Aylesbury United, lining up in Leighton Town’s blue change kit, posted their second 4-1 win of the week with a straightforward looking victory at second bottom Holmer Green – a ground the Ducks had been 3-0 victors at last season.

In reality the game was harder than it needed to be for United, who, having gained a healthy first half lead despite an unconvincing display, then proceeded to invite unnecessary pressure by conceding an early goal after the break.

Skipper John Mulholland produced a goal just at the right time though to steady the ship and re-assert United’s command of proceedings, from which point it was relatively plain sailing.

With Stacey Field still missing, Joey Acheampong was rewarded for his midweek goal with another starting berth, whilst Aylesbury’s regular order were restored following the cup match ‘squad rotation’.

It was Acheampong who opened the scoring, netting after an even first half hour, to already level his goal tally from the entire previous season. After a build up down the left he received the ball just inside the area and produced another clinical finish past the goalkeeper. 1-0 Aylesbury

What had proceeded that was plenty of huffing and puffing, but little in the way of chances as the side’s cancelled each other out.

Gary Lines might have done better in the 7th minute when he could only head Andy Shed’s cross from the byeline over the bar, before the ex-Aylesbury man’s shot bobbled through into the path of Allen who found Sillitoe equal to his effort with a good save.

Another effort from Christie three minutes later was smothered at the second attempt by Sillitoe, as the Ducks stopper found himself the busier custodian in the opening twenty minutes.

Aylesbury did threaten twice in quick succession as Garcia’s well struck effort arched just over the target, and King’s left-footed shot was gathered in by the keeper as he cut inside from the right, before Acheampong gave United the lead.

The goal allowed Aylesbury to relax a bit and as they were in the ascendancy their football became freer. Seconds after the goal Baines could have made it two, but saw his shot saved by Stretton from close range, then Edgeworth headed a deep free-kick well over the bar.

The second goal, perhaps a little harsh to Holmer Green on balance of play, came with three first half minutes remaining. The ball somehow found its way through to Edgeworth, amongst which it deflected off the referee, and he made no mistake by firing home his third goal in two games. 2-0 Aylesbury

Despite the setback, the home side forced some late pressure when Allen curled a shot narrowly over the bar, following which they forced three consecutive corners. The third was met by Jack Dixon who was unlucky to see his effort go past the upright.

Half-time: Holmer Green 0-2 Aylesbury

Aylesbury went close again two minutes after the restart when Garcia curled wide, but they gave their opponents a way back into the match in the 51st minute. Dixon dinked a clever pass over the defence, where Christie stole in unattended to head past the exposed Sillitoe. 1-2

The goal briefly boosted the home side who had a spell of pressure in the coming minutes, but were unable to put it to good use and actually didn’t have another shot at goal in the remainder of the match.

The Ducks came back strongly as Edgeworth missed a good chance when his flighted shot sailed past the post after some good work by Baines, before Mulholland skewed an effort badly over, and Garcia’s 25-yarder was gathered in by Stretton.

Skipper Mulholland it was who did score the crucial third. Mercer’s free-kick was allowed to come all the way across to him where the big defender was in the right place to rifle home a fearsome shot which gave Stretton no chance. 3-1 Aylesbury

The goal settled any lingering doubts as to where the points were going, and seven minutes from time substitute Melford Simpson won a penalty when he was wrestled to the ground in the area. The big man dusted himself down and, although not hitting the world’s best penalty allowing Stretton to make a save, the ball spun out of the keeper’s grasp and over the line. 4-1 Aylesbury

Once again, the goal was perhaps rather a harsh reflection on Holmer Green’s afternoon, before Aylesbury nearly added further gloss to the scoreline when King’s excellent drive was tipped over, but they were more than happy with four away day goals.