Sandwiched in between the 1st and 2nd Qualifying round matches of the FA Cup was a visit to the Meadow of early season league leaders North Leigh. Manager Ben Williams was disappointed to be able to call on 2 outfield substitutes due to unavailability, injuries and loans to other clubs, but the starting XI still looked competitive on paper. However, it was to prove a chastening day as the league leaders ran out comfortable winners after a fine second half performance.

The first half saw plenty of chances created, but a mixture of poor finishing and stout defending kept the visitors at bay. In the 5th minute, a long diagonal ball from skipper Luke Carnell cleared Jake Bewley and was collected by Roger James wide on the right. His cross was half cleared by Jack Wood, only to fall to Jenson Wright 25 yards out, but his shot flew wide of James Weatherill’s left hand post.

On 11 minutes, a late challenge by Liam McRohan on Jordan Thomas saw referee Daniel Statham award a free kick 20 yards from goal, however Callum McNish couldn’t beat the wall, his attempt being cleared from danger.

The best opportunity fell to James after 20 minutes; a deep cross from Chris Francis on the left fell to the winger, but his right foot volley was saved at the near post by a combination of Weatherill and Bewley.

The first chance for the Ducks came in the 39th minute, a corner from Max Hercules was met by the head of Wood, whose goal bound header was cleared behind at the near post with a suspicion of handball involved, although referee Statham was unmoved.

Shortly afterwards, a sight to take the home supporters minds off the action on the pitch, as the Red Arrows graced the ground with a fly past!

As half time approached, James found Scott Isherwood overlapping down the right; the full back flashed a low cross into the 6-yard box, but Morgan Williams was unable to apply the finishing touch, the ball going away to safety.

Half-time: Aylesbury 0-0 North Leigh

The second half started with the Ducks on the attack. A ball down the left found Hercules, who cut inside Isherwood and fired at goal, but it was an easy save for Adam North.

The Millers continued to apply the pressure and it finally told in the 52nd minute. James crossed from the right, but it was headed straight back to him by head of McRohan; the second cross, deeper this time was met by the head of Thomas unmarked 10 yards out at the far post and he guided a header back across Weatherill to open the scoring. 1-0 North Leigh

On 69 minutes the lead was doubled. Good work by Williams down the left saw him hold the ball up before spotting the run into the penalty area of Thomas; he slid the ball into his path, where he was halted by a foul by Jamie Jellis. Substitute Jamal Branker stepped up to send Weatherill the wrong way to score. 2-0 North Leigh

The game went from bad to worse with 5 minutes left on the clock; a ball played down the left found the impressive Branker, who controlled it well and played in Thomas, again breaking into the penalty area unmarked. The winger coolly picked his spot to score his second of the game and put the game beyond the Ducks. 3-0 North Leigh

The Ducks did get a consolation in the 88th minute, Jellis delivering a fine free kick from the right flank onto the head of Ty Deacon, who beat his defender to score past North from 6 yards. 1-3

So ended a disappointing day for the Ducks, in more ways than one. Next up is a trip around the M25 to face league newcomers Waltham Abbey on Tuesday evening, before the important 2nd Qualifying round fixture against Hellenic League Bishop’s Cleeve next Saturday, by which time hopefully a few of the injuries will have eased and a more competitive squad can be named.