With the Ducks' injury and suspension problems coming to a head, it was a wonder Steve Cordery managed to field a team at all, and credit that a team missing eight regulars managed to earn a draw with Purfleet, a team who have been in the top four for most of the season. The Ducks started with a 5-3-2 system, with new defenders Ben Martin and Ifura Marien lining up with Danny Gordon, Phil Dicker and Richard Gell as wing-backs, Greg Williams, Rory Hunter and Dwayne Plummer in midfield and Julian Charles up front with Kezie Ibe.

In the glorious afternoon sunshine, the game was played at a slow pace throughout, with neiter team fashioning much in the way of chances. The first chance of the game took nearly 20 minutes in coming. A free-kick was conceded by 'Big' Ben Martin, and the effort on the edge of the area was easily held by Lee Worgan.

The Ducks' first move of the match saw Dwayne Plummer released down the right flank. His cross back to Julian Charles lacked pace, and the striker found himself quickly closed down by Purfleet's defence.

Aylesbury's best effort of the match came from a counter attacking move, with Plummer again at the centre of the attack. Plummer's through ball put Charles goalside of the defence, and his shot had the keeper beaten, but rattled the crossbar.

Purfleet had two chances from free-kicks towards the end of the first half. First Jimmy McFarlane headed over, and then straight at Worgan. On both occasions the he should have done better with his effort.

As the first half came to an end, Plummer overhit a free-kick, before both Lee Allen and Jon Keeling were lucky to escape bookings. Allen for a dangerous high challenge, and Keeling for a late challenge. As it happens, Allen was booked two minutes later for a challenge on Rory Hunter.

Half-time: 0-0

The second half saw the Ducks playing some better football, as they tried to take the initiative to the visitors. An attack down the right involving Dicker and Ibe saw the ball squared for Greg Williams who tried a first time left footed effort. Unfortunately the ball was always going away from the captain, and his effort went well wide.

Within ten minutes of the restart though, the Ducks took the lead. A corner from the right was headed against the bar by one debutant, Ifura Marien, and dropped to another, Ben Martin. Martin took the ball and sweetly stroked a half volley into the net. 1-0 Aylesbury

Yet again though, the Ducks took their eye of the ball after going ahead, and Purfleet levelled just two minutes later. A long throw was allowed to bounce in the area, and Cliff Akurang managed to turn the ball home. 1-1

Once more Aylesbury tried to re-capture the initiative, but it just wasn't going the way of the home side. Of the little efforts of note, a Dwayne Plummer shot deflected off Kezie Ibe. Julian Charles then tried a shot from a quickly taken free-kick, which was never troubling the keeper.

Phil Dicker picked up an injury and was replaced by Artur Correira, with Greg Williams moving to right wing-back.

Substitute Kris Lee then had two chances for Purfleet. First he tiptoed forward and hit a shot which called for a good save from Lee Worgan. Then he turned on a sixpence and unleashed a volley, which sailed over the bar. In between these Rory Hunter hit a long shot which was always clearing the bar.

Craig Maskell came on to try and turn the game, without success. The last incident of the match was Ben Martin getting injured and being replaced by Chris 'BOOTHE!' Boothe.

In the end a point will be a good result for the Ducks. The fans would've taken a point before the game, but in the end it was frustrating, as the three were there for the taking.