After another disappointing performance the previous week, Kevin Wilson made a number of changes to the Aylesbury side that took on the tough challenge of Grays Athletic. Danny Gordon replaced Matt Hayward in the centre of defence, whilst Lewis Reid returned from injury to replace Gareth Risbridger in central midfield. Tom Ramasut was relegated to the bench, with Alvin Bubb reinstated to left-wing duty.

The opening stages of the match were fairly even. Kevin Davies had to be alert early on the deny Freddy Eastwood, after the free-scoring striker cut in from the flank and fired a shot to the near post.

Alvin Bubb came close with a Ljungberg-esque burst into the penalty box, which saw him connect with a Lewis Reid cross, but shoot just wide.

Grays counter-attacked excellently throughout the game, and their first showing came from this move, as they went effortlessly from one end of the pitch to the other. The Ducks were ripped apart, and a low-cross was fired in low by Eastwood, but Davies reacted smartly to deny the striker.

A couple of Darren Lynch efforts didn't trouble Mel Capleton in goal for Grays. The first was created by the striker's own good work, but he could only fire over when off balance. The second was nodded down to him by Matt Glynn, and his first time snap shot went over the bar.

At this point it was the Ducks in the ascendancy, with Alvin Bubb looking particurlarly dangerous down the left. A Chris Jackson free-kick was headed over by Mark Reed.

Reed turned provider minutes after, after breaking free down the right, he fired in a low cross. Lynch uncharacteristically missed his kick, and the ball rolled through for the arriving Bubb, who skied his effort.

All Aylesbury's good work was rewarded in the 40th minute, with a first Aylesbury goal for Darren Lynch. A ball played over the Grays defence had them in a mix-up, and the striker took the ball down well to leave an easy sidefoot finish past Capleton. 1-0 Aylesbury

Instead of conceding a goal straight away as in the past two games, Aylesbury increased their lead before half time. Chris Jackson curled a free-kick into the area, which was missed by everyone and went straight into the back of the net, to put the Ducks in dreamland. 2-0 Aylesbury

Half-time: Aylesbury 2-0 Grays

Half-time saw the Ducks 2-0 to the good, and nobody could deny it was what they had deserved. The terraces were buzzing, and fans were already discussing the 3rd round draw. Sadly, they hadn't bet on Grays start to the second half...

The visitors took just five minutes to get a goal back. Lax defending allowed Martin Carthy to be put through with one pass, and he coolly slotted past Davies. 2-1 Aylesbury

What was a sickening blow became even worse just a minute later, as Grays levelled. A superb move down the left flank culminated in a great low cross which was smashed into the net by Eastwood. 2-2

Shellshocked doesn't come close to describing the atmosphere inside Buckingham Road. Just what had Mark Stimson said to his team at half time? Whatever, it had done the job, as Grays were flying.

The Ducks took a while, but managed to steady themselves and prevent their opponents getting into the lead. Lynch had an excellent chance to regain the lead, but he misplaced a free-header from another good Jackson delivery.

The game was now more open than at any point, and both sides were getting chances to nick the lead. Leroy Griffiths curled a left-footed effort towards goal, which was seen very late by Davies, and well tipped wide. At the other end a Lewis Reid cross-cum-shot dropped just wide of the post, with Capleton stranded.

In the final stages there was a spate of injuries. For the Ducks Mark Reed (ankle) and Danny Gordon (muscular) both hobbled off the pitch, whilst Grays' Joe Bruce had to be stretchered off with a nasty looking injury.

As the game came to an end both teams had a chance to steal a late winner. A top-corner bound Aylesbury effort was tipped over by Capleton. For Grays a hooked volley produced a great save from Kevin Davies.

So the match will go to a replay, to be played this Tuesday night at Grays Athletic. Winning there will be a tall order, but if a performance similar to today's can be reproduced then a place in round three is achievable.