The Aylesbury fans had waited all season to come up against former manager Bob Dowie's new St. Albans team, and it was certainly worth the wait. There was plenty of action throughout most of this exciting affair, but also marred by a 34th minute injury to Kieran Gallagher who twisted awkwardly under a challenge in the St. Albans penalty box. It was soon apparent that the injury looked worse than first feared and, to prevent further damage, Gallagher was strapped up and not moved from the pitch. Play was suspended for some 35 minutes until an ambulance arrived and conveyed him to hospital for treatment.
By that stage United were 1-0 up and St. Albans had lost their boss. Dowie's contribution lasted barely four minutes after kick-off. Gary Phillips came out of his area to challenge the onrushing Clark which referee Mr Ross felt was a fair one. Dowie protested too loudly and strongly and was sent off. United did have a couple of anxious moments at the back, but on 21 minutes countered through Gallagher and his nearpost cross was headed in by Gary Crawshaw.
Early in the second half McCormack almost caught United out with a quick free kick. Phillips flung himself to parry and Clark followed up to score but it was ruled out for offside on Clark. Moments later debutant Oliver Squires set-up Danny Hutchings who fired just over. On 70 minutes Neil Selby provided Crawshaw with a great chance but Roberts managed to block. His long clearance was pounced on by Rutherford by Iain Duncan got back to clear off the line.
Two minutes later Ollie Stanbridge twice came to the rescue. Firstly from a Harvey downward header and then from an identical header by Clark. The Saints pressure paid off on 75 minutes when Piper picked up a loose ball and fired hard and low into the corner of the net from just outside the box.
It remained frantic stuff in the closing ten minutes. Roberts saved from Selby (twice) and Crawshaw whilst at the other end Clark poked the ball just wide. In stoppage time Turner's downward header was superbly saved by Phillips to preserve a hard-earned point.
Report courtesy of http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk |
