Flying High: Oxhey Jets 2018/19 season

FLYING HIGH THE STORY OF OXHEY JETS’ SEASON 2018/19

Jets 2 Crawley Green 3 August 5, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier 2018/19 Jets Rue Defensive Lapses Jets battle and fought back from two down in a display of determination but defensive lapses cost them dearly, and manager Tim O’Sullivan was bitterly disappointed that the winner was a carbon copy of the second goal that was adequately discussed at halftime to avoid a repeat.

The game was even, both sides doing battle in the soaring temps in a nose to nose battle, both sides having chances as Nick Kerley just tweaked the outside of the goal with a long-range shot, and the visitors missed a sitter with a header. It feels like the officials save the controversial decisions for competitive games as after a quiet preseason, like buses they all come along together.

Jets fell behind on 27 minutes from a hotly disputed penalty which Danny Watson converted. From the dugout side, everybody including the away bench saw it as backing into the Jets centre-half and were amazed and angry at the decision. (I say the dugout side as in fairness to the official the stand side including Jets people said it looked like a shirt tug by the defender, soft but a tug!!).

Jets attacked and looked dangerous, then committed suicide as deep in the Green half a sloppy pass caught Jets upfield and a single 60 yard cross pitch long ball found Lobjoit who converted after excellent control and slotted home.

Jets in desperate trouble, would they fold. Chris Killer called into the side following the charity shield match hit a perfect corner that Nick Kerley met in the air to shoot home 1-2 (33 min). The excellent game by both sides see-sawed, and Jets GK Matt Evans saved excellently on a 1:1 from Watson. Then another header back post ball was missed by the visitors. Jets attacked were wilting on the wings before delivery. HT 1-2.

Jets came straight out the blocks. Andy Brennan was lost to injury always a blow as his energy is inspirational. Ryan O’Sullivan attacked out wide and slipped the perfect ball to Brennan replacement Luke Jones, whose long shot was saved but not held by the visitor’s keeper, and Nick Kerley was on hand to stab home the rebound reacting first. 2-2 (47 min) Jets had a massive chance to take the lead as Ryan O’Sullivan broke completely clear and with the keeper wrong-footed and just watching O’Sullivan placed the ball square on the post and out again (53 min).

The match was now in Jets best period, and they must have been looking at the win. Then disaster as Jets right up near the Crawley penalty area cheaply laid the ball to the defender and bang, a straight low and upright diagonal ball found Nimi, who stripped off the defender caught wrong sided and with the keeper staying at home slotted into the corner low for the winner.

Jets pushed, Crawley almost killed it off but was denied by an Evans point-blank save then injury time drama. The last throw of the dice and Leigh Stevens upended inside the box, and yet again both sides agreed on a pen, literally everyone home and away said it, Crawley supporters even tweeted it, but, yes another BUT the referee gave it outside, and the resulting kick came to nothing and Jets were beaten.

Three points lost to us, and essential promotion marks lost for the official since the changes this season say mark a section for significant decisions separately!!

Jets were excellent at times, definitely a breath of fresh air from last season’s efforts, but its work in progress and the new side has people missing and understandings to develop, but also the lessons must be learned and mistakes not repeated.

London Colney 0 Jets 1 August 7, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jones Longshot Grabs Jets the Points Jets got three good points on the road beating London Colney 0-1, much-needed points after two competitive defeats.

Injuries and holidays forced boss Tim O’Sullivan into changes, and it was a tough decision on how to line up after the host’s excellent result winning 2-0 against one of the early title hunters, Leverstock Green, who seem to have found fantastic back scene resources.

Tim recalled Gary Wallace and a season’s debut for returning Ashley Fongho, taking a break from his pop star Rak-su fame to put in a solid performance at the back in place of working Chris Killer (His last match was in front of a full house at Old Trafford!).

It was an end to end battle on a steep pitch, but Jets wanted something going down the slope. Jets had the first significant opening when Ryan O’Sullivan broke clear, but the chance and shot was scuffed.

We thought we had the breakthrough when, from a corner, Vass got a header that beat the keeper but bounced back off the post (again as it happens this season that’s five times in three games).

The hosts swung, and it was dig-deep time and Jets back four did well.

With half-time approaching Colney had a great chance skim past the goal then Jets instantly broke forward, and a Luke Jones long-shot beat the keeper for the lead 0-1 (43 min).

