Disappointing end to the season

Aylesbury United Ladies travelled to Chinnor Community hoping for a successful end to the league season but sadly it did not end up that way despite showing massive desire and producing a high energy second half. Chinnor started the match really well and played to their strengths by playing long balls over the Aylesbury defence for their striker to run on to. Aylesbury struggled to cope with this and Chinnor were 2-0 up within twelve minutes. After about half an hour things got worse for Aylesbury as they lost their central defender, and captain, to injury which lead to an enforced change in formation. Despite this they got a goal back with ten minutes to go in the half as Sara Madden-Connor picked up the ball before passing it forward to Catherine Wareham who knocked it past the keeper. Unfortunately, Chinnor got a third before half time to make it 3-1 at the break.

The second half saw Aylesbury really increase the energy level and showed a real desire to get the win. This lead to them making numerous chances but also left them a little exposed at the back at times. They got their second goal of the game just six minutes into the second half which started with a ball down the left wing that was picked up by Sarah Jackson who took it into the area and took a shot. The keeper saved it but only managed to knock it out for Isabel Browne to tap it into the net. Chinnor regained their two goal lead on the 72nd minute but within ten minutes Aylesbury closed the gap again. A shot on goal was saved by the Chinnor keeper before the follow up was hit against the crossbar but the rebound fell to Sarah Jackson who finished off to make it 3-2. With Aylesbury pushing forward for an equaliser they were caught on the break and with two minutes to go Chinnor completed the scoring to make the final score 5-3.

It was a good second half performance by Aylesbury United and if they had taken their chances they would have got the result they deserved but it was not to be. Sara Madden-Connor was voted player-of-the-match for her dominant midfield performance with Ann Whytewood providing one of the best moments of the match with a great attempt at an overhead kick. Aylesbury can now move on to the tournament season and start thinking about next season. Thanks to all the ladies who have turned out for the team this season and to Phil who has assisted with the coaching side of things but is stepping down after ten years with the club. Thank you.