The visit of Hitchin Town saw yet another new era begin at Aylesbury United, as Paul Curtis watched his first game in charge of the club. Having played well against Bedford and Hornchurch, Ducks fans were confident that another good display would bring in some reward this afternoon.

There were two changes to the team that lost at Hornchurch - Aaran Cavill has returned to Northampton after his loan spell, and was replaced in the team by Aidie Corcoran. The injured Danny Gordon was replaced in defence by John Winter.

The opening of the game was poor from both teams, although the warning signs from Hitchin were there to see. Josh Sozzo crossed from the right, where Jim Duffy arrived to shoot straight into the arms of Kevin Davies.

Danny Gray had an effort blocked, as did Stuart Maynard for Hitchin. The Canaries then had a goal disallowed for a foul on Davies by Mark Bridge, with the striker booked for his indiscresion.

Bridge wasn't to be denied though, and he scored the game's opening goal after twenty minutes. Sozzo again caused the Ducks' defence problems, and his cross was nodded home by the un-challenged Bridge. 1-0 Hitchin

Hitchin had another goal disallowed, this time for offside against Ryan Frater. Good finishes count for nothing in these situations, although Frater's sweetly struck volley would have been an excellent strike.

Sozzo threatened again, firing wide of the near post after a good flowing attack. The ex-Duck popped up again though, to score Hitchin's second goal. Getting free in the area, Sozzo slotted the ball home past the desparing Davies. 2-0 Hitchin

Sozzo went close again before half-time, running through from midfield, before firing a shot across the face of the goal and wide.

Half-time: Aylesbury 0-2 Hitchin

Despite an upbeat start from the Ducks, Hitchin added another goal just three minutes after the kick-off. Josh Sozzo scored his second goal of the game, stroking home from near the penalty spot. 3-0 Hitchin

Hitchin went close again, as they hit the bar direct from a corner-kick! Mark Burke fired over from the right of the penalty area, as the visitors kept the heat up on their hosts.

Midway through the half, Aylesbury had a rare effort on goal. A quick counter attack was taken down the left by Nadim Akhtar, who played the ball to Ryan Wiffin, The big striker laid the ball off for Aidie Corcoran to attempt a first-time shot, which went over.

Hitchin continued their own pressure though, and scored another goal. Bridge got his second of the game with a towering header from a free-kick. 4-0 Hitchin

With over fifteen minutes still to play, there was a danger of Aylesbury's youngsters completely collapsing under the visitors attacking play. To their credit though, they kept battling and it was they who scored, albeit in the 91st minute.

An excellent Akhtar free-kick was saved by Wilmot, but he could only claw the ball away to John Marsh, who did well to squeeze the ball in on the volley. 4-1 Hitchin

Despite the goal, the result had never been in doubt. In fact, Aylesbury's first shot on target was Akhtar's free-kick. Perhaps this was a step too far for the players out there this afternoon. Whatever, Paul Curtis will certainly have plenty to think about before the trip to high-flying Carshalton.