The Ducks made their first return match of the season, facing Stamford AFC for the second time. The Lincolnshire side narrowly won 2-1 at Buckingham Road in August. In team news Neil Champelovier failed to recover from injury, and he was replaced by the returning Greg Williams, with Dean Powles moving into midfield.

The match started slowly, with the referee too often centre of attention, as he dished out three bookings in the first quarter of the match, and appeared happy to stop the game at every given opportunity.

The returning Williams lashed over a good chance to give Aylesbury an early lead. The free-kick routine first piloted at Stotfold last Saturday almost came good, feeding Williams inside the box, but his fierce effort went over.

A well worked free-kick routine at the other end of the pitch saw Robbie Maddox drive the ball in, the effort being spilled by Jack Rashid. Fortunately Kai Ridley was alert to the danger, following in on the rebound to block the follow-up effort.

As the game continued, somewhat lacking in chances, it was the Ducks who found themselves with the best of the play. Stamford played themselves into trouble twice before the half-hour mark - keeper Darren Watts being forced to tip wide a back-header. Four minutes later and Watts collided with a defender when trying to clear his lines. Leon Gutzmore just couldn't reach the loose ball, and his eventual cross was hacked behind.

Stamford's best first half opening came from good work down the left-flank by Kevin Ainslie, who this time managed to deliver a good cross. The final header at goal summed up the home sides' attack - lacking.

After thirty-two minutes play free-kick was awarded to Aylesbury on the near touchline. There appeared to be no further discussion needed, but Leon Gutzmore got involved with a Stamford player, eventually retaliating. The referee had no alternative but to dismiss the Aylesbury striker, leaving the Ducks the entire second-half and some, with ten-men.

Half-time: Stamford 0-0 Aylesbury

The second-half started brightly for Aylesbury. Daniel Mead won the ball, played in Cracknell, who in turn passed to Paul Edgeworth. The now lone striker's effort was easily held, but it was a sign of further good attacks to come. Five minutes later and a dipping effort from Mead had to be well-watched by Watts.

Ten minutes into the half and a bright start was turned into a great start, as the ten-men of Aylesbury took the lead. Mead, involved again, battled to win the ball just inside the area, forcing it to Cracknell. The classy midfielder didn't need to think twice, crisply volleying the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 Aylesbury

Stamford were desperate to get back into the game, but time and time again found themselves let down by their poor finishing. Substitute Glen Thompson cut in from the right-flank, but his left-footed effort was always comfortable for Rashid to gather.

At the other end Aylesbury had another two chacnes to double their lead. Edgeworth snatched an early shot well over the bar, having been played in by Cracknell, and Matt Hayward had a goalbound header blocked from a corner.

As the half went on, a combination of fatigue and accumulated injury began to affect Aylesbury's game. The problems were compounded when Paul Lamb was forced to hobble off with an injury, replaced with Neil Champelovier, himself plainly unfit.

The home side began to grow as Aylesbury faded, and a fierce shot from Garry Butterworth fizzed wide, and Jason Turner also had an effort miss the target, having been played in by the ever more adventorous Delroy Gordon.

Stamford started to dominate the game in the closing stages, as United's defending dropped deeper and deeper, reminiscant of Tuesday's ending against Stotfold. An equaliser seemed inevitible, but the home side insisted on toying with the Ducks! A great ball in from Ainslie was headed at point-blank range, but somehow the header was straight at Rashid.

With six minutes remaining, Stamford did find the breakthrough. A dangerous low-ball played in was missed by one player, but slotted home at the far post by Jason Turner. 1-1

Indeed, there was still time for Stamford to rally and go for the winner. Still dictating play, they came close in the last minute - another low ball causing chaos in the box, with the ball fired wide by Dannis Rhule.

The game was finally ended by the referee, with a draw being a result both sides can be happy with. It's easy to see why Stamford have scored so few goals this season - as they were let down by their forwards for much of the evening. Aylesbury on the other hand will be pleased to have got a point having played most of the game with ten-men.