampton Town striker played an exquisite ball through to Allan Pluckrose who fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Almost immediately Staines hit back. Mark Dawber sprinted into the area and as he was about to cross was challenged by Kevin Day. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. The home winger took the kick himself, but as he was about to strike the ball, United right back Graham Reed told Dawber he was going to miss. The kick was a good one but keeper Tim Garner was equal to it and pushed the ball away, much to the delight of the large Aylesbury contingent in the crowd.
The referee was less enamoured by the save and ordered the kick to be retaken, on the grounds of Reed's ungentlemanly conduct. The tension grew as Dawber ran up to retake the penalty, but his second effort was less accurate and flew back off the left hand post.
The Ducks didn't need a further warning and with eight minutes left they added a second. Glen Donegal's shot came back off a defender and fell kindly for Rob Smith who tucked the ball home from close range.
A minute later Neil Price hit the bar but United completed the scoring soon afterwards. Smith chipped over the home defence where Cliff Hercules ran on to lob the keeper.
The scoreline may have been flattering, but the points were gratefully received.
