Railwaymen return to winning ways

The Railwaymen were back on the road last night as they travelled to Aylesbury FC for the 2nd time this season this time in league action and they came away from the SRD Stadium with 4 goals and more importantly 3 crucial league points.

With no players returning to Andy Ballard's squad Didcot were forced to name the same side that started the game at Coleshill, with 7 players still absent it meant Ollie Thomas continued at left back while Lance Williams again led the line to be supported by Brett Gardner and Gregg Hackett.

Didcot would have almost certainly have been bitterly disappointed with their performance in Saturday's loss at Coleshill and they started the game like a team with a point to prove, Gregg Hackett picking the ball up sped away from the Aylesbury defence before dragging a shot just wide of Nick Bennion's goal. It was a theme that was to continue as Hackett was causing havoc for the Aylesbury defence and notably for full back Sam Odusoga who simply couldn't live with Hackett's pace and skilful dribbling. Hackett again was the provider this time for Gardner but the young winger having initially done well to create a shooting chance blazed over when he probably should have done better. 5 minutes in and having created 2 good chances already the Railwaymen now had a goal to cheer, Gardner this time providing a dangerous ball in between goalkeeper and defenders Bennion could only partially block it straight to Williams who had the easy task of tapping into the unguarded net for his 2nd goal in as many game to put Didcot ahead.

The Railwaymen were looking menacing every time they went forward mainly through Hackett and Carnell should probably have done better with a header from a corner that skewed wide as Didcot looked to add to their lead. all Aylesbury had to show for their efforts thus far was a header from Derek Feyi which went wide of the Didcot goal.

On 32 minutes however a controversial hand ball decision gave Aylsebury a free kick on the edge of the Didcot box, Didcot players incensed by the decision pleaded their case but all that got was a yellow card for Bedwell and the decision stood. Martin Griggs stood over it and cleverly slotted the ball around the wall and into the corner of the net leaving Bedwell stranded and Didcot scratching their heads at how this game was now level.

it looked like the sides would go in level at the break but on 45 minutes a short corner led to Hackett this time on the right hand side, he then twisted and turned his way superbly beyond 2 defenders and clipped a cross onto the head of Carnell who planted a firm header into the corner of the net with the aid of an Aylesbury boot and Didcot had their deserved lead back again at the break.

Half Time. Aylesbury 1-2 Didcot

One thing that has seemingly been a slightly worrying trend for those of a Didcot persuasion has been the sloppy starts in the 2nd half of games, again this was the case. Gardner having taken a knock late on in the first half was replaced by Caelan Isaac and Gregg Hackett who had been the stand out player for either side in the first half was starved of the ball as Aylesbury started on the front foot. Griggs had been the hosts best player and he was desperately unlucky not to level the scores when after a swift counter attack the forward found space in the box but his shot was superbly saved by Bedwell who tipped the fierce strike onto the crossbar and away from danger.

Griggs wasn't to be denied however in the 62nd minute when a soft free kick was awarded on the left hand touchline, the ball was lofted into the Didcot box where Carnell headed clear, Griggs picked the ball up 25 yards out and unleashed a stunning dipping shot that sailed over Bedwell and into the top corner for a fabulous goal completely out of the blue and the game was level again at 2-2.

In the 68th minute the game took another dramatic swing, whenever Didcot had a set piece there was plenty of action going on in the penalty area, this time Isaac who was stood near the goalkeeper and his marker Davis Haule went down holding his face. the linesman immediately flagged for the referees attention, as more nonsense took place in the box from players of both sides the referee struggled to get a grip of the situation. After a moments consultation Haule was sent off rather harshly.

2 minutes later and Didcot made the man advantage count, an incisive break away led to Murphy clipping an excellent cross to the back post where Williams was unmarked to head home from close range to put Didcot ahead again and this time they weren't going to surrender the advantage. Hackett and isaac now seeing more of the ball again were looking dangerous as Didcot seized the initiative. it should have been 4-2 when the usually dependable Learoyd missed a header from no more than 6 yards out but moments later it didn't matter anyway as another excellent ball in this time found the head of McNish who made no mistake with his header into the left corner giving Bennion no chance to wrap the win up for the Railwaymen.

Full Time. Aylesbury 2-4 Didcot Town

Didcot lineup

Bedwell
Barder
Thomas
Hayden
Carnell
Learoyd
Gardner (Isaac)
McNish (Alexis)
Williams (Woodley)
Murphy
Hackett

Didcot now return home on Saturday as high flyers Corby Town visit the Loop Meadow Stadium. 3pm kick off.