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Aylesbury had to twice win this match against mid-table St. Margaretsbury, as a late Stacey Field goal fired them to a 3-2 victory having earlier allowed their visitors to recover a two-goal deficit.

United held a two-goal half-time advantage courtesy of close range headers from Field and the recalled Melford Simpson, but were hauled back after a disastrous start to the second half before the late drama which also saw Daniel Jones see a penalty saved.

Simpson started for the first time since ‘New Years day’ along with Marcus Sawyer and Joey Acheampong as United lined up in a 3-4-3 system which the visitors struggled to get to grips with early on.

After just three minutes Paul Edgeworth’s curving volley was punched behind by Ashley Harris, with the resulting corner met by Acheampong but hitting the defender stationed on the line amidst some feint handball appeals.

It only took five minutes for the scoring to be opened; Warren Garcia’s cross in from the right was headed on by Simpson and diverted into the net from close range by Field. 1-0 Aylesbury

Soon afterwards United had another opportunity as Sawyer tried his luck with a direct free-kick, which was only directed straight at Harris – probably his worst set piece of an afternoon of telling deliveries from the winger.

Such a delivery in the 13th minute from a corner was met by John Mulholland, an effort which required a fine save from Harris to tip the ball over the bar.

St. Margaretsbury’s first effort also came from a set piece, as target man Anthony Anstead got on the end of a near post cross but could only guide the ball wide.

Aylesbury were dealt a blow as Joey Acheampong had to be withdrawn from the match and replaced by Sam Slatter, and the change of shape coincided with a good spell from the visitors as they began to dominate for the first time.

In truth though, Saints only had a couple of long range efforts from Anstead and then Adam Lawton which flew poorly wide to show for their efforts as United’s defence proved tough to break down.

And as the half entered its final five minutes, Russell Clark - who became the second player taken off due to injury at half time - went close with a hooked effort, before Aylesbury doubled their lead in stoppage time.

Sawyer’s corner from the left was helped on by Ben Baines into the path of Simpson who headed into the net. 2-0 Aylesbury

Half-time: Aylesbury 2-0 St. Margeretsbury

Manager Lee Judges was clearly heard bellowing to his players during the interval, and his words had the desired effect as St. Mags came out fired up and soon took the game to Aylesbury.

With just seven minutes played they had a goal back, Adam Lawton cutting in from the right and bending a shot around Jack Sillitoe and into the very corner of the goal. 2-1

Although Paul Edgeworth went close for Aylesbury with a free-kick that skimmed the bar, it was a moment of rare attack for the Ducks as they were well under the cosh now.

Chris Bell somehow failed to convert when a superb cross into the box from a deep position picked out his run, but he could only slot wide, before further pressure saw two dangerous crosses into the box come to nothing.

Just before the hour mark and the visitors deservedly equalised. A cross in from the left was met by the high flying Leigh Rose whose header beat Sillitoe despite the Ducks keeper nearly keeping it out. 2-2

Levelling was just reward for their superior start to the half, whereas Aylesbury had yet to come out of the changing rooms with lacklustre being an understatement!

There could have been further goals for the away side too, as McMenemy blasted a shot wide having been teed up in the box and Anstead blazed over after Dave Edmee released him on the counter attack.

Jack Sillitoe made a good save to deny a strong shot from a wide position, and substitute Joe Donaldson made a good interception to stop the ball reaching Rose who looked odds-on to score, as St. Margaretsbury continued to have chances.

Aylesbury survived these moments of concern though, and as the minutes ticked by there was a growing sense that momentum was changing again as the visitors seemed to be flagging.

The Ducks were then gifted a chance to re-take the lead when Paul Edgeworth was needlessly illegally halted in the box, penalty awarded. Jones’ spot kick wasn’t a bad one, but Harris guessed right and made a fine save keep it out.

Still further drama followed as first Field found Simpson who held the ball up before rolling Slatter but his shot was saved, then at the other end Sillitoe saved a long range Rose attempt.

Then, six minutes from time, United’s top scorer Field came up with the goods yet again with a fine finish. Simpson provided the through ball, but Field looked to have been pushed too wide, yet managed to find the net off the inside of the far post with a precision low shot. 3-2 Aylesbury

St. Margaretsbury looked spent and Aylesbury had further chances to increase their lead, a combination of Baines and Slatter only denied by last ditch defending by goalkeeper and player on the goal line, before Mulholland headed over in the final minute.

This was a hard earned win for United who once again showed their character and ability to dig deep despite a woeful start to the second half which could very nearly proved fatal.

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