Following yesterday's announcement that the club had been promoted, planning for next season has begun already with the first three pre-season friendlies arranged.

Aylesbury will make what is becoming an annual trip to Winslow United on Tuesday 23rd July, whilst the Ducks will also visit AFC Kempston rovers - as they did last year - on Saturday 13th July.

One of the Sparta South Midlands clubs United are leaving behind, Tring Athletic, will be the hosts on Saturday 3rd August.

The full schedule can be found on the 2013/14 Fixtures page, and will be updated when more are added.

Aylesbury United have been promoted to Step 4 of the non league pyramid it has been confirmed today.

Having finished 2nd in the Spartan South Midlands League last season, the Ducks have been promoted to the Southern League Division One Central by virtue of their excellent Points Per Game (PPG) record in comparison with other eligible clubs.

The planned league constitution is as follows:

AFC Hayes
Ashford Town (Mddx)
Aylesbury FC
Aylesbury United
Barton Rovers
Beaconsfield SYCOB
Chalfont St Peter
Chertsey Town
Daventry Town
Dunstable Town
Egham Town
Kettering Town
Leighton Town
Marlow
North Greenford United
Northwood
Potters Bar Town
Royston Town
Rugby Town
St Ives Town
Slough Town
Uxbridge

As ever, the league allocations have the potential to change when the league AGMs take place, and the above list is a guide only.

The full article can be found on the FA website here: http://www.thefa.com/News/2013/may/step-1-4-allocations-season-2013-14.aspx

On Friday night, the annual awards presentation dinner took place at Harding’s Restaurant, in Aylesbury College. Hosted by Ron Syratt, Chairman of 21CD, 55 players, staff and supporters all enjoyed a fantastic three course meal before the formal speeches and presentations took place.

Ron Syratt summarised the season from a supporter’s perspective, thanking Tony Joyce and his coaching staff for the commitment and enthusiasm they have shown since taking over the team 3 years ago. To say they have turned the club’s fortunes around would be something of an understatement. The players have been outstanding this season, culminating in a second place finish in the league and winning the Premier Division Cup in memorable fashion at Berkhamsted on Wednesday. He then invited Erika Robinson to step forward and make the first presentation of the evening, the Supporters Player of the Year. This was a close run thing, with eleven players receiving votes this season, and the largest poll for many years. LOUIS AUSTIN was the fans favourite this year and won the award.

Louis Austin receives his Supporters' Player of the Year Trophy from Erika Robinson

Next to address the audience was the manager, Tony Joyce. He expressed his and the player’s thanks to the fans for their support, home and away during the season. To see away support outnumber the home supporters was a regular occurrence when the Ducks travelled away, which was recognised and appreciated by the players. Tony reviewed the season, and talked about what he considered to be the turning point of the season. In his mind, this came after the disappointing FA Vase defeat at home to Kidlington, when the team were down to bare bones because a number of players made themselves unavailable. Those that did play that day (including Stacey Field, only fit enough to be named as a substitutedue to broken ribs) showed a steely resolve after the match to push on from the disappointment and make something of the season. Considering the match was played in the middle of October, to only lose 3 more matches until the end of the season is testament to the character and resilience of the players.Tony then went on to present the trophy for the Most Improved Player of the Year. This went to STEVE HATCH, who, at just 19 years old is improving and learning with every game. He has been a key member of a determined defence during the season, and has been missed when he has been unavailable to play. He then presented the trophy for Player’s Player of the Year, which this year went to JACK WOOD. Finally, Tony presented the trophy for the Manager’s Player of the Year, which after discussion with his coaching staff, again went to the skipper, JACK WOOD.

Most Improved Player of the Year Steve Hatch

Jack Wood won both Manager's and Player's Player of the Year

Next up, Ken Turnbull presented an award to STACEY FIELD, in recognition of his 100 appearances for the club. Ken congratulated Stacey, and pointed out that he has now scored 75 goals for the club, including 45 this season, which already puts him as the 4th highest goalscorer in the clubs history, an outstanding feat so soon in his hopefully long AUFC career.

Stacey Field's 100th club appearance was recognised

Graham Read was next to his feet, and thanked everyone present for their contribution during the season, from players, management, staff, directors, 21CD committee, supporters, all the way down to the partners who have supported throughout the year. It has been a fantastic team effort from all involved at the club. He also proposed a toast to two sadly departed members of our club, Tom Birch, who died after illness back in August last year, and ex coach Terry Back, who was killed in a car accident in October. Both played a big part in Aylesbury United's past, and both are remembered fondly.

Graham reiterated to the audience that plans for the move back to town are still on track, with the next meeting with the College due towards the end of May.

