The Walnut Boys prove a hard nut to crack

Following an uneventful Easter period, with both scheduled games falling foul to the great British weather, the Moles travelled to Kempston Rovers still looking for their first win under new gaffer Kevin Poole and their first since Boxing Day.

Following an uneventful Easter period, with both scheduled games falling foul to the great British weather, the Moles travelled to Kempston Rovers still looking for their first win under new gaffer Kevin Poole and their first since Boxing Day.

Jordan Jenkins returned to the Starting XI following illness, replacing Derek Feyi in the centre defensive role. Jordan Rodgers partnered Tony Ngogu in the centre of the park, whilst Kieron Schmidt also returned to the line-up.

The host’s recent form would have suggested that they were a much-improved side from the one that visited Haywood Way earlier in the season, and that proved to be correct, with the balance of play firmly with Rovers in the opening minutes. Munashe Sundire was having great success on the left flank, with Alex Woodfine struggling to stick with the full-back’s pace, a superb ball into the path of Jake Newman was begging for a clean connection, but his effort was stabbed wide of Ashley Jenkins’ front post. Moments later Robbie Goodman stung Jenkins’ hands with a low driven shot, which was almost fumbled over the line.

The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute. Another dangerous ball this time via a free kick from the right was delivered into the FC box by Goodman, which was diverted into the net by the unfortunate Jordan Jenkins at the front post.

From kick off the Moles’ created their best chance of the half, Anthony Ball played a superb ball from the defensive third into the path of Ty Deacon, who 1-on-1 with the home goalkeeper, after turning the final defender really should have done better but blazed his shot high over the crossbar to the relief of the home support.

Munashe Sundire had the opportunity to put Kempston two to the good but could only divert his low strike into the side netting.

Half Time – Kempston Rovers 1 Aylesbury FC 0

The Moles came out fighting in the second period and looked to cause the Walnut Boys problems. The half was just moments old when Shane Almond delivered a corner kick to the front post where Jordan Jenkins looked to make a mend on his earlier own goal, he towered over his marker but could only direct his header over the crossbar.

The Moles continued to pressurise but couldn’t find the killer pass through to goal. On 63 minutes they were punished. Crosses have been an Achilles Heel for FC this season, which proved to be the case once more. Ben Shepherd delivered a delightful ball to Robbie Goodman who was unmarked and on hand at the back post to nod home to double Kempston’s lead.

The introduction of Kai Stubbs late on saw the nippy youngster get in behind the Kempston back line, with Shane Almond unlocking the home defence on multiple occasions with clever through balls, however, each time Stubbs failed to steady himself bearing down on goal, with his shots failing to hit the mark.

Kempston had the opportunity to compile the misery on the Moles in the dying embers of the game, but Anthony Ball showed great tenacity to acrobatically clear a goal bound effort from Jermaine Ivy.

Full Time – Kempston Rovers 2 Aylesbury FC 0

The football keeps on coming, with 7 games to play before the end of the season. The next test for the Moles comes at home on Tuesday 10th April in the form of high flyers Beaconsfield Town.

Aylesbury FC MOTM – Anthony Ball
Match Rating – 3/5