Archived News: January 2005
Ladies Teams Results
31Jan2005
Aylesbury United Ladies First Team went out of the Chairman's Cup in the Preliminery Round on Sunday with a 3-1 home defeat to MK Wanderers.
Meanwhile AULFC Reserves lost an entertaining game 5-3 at home to Holmer Green in the League.
For full reports of both games, click the links below.
Click here: Ladies First Team Report | Ladies Reserves Report
Aylesbury 1 Rugby United 2
28Jan2005
Rugby United made the return trip to Buckingham Road, and left with a deserved 2-1 victory.
The match was dire in the first half, with Rugby just sneaking it thanks to a Craig Dutton's header just before the interval.
The Ducks upped their performance after the break and Leon Gutzmore soon levelled after racing onto Daniel Mead's lofted pass.
Despite a number of chances for the home side, Rugby had last say and re-took the lead midway through the second half courtesy of a sweet finish from Danny Hall.
The misery was compunded when debutant Jamie Kearns was dismissed for retaliation in the last minute.
Full report now online.
Click here: Rugby Report
500 Club Winning Numbers
27Jan2005
The 500 Club draw has been made, featuring the first of the 'big' prizes, the ?500 monthly draw.
Winning ticket numbers are as follows:
?500: Number 414
?100: Number 174
?50: Number 20
Tiverton Town 4 Aylesbury United 3
27Jan2005
Jamie Mudge's stoppage time strike completed his hat-trick, and snatched a dramatic 4-3 win for Tiverton Town over the Ducks last night.
The six-hour round trip had proved more than worthwhile for the Aylesbury fans, as they witnessed a rollercoaster game full of talking points.
Dean Cracknell gave the visitors the lead, on his final game for the club, but Tiverton equalised before the break.
The second half started with United re-taking the lead through Cracknell's penalty, before Mudge's one-man show swung the game to 3-2.
Colin Baker grabbed an equaliser with a superb lobbed finish, but Mudge broke Aylesbury hearts with a late, late goal.
Full report of an amazing game now online.
Click here: Tiverton Report
The Nicholls Interview
25Jan2005
Following the 3-0 win at Gloucester City on Saturday, Danny Nicholls has been chatting with Alistair MacLaren:
Another great result at Gloucester City on Saturday, how do you and the players feel about it?
We are absolutely over the moon, very pleased. It was a very important result after Tuesdays experimental game against Bracknell.
Again the players were very good, particularly Matt Hayward, Drew Roberts and Leon Gutzmore.
Once again we would like to thank the supporters for the very good vocal support that they gave on the day.
How did Garry Cook do after his long lay-off?
Garry did very well, having come on for the last 15 minutes, working very hard on a heavy pitch. As an ex-pro he has been working very hard in training to get really fit.
How was Andrew Hodges on his debut?
He played very well, I was very pleased with him although he did give a lot of free kicks away. He is a very solid player, and very eager.
What is the situation with Andrew Hodges, is he on loan?
He has signed for us for the rest of the season, but Barnet could ask him to go back as he is still on their books, but they are looking at him for next season. He is in our first team on merit.
Any new injury worries following Saturday?s game at Gloucester?
Danny Mead was substituted because he has a slight groin strain. Jay Gould is going to be out for about 4 to 6 weeks. Paul Lamb should be fit for the game against Rugby on Saturday. Jamie Kearns should also be involved in Saturday?s game.
I noticed that Liam Little was not in the squad on Saturday, any reason for that?
No, I just wanted to give another young player, Joe Wright, some involvement. I am keen to give the younger players some involvement in matches.
There has been a lot of talk about non-contract players recently, it has been said on the message board that we should keep quiet on the subject.
Any club who is interested in signing a player can soon find out if he is on a contract, as I did with Drew Roberts. You just telephone a number at the FA, ask the question, and you will be given an instant answer.
Any more new players lined up for your squad?
No, not at present, although I am always on the lookout to see who might become available. The squad is coming together, my aim is to have 14 or 15 regular players.
What is the situation with Dean Cracknell, have Barnet made any further moves?
Dean is playing his last game for us at Tiverton on Wednesday night. He is signing for Bishop's Stortford and will be involved with them on Saturday.
I have tried to persuade him to stay with us, mentioning that he cannot play for another team in the FA Trophy as he is cup tied, but he can still play for us in that competition.
One of his very good friends has signed for Bishop's Stortford, from Northampton, which I believe is why he is going there himself.
I would like to add that everyone involved with the club would like to wish him all the best for the future, and hope that he is successful, and of course he might be playing against us next season.
Luckily we have Jamie Kearns coming back to fitness, rated as one of the best midfielders in our league, and we have a number of other good young players at the club.
Any other comments that you would like to make?
I hope that all the supporters, especially those from the chicken run, will have an early night before we play Canvey Island in the FA Troph! They will then be able to give us a big push.
Ladies Back to Winning Ways
24Jan2005
The Ladies Team got back to winning ways with an impressive 2-0 win over third placed AFC Bournmouth.
Despite having a player sent-off, the ten-ladies battled to score two second half goals, courtesy of Sally Green and Lisa Bradley on her full debut.
The Sunday Youth Team were also victorious at the weekend, moving to the top of the league with a 7-1 demolition of Tring Athletic.
Click the link below for a full report of the Ladies game:
Click here: Ladies Report
500 Club News
24Jan2005
The latest winning tickets from Friday night's 500 Club draw are as follows:
?100: Ticket 306
?50: Ticket 292
This Friday night sees the first 'big draw' for ?500, and all are welcome to attend a great social night at the club.
Gloucester 0 Aylesbury 3
22Jan2005
Aylesbury United made their first ever league visit to Gloucester City, and returned with a comfortable 3-0 win, thanks to goals from Paul Edgeworth, Leon Gutzmore and Drew Roberts.
Although the home side had their chances, Aylesbury controlled the game from start to finish, seemingly carving Gloucester apart at will.
Edgeworth netted in first half stoppage time, before Gutzmore doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half and Roberts added the third. All three were well worked goals, and examples of the excellent football being played by the Ducks currently.
Full report and match pictures now online.
Click here: Gloucester Report/Pics
Danny Nicholl's Thoughts
20Jan2005
Alistair MacLaren has been chatting to Danny Nicholls following Tuesday night's result:
Has Dean Cracknell's signing definitely happened? Are there any benefits to the club?
Dean has signed for Barnet, but he is still signed for us and is likely to play on Saturday. He had to sign for Barnet so that he could play for them on Tuesday in the Conference Cup and Paul Fairclough will now consider if he is to make the signing permanent.
There is no fee for us, but it is useful to establish some involvement with a club like Barnet.
There is also another club interested in Dean Cracknell, and have made a seven day approach.
Your thoughts on the Bracknell game?
I was very disappointed with our effort.
How did Liam Little perform on his debut?
He was a little nervous to begin with, but did well for the 90 minutes.
There was mention of unpleasantness towards a couple of younger players in the team. Is that true?
No - sometimes frustration creeps in but that is only in the game.
Any other worthwhile performances on Tuesday evening?
Not really, we gave the ball away too easily. Although it was nice for Danny Gray to play 90 minutes.
How did Garry Cook do on his return?
He was on the pitch for about 25 minutes, and did produce some good stuff.
Any new injury worries ahead of Gloucester on Saturday?
Yes unfortunately Jay Gould has suffered a reoccurance of his Achilles Tendon injury.
What's the latest with the other injured players?
Gary Cook is not match fit but will be a substitute. Liam Folds played for 45 minuets against Bracknell, he is doubtful but will have a fitness test. Jay Gould will not be involved. Paul Lamb is still out. Kai Ridley is training but not match fit. Neil Lazarus is due to have his operation next Tuesday. Jamie Kearns could be fit to play against Rugby.
Have you managed to find a replacement for Luke Graham?
We are looking at Andrew Hodges, a young 6' 3" central defender who was recently released by Rushden & Diamonds. He has been signed by Barnet on a non-contract basis, and trained with us on Thursday night.
Any other news?
Colin Baker, Jay Gould and Dean Powles have all been offered contracts with the club.
Aylesbury 0 Bracknell 3
18Jan2005
Aylesbury United were dumped out of the Southern League Cup by lowly Bracknell Town, in their biggest defeat of the season.
The Ducks, featuring six changes from their giantkilling act of Saturday, looked a pale shadow of their normal selves, and visibly tired as the game wore on.
Bracknell took a shock lead after just five minutes, and Aylesbury could raise little in response. The away side added a further two goals in the second half to advance to the next round.
Full report to follow.


