With the Ducks facing the daunting prospect of a trip to Aldershot next week, before their historical FA Trophy Semi-Final next weekend, today would be an excellent time to get some points back on the board to maybe haul ourselves out of the relegation zone.
Changes after the Bedford defeat saw Fiston Manuella return to the side following his suspension. Phil Dicker, Rory Hunter, Chris Bangura and Joe Baker were also restored to the line-up, in place of Greg Williams, Richard Gell, Craig Maskell and Kezie Ibe.
The game started slowly, with few chances in the early stages. The Ducks were playing the ball about well, and keeping posession nicely at times. Their slow passing style was opening up Maidenhead, although chances were lacking. As has been the story a lot recently, balls were nearly coming off, things were nearly happening, without the end product.
The first chance of note fell to Chris Bangura, as he saw his right-footed cross-shot go just over the bar. Maidenhead then survived a penalty appeal, after Bangura played an excellent ball into Dwayne Plummer. As the Aylesbury midfielder controlled the ball on his chest, he appeared to be barged in the back, but the referee waved away the claims.
Maidenhead took the lead with what was their first real chance on goal, after 26 minutes. It was a case of same old story as it came from a set piece. A corner was swung over from the left and Andy Cook rose highest in the box to head the ball home. 1-0 Maidenhead
The next minute saw what may have proved to be the turning point in the game. After a scramble in the box, a Maidenhead defender was penalised for hand-ball, and Aylesbury were awarded a penalty. Joe Baker stepped up, but scuffed his spot-kick wide of the post.
Two minutes on, and it was two-nil to Maidenhead. A hit-and-hope 40-yard cross-shot had Worgan beaten, but the ball hit the post and bounced out. Unfortunately Joe Nartey had followed in, and was on hand to slam the ball into the roof of the net. 2-0 Maidenhead
In the space of a just four minutes, the game had been turned on its head. From being at a stage where a goal and result looked possible for the Ducks, they had found themselves staring a 2-0 defecit in the face.
The final chance of the half did however fall to Aylesbury. An attack saw the ball played back to Dwayne Plummer, who sent his shot wide from 20-yards.
Half-time: Maidenhead 2-0 Aylesbury
The second half began with a spat in the box between Fiston Manuella and Andy Cook. With both involved in a physical battle, both ended up being booked by the referee.
After 12 minutes Adam Campion made his long awaited return from suspension, to replace Joe Baker.
Aylesbury pushed forward looking for a goal, but had difficulty in creating any clear cut opportunities. Rory Hunter came close, with an effort flicked over his head, which had to be well tipped over by goalkeeper Richard Barnard.
Probably the Ducks best chance fell to Phil Dicker of all people. A brilliant left-footed cross from Campion was met by the bursting forward Dicker, but he could only guide the ball wide of the post.
Maidenhead then won a penalty, which, had they scored could have settled the game well and truly. The spot-kick was won after Hunter was adjudged to have bundled over a striker in the box. However, Ryan Ashe's penalty hit the bost and bounced clear.
A series of free-kicks for Aylesbury then produced no result. First Alex Stanley took a quickly taken effort, which was easily held by Barnard. Then Campion had two efforts, both of which were disappointingly off target.
Kezie Ibe replaced Rory Hunter, and almost had an immediate impact. After bursting into the box, the youngster had three quick chances in succession. The third one was sent agonisingly wide though. A few minutes later and he was at it again. A shimmy to the left made space for the shot, which was sent over.
Campion fired a shot wide, before getting a late consolation goal for Aylesbury. Kezie Ibe worked himself some space on the right flank, before delivering a peach of a cross, that Campion was able to nod home. 2-1 Maidenhead