Jets had a massive chance when good play took it past the advancing keeper, but one, two, three passes later and no shot ending with the defender’s frantic efforts to block and the chance was lost, and then it was the half-time break.

It’s a significant slope and Jets knew there would be periods to mop up the pressure, and there was now long periods, but Jets dug in very very well, and the back four and keeper were equal to everything.

Changes were made as the manager played all the cards and Jets were pushed back for long periods but held out for three excellent points.

The Carlsberg Man of the Match was contested, an excellent debut by Ashley, the whole back four and Leigh Stevens and Deji working their socks off again, but the award went to Vass for a commanding match by the youngster.

Three big points after two defeats and a morale boost to take into the FA cup tie on Saturday against a very good and in form Wantage team.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/8QSJHRMGM8M

Jets 3 Wantage Town 4 August 11, 2018 FA Cup Extra Prelim Round

Jets Battle Hard but Pay the Penalty Jets fall at the first hurdle, gloom, doom… NO – none of that as the players today came the closest I’ve seen for three years to the “old Jets” spirit, coming back and breathing life back into the team on and off the field.

Tim’s halftime talk sparked a magnificent comeback, an exciting match and a very unlucky exit from the most famous of trophies. It was so good to see 20 players in a pre-match team talk together raring to go, dressed in club shirts looking like a team again.

Wantage were firm favourites and for Jets, a bad draw, not because of the club but how good we knew they were in the Hellenic Premier, so we had to be at our best, and Tim makes no secret we are a work in progress as he rebuilds the team from top to bottom A mention for the country’s youngest ground hopper Liam Priday who has now been to over 200 grounds and was the Mirror’s fan of the season in 2016. He was presented with a Jets pennant pre-match to act as a memory of his visit to us by Jets founder and General Manager John Elliott BEM. He was also asked to lead the teams out and swop mementoes pre-match with Wantage Town FC. The first half saw the visitors in total control dominating the midfield battle with Jets defending deep and well to hold them at bay. Jets were second best, and Nick Kerley looked isolated up front as his support was forced to drop back. But for all the dominance of possession by Wantage, Jets held them almost chanceless and shotless as far as on target, so they were doing their defensive job correctly and were trying to spring the offence.

30 minutes in a decision swung the match to the visitors when Vass tackled, and the referee went straight to the spot and Chris Jackson converted. In the balance of fairness, both benches felt the decision was harsh, but at halftime, Jets players made the referee correct on the call.

Jets wobbled, and the visitors had another big penalty shout that was turned flat, it looked more of a shout than the first one! Jets held out for the break and were relieved to get in just a goal down at the break.

Tim O’Sullivan was not happy, and it’s fair to say the players soon realised that!! So would the “words” register an improvement? Well no, Jets were caught cold within two minutes when Harvey Scholes headed home No2, and it looked all over for the hosts.

Now a different team suddenly emerged, and Jets came alive, sweeping forward, good football and adventurous. Then a super strike from Luke Jones, a stunner in the top corner, blew the doors open for the Jets (51 mins).

Jets now sniffed a chance, and they flew at the visitors. First, Karl Penny looked like he’d levelled with a superb back post header but a brilliant fingertip save denied the notch, then Ollie hit the bar, and you just sensed it was coming. Then Ollie hit the post, and as the fans held their heads in their hands, Luke Jones pounced coolly again for 2-2 (62 min).

Hardly time to draw breath and a cutter through to Nick Kerley, who at last was getting the feed he deserves, and bang 3-2 Jets (65 mins).

It was now a ding dong of a game. Wantage shaken but now stirred as they came back at Jets. Both sides made changes, and it was a real FA cup classic for the neutrals. Then on 70 minutes, it was all to go wrong between Jets and a match official who seemed to lose all consistency in the heat of the battle.

Failing to punish simulation attempts both ways the calls went to he who shouts first and a major turning point, Sub Ryan O’Sullivan was outrageously flattened, but to everyone’s amazement, it was not given as a free kick but a corner. From the corner it seemed there were pulls and pushes everywhere as the referee lost all grip. The whistle went for a second penalty against Jets, who against nobody knows but it was converted again by Jackson (73 mins) (Looking at the video at 10:34, the attacker looks to run into the back of Andy Brennan and fall over!).

