Today was a real cup tie...A great atmosphere generated by the huge crowd, including three coach-loads of Gloucester fans, played in glorious sunshine. No Ducks fans were prepared for what was about to happen though...
Some excellent passing from the Ducks in the early stages saw Aylesbury race, quite literally, into a fourth minute lead. Some hesitation in the Gloucester backline saw Kezie Ibe nick onto a loose ball, and his pace took him clear of the defence. When 1-on-1 with the keeper Ibe's original shot was blocked by the legs of Bath, but the rebound was tucked home nicely. 1-0 Aylesbury
The early part of the game saw the home side in complete control, and Gloucester were unable to get a sniff of goal. More nice passing from the Ducks presented an opportunity to Rory Hunter, but his shot was placed wide. Gloucester's first chance came after an attacker stole some space in the box, but drilled his shot wide of the post.
After fifteen minutes the Ducks increased their advantage and made it 2-0. Joe Baker got clear down the right flank, and his excellent cross was met by Craig Maskell. Matt Bath made an excellent save, but the rebound fell to Hunter, who skillfully guided the ball past the players on the line and into the net. 2-0 Aylesbury
At this point it looked like game, set and match, with the rampant Ducks pressing forward at every opportunity. After a curling free-kick from Adie Harris went over, Aylesbury created more chances. Joe Baker latched onto a poor header, but his early shot trickled wide.
Fiston Manuella then hit a snap-shot over, after the ball was laid back to him. Aylesbury had another excellent chance to completely bury the game, as Kezie Ibe again used his pace to beat the Gloucester defence, and then the keeper. Unfortunately Kezie was too wide by now to shoot for the empty goal, but he laid the ball to Hunter, whose left-footed effort was well saved. Unfortunately Craig Maskell couldn't quite get to the rebound.
A flowing counter-attack soon after saw Maskell heavily involved, as he broke free and delayed his pass, before eventually playing in Fiston Manuella. His right foot shot went over. Aylesbury then had the ball in the net for a third time, but the goal was disallowed. From a corner someone was penalised for a push, and McGrath's firm header into the net didn't stand.
With Aylesbury reeling from their cancelled out goal, City went up the other end and won a penalty. Dwayne Plummer was adjudged to have clipped the Gloucester attacker just inside the box. Player-manager Chris Burns stepped up to easily despatch the penalty. 2-1 Aylesbury
Suddenly it was Gloucester who were taking the fight to the home side. After Maskell saw an effort held by Bath, Lee Worgan made a great save from Burns' shot. The follow up effort was somehow sent over by Will Steadman.
The final effort of the first half fell to the Ducks, as a Baker free-kick was glanced towards goal by Alex Stanley. Unfortunately Matt Bath was on hand to claim the ball.
Half-time: Aylesbury 2-1 Gloucester
The second-half saw Steadman booked straight from the kick-off, after he brought down Kezie Ibe. McGrath's header from the resulting free-kick went wide. Some nervous defending from the Ducks saw the ball not cleared, and Dave Wilkinson arrived to blaze the ball well over the bar. This was to be his last action as he was replaced by Lee Smith.
Alex Stanley drove a good effort wide, before a Gloucester forward shot well over following a corner. Will Steadman was then sent off, after tugging back Kezie Ibe. As the last defender he was shown a straight red card, although he had already been booked. Maskell hit the free-kick straight at the wall, and there was a slight penalty appeal after Dwayne Plummer went tumbling in the box.
After weathering the early Gloucester possession, the lovely play the Ducks had shown early on resurfaced. Some neat footwork from Ibe nearly presented the young striker with a shooting chance, as he danced his way into the box. A Maskell looping effort was just tipped over by Bath.
With the game coming to a joyous end the attendance was announced as an impressive 1435. Kezie Ibe had one final effort, as he yet again latched onto a ball over the top, but his first time chip dropped just over.
With this the game was just about over...And let the celebrations begin!
