Harry Jones salvaged a point for the Ducks away at Barton Rovers in a 1-1 draw. Despite a strong showing in possession, United couldn’t convert most of their chances and will now have to deal with only adding one point to the league tally.

The Ducks looked to follow on their derby day victory on their travels and they began brightly away at Barton Rovers. In the 5th minute, the Ducks had their first sniff, Ollie Hogg drove the ball forwards and shifted it left to Max Hercules who cut in but shot over. Three minutes later, Hercules led another attempt by grabbing the ball on the left-hand side and drilling a low cross to Tre Mitford who took a touch before firing at the keeper.

The game then fell quiet and became a bit scrappy. The Ducks had to wait until the 25th minute before having another effort on goal. Mitford received the ball from Hogg before turning and striking just wide of the Rovers goal. On the half hour mark, Hercules drove forwards into space but could only direct his shot into the keepers’ hands.

On the 34th minute, Anthony Ball combined with Harry Jones off of a one-two before setting the ball back to the winger and he whipped his strike inches away from the top corner.

Barton Rovers tested the Ducks defence on the 36th minute, Jimmy Hartley cleverly lost his man before crossing towards Drew Phillips, but the Rovers winger fluffed his lines and skied his effort. In the same minute, Rovers went close again, Hartley this time took a shot on himself drilling low towards the bottom corner, but Ducks debutant Ashley Jenkins was alive to the effort and parried clear.

With five minutes before half time, United had their closest attempt of the game, Ball’s low cross was deflected goal wards by Mason Spence but Rovers keeper Gary Malone somehow clawed the effort off of the line to keep the scores level.

In added time of the first half, Barton Rovers should’ve been in front. The Ducks defence failed to clear their lines and Charlie Clayton ran through on goal and bundled past Jenkins who missed his clearance. The Rovers striker had the goal at his mercy but managed to put his shot over the bar of an open goal.

Half-time: Barton 0-0 Aylesbury

The second half began in the same light as the first. On 52 minutes, the Ducks moved onto the front foot. Mitford touched a cross down inside the box and drilled his shot on goal but was well denied by Malone. A minute later, Mitford went through again but came up with the same result, Malone standing strong to deny the striker again.

2 minutes later, Jack Wood pulled off a great block to deny the Rovers attack. Clayton had the ball clear on the edge of the box and wound up an effort on goal, but Wood came diving in to make the save for the Ducks.

With an hour played, Mitford got beyond his man again but this time couldn’t direct his effort on target.

On the 63rd minute, The Ducks were punished for their missed chances. Rovers went 1-0 up when Clayton got down the line and cut back for Hartley who picked out the top corner. 1-0 Barton

With 20 minutes to go, The Ducks were fighting back, a series of headers led to the ball dropping nicely for Wood to volley goal-bound but the ball dropped just wide. The Ducks then made two changes introducing Sonny French and Aaron Berry for Hercules and Tucker.

On 77 minutes, Rovers pushed for a second. Hartley went solo and drove at the Ducks defence before cutting in and striking over.

With ten minutes to play, United found a leveller. Berry managed to spin his defender and ran down the line, the striker drove a cross through the six-yard box and Jones was waiting at the back post and smashed the ball home. 1-1

With five minutes to play, Bewley won the ball back in the Rovers half before smashing over from 30 yards. Into added time, Rovers had the last chance when Hartley struck a free kick from 25 yards however, it didn’t trouble Jenkins as he pushed clear.

The game closed at 1-1, the Ducks share the points on their travels and remain unbeaten in 2019. Next up for Aylesbury United is Didcot Town back at the Meadow as the Ducks look to keep moving up the table.