In a commanding display, Aylesbury Vale Dynamos triumphed over Prestwood Colts with a resounding 6-0 victory in their league encounter at Prestwood Common on 13 October 2024. The match kicked off at 10:45 am, and the Dynamos showcased their attacking prowess from the outset, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace throughout the contest.
Aylesbury Vale Dynamos lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, with Charley Sweeny in goal, flanked by a solid defensive trio of Ali Khan, Ryan Goldan, and Oli White. The midfield was anchored by Caleb De Silva and Manni Taylor, with Harrison Walcott and Kai Vaughan providing width on the right and left flanks, respectively. Up front, Max Cantwell operated as the lone striker. The substitutes for the match included Gaetan and Theo Lewis-Smith, who were poised to make an impact from the bench.
The Dynamos wasted no time in asserting their dominance in the 3rd minute, with Max Cantwell being brought down outside the box. Dynamos were awarded a direct free kick. Manni Taylor stepped up converting the free kick with a great finish into the top left hand corner leaving the goalkeeper no chance. The early goal set the tone for the match, and it was clear that Aylesbury were in the mood to attack.
Kai Vaughan attempted to extend the lead shortly after, but his effort in the eighth minute went wide of the target. Max Cantwell then tested the Prestwood defence with a shot in the ninth minute, but it was saved, showcasing the Colts' goalkeeper's resolve. However, Cantwell would not be denied for long, as he found the net in the 14th minute, finishing off a move initiated by Ali Khan.
The Dynamos continued to press, and Ryan Goldan made a crucial interception in the 17th minute, preventing a potential chance for Prestwood. Shortly thereafter, a substitution was made as Gaetan replaced Ali Khan in the 18th minute. The defensive unit remained resolute, with Oli White executing a timely block in the 20th minute to thwart another Prestwood attempt.
Ryan Goldan was again in the thick of the action, this time with a shot of his own in the 22nd minute, but it was saved by the Prestwood keeper. Manni Taylor followed suit with another effort in the 28th minute, which was also saved, as the Dynamos maintained their relentless pressure. The first half concluded with Aylesbury leading 3-0, thanks to a close-range goal from Max Cantwell in the 24th minute, assisted by Goldan.
As the second half commenced, Max Cantwell continued to be a thorn in the side of the Prestwood defence, but his shot in the 31st minute was saved. A tactical change saw Theo Lewis-Smith come on for Oli White and Ali Khan re-introduced for Harrison Walcott shortly after. Cantwell's persistence paid off in the 41st minute when he scored his third goal of the match, courtesy of a short pass from Gaetan.
The Dynamos were awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute, which Ryan Goldan confidently converted, extending the lead to 5-0. The defensive efforts of Goldan were further highlighted as he made a clearance in the 43rd minute, while Kai Vaughan blocked a shot just before the half-time whistle, ensuring the Colts remained scoreless.
Oli White re-entered the fray at the start of the second half, replacing Kai Vaughan. Theo Lewis-Smith had a chance to add to the tally in the 48th minute, but his shot went high. Max Cantwell, ever the danger man, saw another attempt go wide in the 49th minute.
Charley Sweeny, the Dynamos' goalkeeper, was called into action in the 55th and 56th minutes, making two remarkable point-blank reaction saves to preserve his clean sheet. The final act of the match came in the 59th minute when Max Cantwell was awarded a penalty, which he converted to complete the scoring at 6-0.
Aylesbury Vale Dynamos' emphatic victory was a testament to their attacking flair and solid defensive organisation, leaving Prestwood Colts with much to ponder as they seek to regroup after this heavy defeat. A great all round team performance with added positives of a return run out for Gaetan who slotted into the game effortlessly, comfortable performances from Caleb De Silva and Max Cantwell called upon in new positions, a return run out for Lewis-Smith after his injury and a great clean sheet for Charley and the defensive line of White, Goldan and Khan.
Goal scorers: Max Cantwell x 4, Manni Taylor and Ryan Goldan.
Player of the Match: Max Cantwell.
Runners up players of the match x 3: Caleb De Silva, Ryan Goldan and Charley Sweeney.
Assists: Ali Khan, Max Cantwell, Ryan Goldan and Gaetan.
