Despite the best efforts of recalled striker Melford Simpson, who scored one and setup another, Aylesbury’s winless run was extended to five games by a 3-2 defeat at much-improved Hertford Town, who moved up to 15th in the table was a result.

Simpson was one a number of changes in personnel since the previous Saturday, with Warren Garcia, James McNulty and Craig Townsend all injured, Tom Barnett suspended, and John Mulholland unavailable. Also back in the team were Joey Acheampong from suspension, as well as the reinstated Paul Edgeworth, whilst new signing (from Leighton Town) was drafted in at right-back.

Referee Mr Stevens set his stall out early on with a tame early booking for Lewis Hallford, as a match with little foul play ended with eight yellow cards, and with contentious decisions the order of the day it was little surprise that the game was eventually decided by one.

That was to come later though, as there was drama in the opening minutes as first Edgeworth failed to capitalise on some panicky defending when a long ball caused problems in the home area. Ben Baines then crashed an effort over a minute later having cut in from the left.

In the 10th minute the ‘curse of the ex’ struck Aylesbury, former fans favourite Chris Bangura, warmly applauded off the pitch by the visiting supporters when substituted in the second half, netted. Played into the left-side channel he hit a ball which only he will know if it was intended as a cross or shot, but either way dropped over Sillitoe and nestled into the bottom corner. 1-0 Hertford

Just a minute later and Simpson led the United fight back with an Aylesbury equaliser. Hallford flighted in a brilliant cross from the right which Simpson bravely got his head to and scored. 1-1

In doing so, he collided with goalkeeper and was knocked unconscious, referee Mr Stevens quickly putting him in the recovery position in what was perhaps his best contribution to the match.

Simpson recovered well enough to rejoin the party, but he was powerless to prevent Hertford re-taking the lead after seventeen minutes. A really well worked move saw the ball played wide to Bangura who crossed low where Draper helped it on at the near post, and player-boss Marvin Samuels arrived to slide into the net. 2-1 Hertford

Aylesbury came close to levelling once more when Acheampong beat Robinson to the ball and chipped over him, only for Jamie Packer to hack the ball off the line.

Bangura should have added to his 7 goals in 12 games for Hertford when he was put clean through by Mark Draper, but finished poorly wide of the target with only Sillitoe to beat.

A minute later at the other end Marcus Sawyer played the ball in to Acheampong who in turn fed Edgeworth and his miss-hit shot struck Simpson and spun agonisingly just past the post.

Edgeworth then went close with a well shaped curling effort going narrowly wide, and at the other end Lee Roberts fired in a low effort which was deflected wide as United couldn’t clear their lines.

In the last ten minutes of the half, three yellow cards were shown, but there was no further goalmouth action as Hertford were able to take their slender lead into the half-time break.

Half-time: Hertford 2-1 Aylesbury

Aylesbury came out strongly and in the opening minute a fine touch, turn and shot from Simpson called Robinson to make a good save and tip the ball around the post.

The away side weren’t to be denied for long though and on 54 minutes the Ducks had a second equaliser. An awful slip by debutant full-back Karden Campbell let Simpson in for a run at goal, and he had the presence of mind to square for Baines to rifle in an unstoppable from just inside the box. 2-2

The game continued to be wide open and either side could have scored as proceedings swung from end to end. Another excellent move from Hertford ended with Hadi’s effort being turned past the post by Sillitoe, before Roberts became the latest man to beat Aylesbury’s lacking offside ‘trap’ only for Daniel Jones to get back and make a fine saving challenge.

United’s best chance to go in front fell to Acheampong, released by a lovely curved pass by substitute Stacey Field, but the Ducks’ striker fired over the bar when one-on-one.

Samir Hadi then had a good run and shot which skipped up off the turf into Sillitoe’s arms, but just as it looked like the game might be heading for a draw, United shot themselves in the foot.

Luke Flood directed a needless dissenting outburst in the referee’s direction, for which he was yellow carded. But, with the ball in play in Sillitoe’s arms in the box, an indirect free-kick was awarded to Hertford – to the great annoyance of Aylesbury’s players.

It ended with the ball being touched off to Hadi who showed great technique to curl the ball up and over the array of bodies in front of him and past the despairing Sillitoe into the net. 3-2 Hertford

There was still time for another good United chance when substitutes Dimitrov and Field combined, the former slipping the ball inside for the latter whose shot was well saved by Robinson’s legs.

Jack Wood tried his luck with a long ranger in the last seconds that flew wide, but Aylesbury weren’t able to find a third leveller and slumped to defeat as their mid-table position was cemented, Hertford themselves moving up to 15th.

Whether the late free-kick award was contentious or not, and the referee seemingly followed the letter of the law, it was both Aylesbury’s indiscipline and shipping of silly goals which has once again cost them.