Aylesbury had reason to be optimistic going into this game against Grantham Town, manager Danny Nicholls naming two debutants - Kamran Abassi (from Maidenhead) and Jonathan Bewers (from Kettering), as well as the returning Garry Cook.

Unfortunately the side were also missing the injured Drew Roberts for the visit of the Gingerbreads, unbeaten in six games, and they struggled for chances throughout and at times looked like an unfamiliar team.

It took Grantham just 46 seconds to race into the lead. A cross from the right flank found its way across to the unmarked Steve Evans, who directed his header across goal where Fabien Smith touched the ball in. 1-0 Grantham

United saw plenty of the ball, as seems to be the pattern of matches at the moment, yet despite playing good football they were unable to create a clear-cut chance.

The next chance didn't come for 20 minutes, debutant Bewers sending a 25-yard free kick wide of Mario Ziccardi's post. Liam Dolman then strode forward and fired a low shot which skimmed through to the goalkeeper.

Ten minutes before the break Grantham went close to doubling their advantage. A poor back-header by Greg Williams fell to Willis Francis, but his effort was scrambled away off the goal line.

Aylesbury finally created a note-worthy chance on the stroke of half-time. A quick counter attacking move released Neil Lazarus down the left flank, and his deep cross found Jaggard in the area, whose effort was finely saved by the out-rushing Ziccardi.

Half-time: Aylesbury 0-1 Grantham

A poor game sunk the new levels after the break, as the teams fought out a scrappy battle on the pitch. Folds headed a free-kick over, and Fabien Smith flashed a volley wide then headed a cross over, as shots on goal became a thing of rarity.

Just past the hour mark Grantham scored a second to put the game beyond Aylesbury. Out of nothing the ball was whipped in, and Carruthers managed to jump and easily nod home. 2-0 Grantham

Even with thirty minutes remaining, there was little further in the way of action. Jaggard managed to turn and get a shot away, but it was easily held by Ziccardi, on 72 minutes.

Grantham's substitutions added freshness to their attack, and Tom Pell turned smartly in the area and shot over. Neil Lazarus also saw an effort held by Ziccardi as the match drew to a slow end.