The presentations were not complete! Next up was recognition of the second place finish in the league. All of the squad were presented with the runner’s up medals by the Chairman. To complete his part of the evening, Grahm announced the Clubman of the Year. This year, the award went to GRAHAM DURBAN, as thanks for his larger than life contribution to the club and inimitable support of the team.

Clubman of the Year Graham Durban

In recognition of their support to the club “and their husbands!”, bouquets were presented to Michelle Joyce, Kay Read and Muriel Turnbull.

Finally, to complete the formal proceeding, 21CD presented each member of the squad with a trophy to commemorate the club record 27 game unbeaten run, dating from 27th October until the last league game at Hertford on 27th April. A fantastic 6 months which really shaped the season and laid the foundations for the success we have achieved.

Thanks must go to Christian and the staff at Harding’s Restaurant for their fine food and outstanding service on the night. Once again, a fine night enjoyed by all present.

Summart of Award Winners:

Supporters Player of the Year - Louis Austin
Players Player of the Year - Jack Wood
Most Improved Player of the Year - Steve Hatch
Manager's Player of the Year - Jack Wood
Clubman of the Year - Graham Durban

A full photo gallery of all the night's events is now available.

Some photos from last night's Premier Division Cup win have been added to the match report

Click here: Hadley match report

A sensational night of football saw Aylesbury crowned Premier Division Cup champions after yet another epic comeback against Hadley.

Trailing 2-1 at the start of the second period of extra time, two goals in a matter of minutes swung the game in United's favour.

Hadley had gone ahead with half time approaching, only for Aylesbury to equalise two minutes later through Paul Edgeworth to make it 1-1 at half time.

Despite a much improved second half from the Ducks, the scoreline remained until full time and extra time ensued.

Hadley then once again looked like ruining the party-like atmosphere created by the large travelling Ducks' support when they reestablished their lead in the first period of extra time.

But United once again refused to go down quietly, and a screamer from Ben Baines quickly followed by a Stacey Field tap in caused scenes of mayhem.

After an agonising few minutes full time was finally blown, and Jack Wood was soon lifting Aylesbury's first silverware for 13 years.

Congratulations to the management and all the players involved, and to the supporters who turned out en masse to cheer their team home.

Our full match report from the epic game is now online.

Aylesbury United take on Hadley in the Premier Division Cup Final this evening at Berkhamsted FC.

Contesting a final for the first time since 2005, The Ducks are gunning for their first silverware having last won a cup in 2000 when they beat Reading 2-0 to lift the Berks & Bucks Cup.

After securing runners-up spot in the league on Saturday, United now turn their attentions to a Hadley side against which they have had some very entertaining clashes of late.

Aylesbury have won both matches this season, coming from 4-1 down to win 6-4 in September, before winning 4-3 at Bell Close in March.

We look forward to seeing as many green and white decked supporters making the trip to Broadwater this evening and getting right behind Tony Joyce's team!

For directions to Broadwater, our head to head record vs Hadley and possible squads, visit the Next Match page.

Road to the final:

Aylesbury United

Round 1 - Leverstock Green (a) - 6th Nov - 2-2 (Aylesbury won 4-5 on penalties)
Round 2 - Dunstable Town (a) - 18th Dec - 3-1
Quarter Final - London Tigers (a) - 5th Feb - 2-1
Semi Final - Oxhey Jets (a) - 26th Mar - 5-3

Hadley

Round 1 - Bye
Round 2 - St. Margaretsbury (h) - 19th Nov - 5-4
Quarter Final - Colney Heath - 6th Feb - 5-2
Semi Final - Tring Athletic - 2nd Apr - 1-1 (6-5 on penalties)

Ian Pluck's match report and Mike Snell's pictures from Saturday's game at Hertford are now online.

Click here: Hertford Town match report/pictures

The Ducks travelled to Goff’s Lane, to take on Hertford Town in their last league game of the season. After Oxhey’s defeat by Haringey on Thursday, the team knew their destiny was in their own hands, with just a point needed to secure second place and the high likelihood of promotion back to step 4 of the non-league pyramid. A large contingent of fans made the journey round the M25 with the hope and expectation that the club’s season long unbeaten away record (and new club record 27 game run) would be extended by the one game needed to secure the ultimate goal for the season.

However, Hertford failed to read the script and proved to be worthy opposition on the day. The Ducks started the game in bright fashion and took a deserved lead in the 10th minute when Stacey Field scored his 44th of the season following great work by strike partner Louis Austin. Hertford replied straight from the kick off and scored the equalise less than a minute later when Albert Adu beat 3 defenders on the edge of the box and fired past Sillitoe. Worse was to come 10 minutes later, a cross from the left was misjudged by Sillitoe in the swirling wind, is punch falling nicely for Mark Summers to volley in from 12 yards.

With news that Oxhey were trailing at half time, spirits were raised on the sidelines, with the fans hoping to see Aylesbury turn the match round and take the point they needed. It wasn’t to be the case unfortunately as the home side soaked up the pressure and played well on the break. With better finishing they could have extended their lead a few times, as the Ducks pressed forward in search of an equaliser. In truth, Aylesbury had their share of chances, but the conditions and a bobbly pitch made it difficult to apply the finishing touch. In the 79th minute, Malachi Brissett outpaced an undermanned defence and shot across keeper Sillitoe into the far corner of the net. It was to be the last meaningful attack of the match and brought to a rather sorry end to a very good league campaign.

At the final whistle, the players were all down on their haunches, with thoughts of what might have been. The fans tried their best to raise their spirits, applauding them from the pitch. After an agonising 10 minutes trying to track down the Oxhey score, suddenly a roar erupted amongst the fans, news had filtered through that our rivals had failed to beat Hadley, second place was ours. Cue scenes of wild celebration as the players emerged from the dressing room to celebrate with the Ducks faithful.

In the space of 10 minutes, emotions had gone from rock bottom to high as a kite as the reality of what had happened sunk in. While the final verdict from the FA on which clubs will be offered the extra promotion slots is still some time away, no one can deny what the team have managed this season. They have deserved this second place, and promotion would be a just reward. One final game awaits, the League Cup Final at Berkhamsted on Wednesday evening, and the chance to finally win some silverware.

21CD Committee Meeting - 18th April 2013.

21CD held their latest Committee meeting on Thursday 18th April. Below is a brief summary of the discussions that took place.

Ron Syratt began the meeting by reading a Press Release by the football club regarding the Bucks & Berks Trophy; the full statement is available on the club website. The 21CD committee expressed their disappointment, and expressed a hope that the rules might be clarified for future years; 3 out of 4 semi-finalists falling foul of the regulations suggests the problem lies with the wording of the rules rather than a deliberate attempt by any club to gain an advantage. The club secretary is extremely conscientious in his duties, for him not to have spotted the potential for disqualification suggests again that the problem lies with the wording of the regulations.

The agreement for the groundshare at Leighton Town has been signed for next season, on the same terms as this season.

Ron Syratt and Alan Sherwell both attended a meeting at the Waterside Theatre recently to discuss the merger with Aylesbury Town FC. While this was mainly just an opportunity to meet the counterparts from ATFC, it was a good meeting and is expected to be the first of many as the merger progresses into next season.

Due to circumstances beyond the committee’s control, the date of the presentation evening has been changed to 3rd May. The committee apologises for this late change and hopes that it will not inconvenience or prevent anyone from attending. Following what has been a fantastically successful season, it is our chance to thank the playing staff and management for all for their efforts during the season, and it is hoped as many supporters as possible will be able to be there. The evening will follow the same format for the successful evening last year. There will be a 3 course meal, followed by speeches and the presentation of the awards. There will also be a raffle on the night. Cost will be £25 per head. The menu is as follows:

Rainbow Trout, Tian of Mediterranean Vegetables, or French Onion Soup

Plaice Meuniere, Steak & Onion Pudding or Coq Au Vin

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Strawberry Vacherin or Cherry Clafoutis

The closing date for taking bookings is Mon 29th April. Anyone who still requires a ticket is asked to see either Brian Metcalfe or Ian Pluck at the last league match of the season at Hertford Town on Saturday, or email Ian at ian.pluck@ntlworld.com as soon as possible.

Finally, Ian Pluck informed the committee that the latest member of 21CD is a gentleman who lives in Boulder Colorado, USA. Dennis Hill joined 21CD a couple of weeks ago, and when asked what his interest in supporting Aylesbury United was, he replied that from an early age he was interested in football and was coached in America by British coaches. He visited the UK a little while back and went to see Fulham play, but rather than follow a Premier League team, he decided he would prefer to support a team lower down the pyramid that could benefit more from the support he could offer. Why Aylesbury United? He explained that he had come across our excellent website and message board and felt that the more he has read about the club, the more he wanted to support them. He hopes to visit the UK soon, and will make a point of coming to see the Ducks play. We look forward to welcoming Dennis when he next comes to the UK.

Aylesbury United will be running a coach to the Premier Division Cup Final at Berkhamsted FC.

The Premier Division Cup final vs Hadley FC takes place on Wednesday 1st May 2013, kick off 7.45pm.

A coach has been arranged, picking up from the White Hart in Exchange Street, Aylesbury, at 6.15pm.

The cost is £8 and booking is preferable, although you will be able to turn up and pay on the day.

To book a seat please contact Chris Penny on 07545 093308 or email info@aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk and leave your name and a contact number.