Aylesbury's monumental trophy run was put to the sword at a packed Victoria Park, as Burscough progressed to the final, thanks to a highly controversial 92nd minute penalty from Shaun Teale. Glorious sunshine encouraged a bumper 1773 crowd to turn out, with an excellent number from Aylesbury singing their hearts out.

Of course, as is so often the case, the match didn't live up to the expectations of the fans. In fact, neither keeper was called upon to make a save in the entire 90 minutes.

The opening exchanges were nervy, but Aylesbury were making doing some decent things on the ball. Good work down the left between Greg Williams and Alex Stanley saw a cross from the Aylesbury captain cleared behind by Burscough. Soon after Dwayne Plummer went on a run, but pulled his shot wide of the post.

At the other end Danny Gordon survived a strong penalty appeal, as he appeared to handle the ball inside the box. John Bluck was then booked for a reckless challenge on Williams, and the Ducks captain made his fury well known. Such a challenge in the Ryman League would have seen an automatic red card, no doubt.

Burscough then had two excellent chances to take the lead. However, just like at Buckingham Road the previous week, the chances weren't converted. The first came from a Shaun Teale free-kick, which was headed on by John Norman. Gary Martindale from five yards out looked odds-on to score, but he badly miskicked and the score stayed 0-0. Peter Wright then drove a cross-shot across the face of the goal, and it only needed a touch to be converted.

The remainder of the half saw little action, although Matthew Taylor did well to tip over a cross from Craig Maskell which was creaping towards the top corner. A curling Burscough free-kick was well held by Lee Worgan at the other end.

Half-time: Aylesbury 0-0 Burscough

The second half carried on in the same manner as the first. Neither side were able to create much at all in front of goal. The home side were perhaps marginally the better team, but the Ducks defence looked composed throughout.

Worgan made an excellent save from a close-range Peter Wright shot after a corner. John Lawless then fizzed a shot wide of the post.

Greg Williams was then injured after an awful challenge from a Burscough player, although the referee was totally oblivious to this. Not only was a foul not awarded, but the official wouldn't even blow his whistle to allow treatment to the player. Adam Campion came on to replace the stricken captain shortly afterwards.

Burscough brought on their big forward Paul Burns to try and give them fresh impetus up front, whilst Aylesbury replaced Chris Bangura with Kezie Ibe up front.

A series of corners for the home side towards the end of the match saw nervous times for Aylesbury, but once more the defence stood solid, well marshalled by the returning Steve McGrath. With the teams equally matched the game was poised to go into the inevitable extra time period...But then that moment.

Another corner was swung in by John Norman, headed on by Teale, eventually falling to Peter Wright. Wright took a touch, before falling over in the box, under pressure from Danny Gordon and Steve McGrath. The referee pointed to the spot. In one moment Aylesbury's players, fans and officials all stopped...Silence. Surely not? Yes he has actually given it...A 92nd minute penalty.

Now even from the other side of the ground we could see that it was a debatable penalty to say the least. However, having heard from various people who have seen the video, it was no penalty. There simply was no contact. Such were the protests from Aylesbury players the referee ended up back at the half-way line. In the melee Adam Campion was booked, and Dwayne Plummer was shown his second yellow.

Of course, there could only be one ending. Shaun Teale stepped up to send himself and team to Villa Park. Despite throwing everyone forward the full time whistle was blown, and the referee found himself subject to yet more complaints and a barrage of abuse from the Aylesbury faithful. But honestly, what could he expect?

What a cruel way to go out. A 92nd minute penalty is harsh in any game, let alone the FA Trophy Semi-Final. I am sure it will play on the minds of Ducks fans for many weeks to come.

Heads up though, we now have to secure our future in the Premier Division, starting with that all important match against Ford on Monday. Lets see if we can get as many people there as possible, and celebrate with the team their remarkable success in the Trophy this season. And it has been remarkable. Huge credit and well done to the team and coaching staff for getting this far.