Slough Town 0-0 Aylesbury Utd (1-4 pens)

Report by James Knight

The Rebels were without a cause at Arbour Park last night as visitors Aylesbury United progressed to the next round of the Berks and Bucks FA Senior Cup after an emphatic win on penalties.

Slough Town, being two steps above, would prove to be a huge test for Aylesbury United; Town made six changes from their previous XI that drew with Ebbsfleet United in their last league game; so some change but still a strong first team presence.

Town piled on the pressure from the off, in particular the home side’s number 7 Jared Myers who was twisting and turning through our defence for the entire contest. United suffered an early setback as James Bone was forced off through injury in just the 12th minute, Rocko Tamplin then replaced him. The first Ducks chance came in the 29th minute after a long spell without the ball and having to defend expertly to stay in this. Captain Jake Bewlley released a quickly-taken free kick into the box which met Bakary Daffeh, whose great effort hit the side netting.

Aylesbury were without many chances in the first half, but were able to keep the tie goalless. The majority of the chances that were had by the opposition were established through Myers, who was the best player on the pitch for a large part of the match; the visitors had done extremely well to keep him and the hosts at bay.

After the break, it seemed as though Town were playing with a point to prove; they were playing with more attacking cohesion and getting even more clear cut chances than the first half. Aylesbury United had to stay on top of their game and improve as the opposition did to stay in this.

The standout moment in Aylesbury United’s performance thus far came in the 58th minute as Jack Hopwood had a contender for the save of the season. A lofted free-kick was headed goalwards, only for Hopwood to keep it out with a superb save, a crucial intervention in this contested tie. Shortly after in the 62nd minute, exciting winger Wil Turner and Juwon Akintunde replaced Finlay Reeves and George Cleveland.

Wil, being a more direct winger, gave the Ducks a new attacking prowess and chances were coming thick and fast. There was a huge chance in the 65th minute as Rocko Tamplin’s volleyed effort went into the path of the keeper who was able to deflect it up and behind for a corner. Kian Henry’s headed effort from the resulting corner drifted just wide of the goal. Slough Town replied well with more darting runs down their flanks but the Aylesbury defensive contingent stood firm.

The last ten minutes were very nervy as a chance of penalties with a very confident man in between the sticks stood on the horizon for the visiting team. United had a massive chance to seal the victory in the 85th minute as the ball was won in midfield and the Ducks were able to break - the ball was played into the tricky feet of Wil who got his shot off but could not beat the keeper. 4 minutes were added on, Aylesbury were able to keep the ball well and avoid any last minute action, Finlay Reeves returned to the team for the penalty shootout in place of Sonny French.

PENALTIES

Here we go. Penalties. This would be an enormous, giant-killing result for the Ducks and the players knew it, the Aylesbury United fans had their hearts in their mouths but got behind the team as they always do. Reeves converted the first penalty for the away side confidently, Slough Town missed their first putting United at an early advantage.

Pooya Kimani then scored his penalty to grow the advantage before the hosts got off the mark despite Jack Hopwood getting a hand to it. Substitute Juwon Akintunde then confidently dispatched Aylesbury United’s third penalty and it was Jack Hopwood up to his usual tricks to save Slough Town’s third attempt. Frankie Bircham knew it was do or die time as he stepped up to take his penalty, safe in the knowledge that if it went in, he would play a part in an incredible victory.

Bircham fired straight down the middle, sending the keeper the wrong way! Aylesbury United progressed to the next round, a team 2 levels below their opposition! Frankie ran to the corner whilst being chased by his elated teammates who bundled on top of him to create one of the moments of the season so far. This victory was completed through discipline, cohesion and team spirit giving the fans, staff and players a night to remember; and don't worry if you have watched the video of the winning penalty about 50 times today, because so have I.

Attendance: TBC

Aylesbury United: Hopwood, Onginjo, Bewley (C), French, Henry, Matthew, Reeves, Bircham, Cleveland, Daffeh, Bone

Subs: Emmanuel, Kimani, Akintunde, Tamplin, Turner

Photo Gallery: 2026/2027 Slough Town (Photos by Charlie Woodhouse)

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