Archived News: July 2004
Aylesbury 1 Watford XI 5
31Jul2004
Aylesbury were unfortunately outclassed by a visiting Watford XI side in the searing heat at Buckingham Road today, as they fell to a 5-1 defeat.
The opening goal after 33 minutes was reminiscent of Luton's opener against the Ducks a couple of weeks ago, as a shot took a heavy deflection off Stuart Smeathers before finding the back of the net. This was followed quickly by two more goals in the next six minutes, the second a powerful drive from 25 yards, to make it 3-0 to Watford at half time.
Despite United's players working hard they simply could not obtain enough possession to make an impact and the second half was little more successful for the home side. A headed goal shortly before the hour mark was followed seven minutes later by goal number five.
Paul Edgeworth forced the visiting goalkeeper into a good stop with a stinging drive after 89 minutes, before a penalty awarded to the Ducks for handball against a Hornets defender in injury time was converted well by Paul Lamb. The goal was scant consolation however and Aylesbury will have been disappointed to have been beaten so comfortably after the success of the previous seven days, although there was no doubting the quality of the opposition.
Aylesbury team: Andy Partlow, Greg Williams, Daniel Mead, Paul Lamb, Matt Hayward, Stuart Smeathers, Neil Champelovier, Dean Cracknell, Meshach Cole, Leon Gutzmore, Paul Edgeworth. Used Subs: Jason Burnham, Kai Ridley, Ryan Wiffin, Dean Powles.
RAF Halton 1 Aylesbury Reserves 4
29Jul2004
The Ducks Second String took on RAF Halton last night, and came away with a 4-1 win despite conceding early on.
The Aylesbury side featured First Teamers Kai Ridley, John Winter, Ryan Wiffin and Danny Gray. Goals came from Gray, Leigh Tomlinson, Wiffin and Iggy.
For the full report, see the Reserve Team fixtures page.
Commercial Update
28Jul2004
Aylesbury United are delighted to announce that a main sponsor for the season has been secured.
www.mortgages.tv will sponsor the club for the 2004/05 season, and will appear on the club's home shirts. Operated by APS Mortgages, the website is a gateway to the excellent financial services the company offer.
Additionally, the main stand is to be sponsored by Bed World, in another excellent commercial development for the club.
The new first team kit for this season has now been ordered, and should be available in time to debut in the first match at Halesowen.
Meanwhile the Ladies Team kits have also been ordered, following the conclusion of their sponsorship deals. Thanks go to Look-in TV for continuing their excellent support of the team, as well as the Pride Pub in Wycombe, who will be sponsoring the Ladies kit.
But the work still continues - the club are still seeking sponsors for the First Team away kit, as well as a sponsor for the Reserve Team. If you are interested, please see the Commercial section from the menu on the left.
Ticket Prices Reduced for Watford Game
28Jul2004
Ticket prices for the forthcoming match against Watford - this Saturday 31st July - have been reduced - and are now ?5 for adults and ?3 for concessions. The change is in recognition of the fact that Watford will be sending a Reserve Team for the match.
The Watford squad will however include local lad and England under-20 goalkeeper Richard Lee, as well as recent signing from Newcastle United, Andy Ferrell.
Aylesbury 2 Wycombe 0
27Jul2004
Paul Curtis' Aylesbury side served up their best display in months to comfortably beat Wyccombe Wanderers Youth Team at Buckingham Road this evening.
Two goals from hotshot Leon Gutzmore settled the tie, and the striker must alreadsy be odds-on for top scorer this season. Gutzmore's first was a header, after Matt Hayward had flicked on a corner. His second showed great strength, running through onto a ball over the defence, beating the offside trap and slotting calmly home.
The entire team were excellent tonight, and there is cause for optimism as the first game at Halesowen draws ever closer.
Team line-ups:
Aylesbury: Andy Partlow, Greg Williams, Daniel Mead, Paul Lamb, Matt Hayward, Stuart Smeathers, Neil Champelovier, Dean Cracknell, Dean Powles, Leon Gutzmore, Paul Edgeworth.
Used subs: Jason Burnham, Danny Gray, Kai Ridley.
Wycombe: Steve Williams, Andy Reilly, Sonny Ball, Kieran Cadwell, Tom Cadmore, Steven Gregory, Ketchi Anya, Andy Savage, Shaz Ahmed.
Used subs: Liam Grier, Steven Flower, Devane Davidson.
Paul Curtis on Pre-Season So Far
27Jul2004
Alistair MacLaren has been chatting to Paul Curtis to find out how pre-season has been going so far:
Q. Matt Hayward was injured in the Luton game, from where I was standing I saw that the Luton player?s studs made contact with Matt?s knee, was it a serious injury?
A. Not too bad, Matt was probably fit enough to play on Saturday but I thought that it was best to leave him out until the Wycombe game on Tuesday evening. The boots worn by the Luton player had blades, not studs, and were dragged down the back of Mat?s leg which meant a worse injury than would have been caused by studs.
Q. Matt Brandish played for Luton against us, have Luton signed him?
A. He has been on trial with Luton for about 4 or 5 weeks, so far no offer has been made. Mat has negative feelings about the chances of being signed.
