Despite a strong display, Aylesbury went down to a somewhat unfortunate defeat at the hands of Leamington in a match reminiscent of the 4-2 defeat at the Meadow earlier in the season.
Going into the game United had to win to have any chance of snatching a playoff spot, whereas their hosts had already secured their place in the top 5.
The difference in levels of urgency was apparent from the outset as Aylesbury started like an express train, quickly taking the game to their opponents. At times they played some of their best football of the season but were simply unable to find the back of the net.
Nathan Graham had the game's first chance when he won the ball back off a defender in the fourth minute, but he could only place his shot across goal and wide of the far post.
Two minutes later Leamington had their first attempt when Ben Mackey was afforded a free header from a right sided free kick but he made poor contact and his effort went out for a throw.
The swirling wind and rain at the exposed New Windmill Ground didn't affect the quality of the game as both sides continued to make chances. The impressive Chris Aslett stretched to turn a corner kick just wide of the far post for Aylesbury.
Then at the other end the Brakes should have taken the lead when Mackey slid in from close range but spooned a low cross over the bar.
Mealor came closest for Aylesbury in the first half, twice calling Richard Morris into saves. Midway through he tried a drive which Morris tipped over the bar, and ten minutes later he received the ball outside the area and hit a low shot which Morris was again equal to, this time turning around the post.
Stuart Cattell, continuing in his makeshift left-back role, headed wide after a short corner routine resulted in Mark Jones dinking in a cross, and Mealor curled a free-kick over the bar to round off an entertaining but goalless first half.
Half-time: Leamington 0-0 Aylesbury
The second half was slow to get going, Graham had the first chance when he wriggled free in the area but couldn't keep his shot down.
James Husband might have done better for Leamington moments later when the ball came across to him in the area but he fired well over, both sides struggling for accuracy in front of goal.
A round of substitutions followed for both sides, Aylesbury going to a more attacking formation with the introduction of Liburd and Nicholls as they went for the win.
Mackey spurned another glorious opportunity when he slashed the ball wide with his left foot.
It mattered little as four minutes later he gave his side the lead with a controversial opener. As Aylesbury appeared to stop and await the award of a free-kick, the ball ran through to Mackey who fired high into the net, leaving the Ducks stunned with disbelief. 1-0 Leamington
Aylesbury continued to play some great passing football on Leamington's excellent pitch, their passing across the field was a joy to watch until the final third where the final ball eluded them at times, or their shooting wasn't up to scratch.
Vincent made his first genuine save of the game when he had to tip Ryan Parisi's shot over the bar as Leamington punctuated Aylesbury's possession.
More good football from the Ducks this time ended with a shot on goal, Faulkner's powerful effort beaten away by Morris before being cleared to safety.
More controversy followed when Faulkner was booked for attempting an overhead kick but connecting with Martin Hier's head rather than the ball. In the heated reaction that followed Scott Hadland put his hand to Faulkner's throat but escaped without punishment.
Seconds later Hadland scored his side's second goal when Vincent dropped a routine catch right into his path. 2-0 Leamington
That really was game over for Aylesbury's playoff aspirations, Mackey had a final effort deflected wide, and Faulkner smashed the ball over when he might've chosen to pass the ball, but it was disappointing end for the Ducks.
