In a coming together of two homeless clubs, Aylesbury extended their unbeaten run to five games by virtue of this goalless draw at Biggleswade FC on a chilly night at Bedford Town, where Biggleswade are now tenants.
There was little to choose between the sides with no goalkeeper seriously tested, but the home side created the better chances thus probably shaded affairs overall.
After another enforced ten days without a game, United looked rusty and were hindered by the absence of a number of first team regulars, whilst Max Hercules was only fit for the bench after the injury sustained at Didcot Town.
It meant a bench short of experience with a recall for Pierce McNamara who has been performing well for Slough Town’s academy side, and a first senior call up for youngster Rocko Tamplin who made his debut as a late substitute.
Indeed, it may prove to be the most memorable moment of the evening as far as Aylesbury were concerned.
Chances were few and far between, although the Ducks made their typical fast start and Ollie Hogg earned a second minute free kick which he took himself but it was always going wide.
The hosts had their first opening on eighteen minutes when a free kick into the box was headed more up than away by Gavin James, and when it was then half cleared it dropped to Nathan George who could only hook over.
A rare progressive move from United then saw them break down the left as Jake Bewley and Deji Owoeye combined before the ball broke for Sonny French who pulled his effort wide.
Three minutes later Biggleswade had a good shooting chance from a free kick after handball by Owoeye, up stepped Alex Marsh but placed his driven shot wide.
The best openings of the half fell to Aylesbury as the minutes ticked by with the ball falling to Owoeye who shot straight at Jack Berman, before the on-loan striker produced a fine searching cross to pick out Harry Jones who could only head wide.
There was still time for Alex Marsh to have a glorious chance just before the break. The forward had been in superb form with 12 goals in 14 Biggleswade games since returning from Hitchin Town, but when faced with just Archie Davis to beat went for a ‘finesse’ shot which he lifted over the gaping goal.
Half-time: Biggleswade 0-0 Aylesbury
Aylesbury again made a good start to the half with Owoeye showing what he is capable of with a driving run past a number of defenders and though he was stopped at the last, the ball came back to Hogg who blazed over.
Max Hercules was introduced for Kuda Sangoya on 54 minutes and was quickly involved, getting away down the left before crossing low towards Owoeye who couldn’t convert.
A nasty looking collision between goalkeeper and Jack Wood then left the Ducks’ skipper stricken and needing treatment. Thankfully there seemed no lasting damage, but with the defender off the pitch Biggleswade were able to cut through and only one of a long line of saving challenges from the excellent Dave O’Connor kept them at bay.
McNamara became the next replacement to enter the field and, like Hercules, was soon in the thick of the action as he raced clear on the wing before flashing in a fierce drive that required an actual save from Berman.
Having himself spooned over from close range, Alex Marsh then turned provider with what proved to be the game’s last clear cut chance when he cut the ball back for Michael Simpson who – to Aylesbury’s relief – could only slide a shot over the bar.
A late injury to Ollie Hogg delayed the full time whistle but a game without many quality moments in the attacking thirds unsurprisingly ended without a goal.