Q. Have you signed, or brought in any new players since the Luton game?
A. Yes Jason Burnham and Kai Ridley, both played against Haywood United on Saturday. Jason who wore number 6, played as a central defender in the first half, he played at left back in the second half, which is his more natural position. Kai, who wore number 5, played as a central defender for the whole game.
Q. Have any of the players that played against Luton moved on?
A. Yes, Alvin Bubb has not been in contact with me since the game, and I have telephoned Rory Hunter twice and left messages, so far no reply.
Q. The last time we spoke you were still hoping to make extra signings from four players, have you had any luck since?
A. No, I think if all the players with the club at present sign we will be on the limit of the Budget, I was trying to sign a central defender but no luck. We also need another left sided midfielder to replace Alvin Bubb, although we are giving the opportunity to Danny Mead in that area, if Jason Burnham signs he is likely to play at left back.
Q. What were your thoughts about Saturdays game?
A. I was a little bit disappointed, we created a number of goal scoring opportunities but missed too many chances. In the first half we were much quicker, as in the Luton game.
Q. When Ryan Wiffin came on as a sub he played as a central defender, how do you think that he performed?
A. He showed some promise, he did win some headers, but needs to work in some other areas.
Q. Were there any injuries from Saturdays game?
A. Meshach Cole had a calf muscle injury, hopefully not too serious so that he can play against Wycombe on Tuesday evening.
Q. We had a new goalkeeper on Saturday, I thought that he looked the part although not really tested on the day, will he be a new addition to your squad for this season? Also why did Jack Rashid not play?
A. No, he is actually on the books of another club and only played because Jack Rashid was not available, he will also play against Wycombe on Tuesday evening. Jack Rashid did not play as he is still carrying a shoulder injury from last season, after the Wycombe game he will then be on holiday, I am hoping that having a rest from playing will help the problem to clear up.
Q. I have heard a rumour that Tony Adams is intending to play against us as he is trying to maintain his fitness, what do you think of that?
A. It will be great if that is the case, he will give our two strikers a good test.
Q. Did you watch Ajax training on the Aylesbury United pitch, if so did you see anything that you would want to add to your own methods?
A. Yes, I did see them training. What they did in their training sessions was quite similar to what we do, but there was a difference in the quality and pace.
Aylesbury 2 Haywood 0
24Jul2004
You wait nearly six months for one, and two come along in the space of five minutes...Yes we're talking goals here, as Aylesbury United recorded a 2-0 win at home to Haywood United at Buckingham Road this afternoon.
Paul Curtis' first win came thanks to goals in the last five minutes of the first half, from Meshach Cole and Leon Gutzmore - Cole's effort a turn in the box, and Gutzmore scoring after beating Haywood keeper Tony Masella to a header.
The result is Aylesbury manager Paul Curtis' first win in charge of the Ducks, and the first home goals scored since the end of January.
Team line-ups:
Aylesbury: Andy Partlow, Greg Williams, Daniel Mead, Neil Champelovier, Kai Ridley, Jason Burnham, Dean Powles, Dean Cracknell, Meshach Cole, Leon Gutzmore, Paul Edgeworth
Used subs: Ryan Wiffin, Stuart Smeathers, Jay Gould, Danny Gray, John Winter.
Haywood: Tony Masella, Ben Stevens, Alex Bateman, Trevor Hercules, Mark Lambert, Stuart Corbould, Matt Butler, Gareth Linnard, Gary Wray, Paul Talbot, Danny Jones
Used subs: Neil Roberts, Ben Williams, Danny Bowden, Stefan Wilson, Glenn Hawkins, Grant Wilson
3 Hours to Haywood
24Jul2004
In just three hours time, Aylesbury United will be playing their second pre-season match of 2004/05, as they take on neighbours Haywood United at Buckingham Road.
The much publicised match will be the first senior meeting between the two sides, although the Ladies team's met last season. Ducks fans will have another chance to see Paul Curtis' new signings in action, as well as ex-Aylesbury players Gareth Linnard and Stuart Corbould.
The game kicks-off at 3pm, admission is ?8 for adults and ?4 for concessions.
Various News
21Jul2004
Ajax are continuing their use of the Buckingham Road facilities, with the sessions going well so far. Central Television were filming at today's session, which will be broadcast tomorrow evening during Central News at 6pm.
A signed Dutch flag will be raffled over a number of matches by the club at the beginning of the season. The raffle will raise funds for Aylesbury United, and will give supporters the chance to get their hands on a flag signed by the Ajax team
You can see some pictures of the training sessions, and Peter Ash's immaculate pitch at the Official Ajax Website. You'll have to view the Dutch version though. Click here.
-Contrary to what was printed in today's Bucks Herald, next week's friendly against Wycombe Wanderers is on Tuesday 27th July and NOT Wednesday.
Ladies Team Kit Sponsorship
20Jul2004
In addition to sponsoring the First Team, the Aylesbury United Ladies Team are also in need of sponsors for their kit for the forthcoming season. The concept is the same as for the men's team. See the Kit Sponsorship page at the link below for more details.
Click here: Kit Sponsorship


