Added Feb 12th 2008 -

Aylesbury 2 - 0 Rothwell Town

On an icy night Rothwell Town found themselves frozen out of this BGB Southern League Division One Midlands clash.

Two first-half goals were enough for promotion-chasing Aylesbury United to take the points as the season-long problems for Ian Jackson's side in the final third of the field were again in evidence.

Opting to play with one man up front, not surprisngly lone striker Scott Cross regularly struggled to hold the ball up or get any service he could use effectively.

On the increasingly hard surface balls over the top looked to be the answer – and certainly Aylesbury used the tactic to good effect. But Rothwell's passes often went astray or failed to beat the first covering defender.

Even in the second half, when Michael Tolton and Steve Purton gave them more width, too often the moves failed to deliver any regular serious threats.

By contrast, the Ducks had plenty of life in attack – particularly in the first half when the Rothwell goal was often under threat and keeper Ian Baker had to make numerous saves.

Cruelly ironic then that it was a Baker error that led to the opening goal on 26 minutes when he failed to collect a corner and Andy Shed poked the loose ball home following a brief goalmouth scramble.

Shed's, and Aylesbury's, second goal 12 minutes later was a direct result of the long- ball tactic. Ben Greasley missed the pass over the top and Shed swept through to comfortably beat Baker.

Rothwell were better after the break with Tolton and Purton both sending fine efforts just wide.

But close is not enough for the Bones right now and it's clear which area of the field will need most attention in the close season.

Thanks to the Evening Telegraph.

Aylesbury: Vincent, Aslett, Tayor, Catell, Kavanagh, Stevens (sub Miles, 72 mins), Shed, Swonnell, Kenney, Graham (sub Faulkner, 57 mins), Liburd (sub Goss, 79 mins).

Rothwell: Baker, Wilkinson, Greasley, Kattus, Hurst, Flannigan, Stead, Boyle-Chong, Cross (sub Koriya, 70 mins), Purton, Tolton. Subs not used: Capps, Grant.

Referee: Matt Downey

Goals: Shed (26 mins, 1-0), Shed (38 mins, 2-0).

Bookings: Kavanagh (foul)

Attendance: 128

Chairman's Man of The Match: Steve Purton (tireless effort in trying to get forward)

Match Rating: 5