Jets lost their heads with the official and a small flutter of cards followed. More followed when a throw-in was reversed just as it was about to be taken, and the weird went weirder when Scott Bonner was made to leave the pitch after getting relief for cramp from a fellow player, not any staff.

Four minutes into stoppage time that was strangely long for a match that had only one on pitch treatment. Bonner off with cramp and the worst thing any team wants is a centre-half swop in stoppage time at a corner.

The ball cleared, and now the indicated five minutes before the long, long trip to Oxfordshire on Tuesday looked a done thing. Time ticked on, and sub-centre-half Wallace cleared one. Then a superb save by Jets keeper Evans held things all square. Then, from a corner, Jets lost all concentration, and Connor Mattimore headed home the winner (97 min).

It was a bitter blow for Jets who were excellent second half. As disappointing as it was the positives must be drawn from the game by a new look squad that’s in the early stages of becoming a team. This was the best it’s looked for a couple of seasons, and BOTH teams deserved the standing ovation they received at the final whistle.

Of course, Jets were gutted, and it was a real shame, in the end, that the official had such a perceived influence on the final result, but we met and came nose to nose with an excellent side today and almost pulled off a superb comeback.

The Carlsberg Jets man of the match was easy and no shortlist, Luke Jones, for his influence and two good goals in a superb second half.

One thing I did ask is why the nickname the “Fred’s”. Wantage is where King Alfred burned his cakes! I hope we meet Wantage again maybe preseason and the cakes are on them, cos with a little help by the rub of decisions today they got the cherry on the top.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/zT0wdXHKq0Q

Jets 2 Stotfold 0 August 19, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

’10-Dog’ Jones Grabs The Points It was the “10 dog” show again today as Luke Jones supplied two class finishes to snatch the three points from Stotfold.

Jets forced to make changes in personnel and positions today didn’t get out the blocks in a quite uninspiring performance compared with previous early games.

Manager Tim O’Sullivan places much importance in what he calls his “10 dog” position and for the third game running Luke Jones has produced the goals and performance getting his fifth goal and third star player on the bounce.

The manager shuffled the pack bringing on skipper Tom Gibson almost straight off the plane from Canada. There was also a return to the club for Jamie Speer who was player of the year in the last season he played here. Unfortunately, Vass Mandeville turned up too late to start.

An excellent long range almost nonchalant strike put Jets 1-0 (8 mins) after early pressure from Stotfold.

The game wasn’t a stunner today with Stotfold, wanting to get the season off the mark, playing tight and deep and restricting Jets.

Stotfold almost levelled quickly when a ping pong display had the ball bouncing all over but, finally, Jets cleared their lines.

Andy Brennan rolled his already struggling ankle and was replaced for the second half. Chances both ways were at a premium, so the early goal settled the half, Jets 1-0.

It was the visitors doing most the pressing second half and Harry Beaumont and Scott Bonner were to have a superb fifteen minutes as Jets now kept tight and soaked up the pressure. Honest reflection is that Jets were under pressure. A magnificent save by Matt Evans feet kept a problematic one out and Jets were looking lethargic.

At last Jets got back in it and two glorious chances came and went for the ordinarily deadly Nick Kerley, who first went clear 1:1 with the keeper but slotted wide, then was played in again on the keeper but this time with a defender in attendance slotted wide on the other side.

The attacker looked angry with himself on 90 mins when a weak shot went innocently wide. Instead of sulking he turned his anger into a burst of hunt the ball down, grafting and winning the ball. He then laid a peach to Luke Jones who shrugged off the defender and coolly drew and slotted round the keeper to get the points safe (91 mins).

It was harsh on Stotfold today as they worked hard and deserved something but, for Jets, the clean sheet and two acts of individual skill swung the day.

Man of the match wasn’t a foregone conclusion, with under pressure Scott Bonner and Harry Beaumont at their best, but the post-match players’ talk was unanimous, Luke Jones for two more top goals which now takes him to the front of Jets goals table.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/Jo0N44k84Gk

Wembley 2 Jets 3 August 21, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Storming Comeback From Jets Jets had to work away back from a Wembley grave, two down, could and should have been more and producing a form horror show of a first half that left boss Tim O’Sullivan fuming and blistering the paintwork in a half-time rollicking that many of the players probably had never suffered before in their lives.

A settled side is a problem and with Leigh Stevens out for some time with ankle damage after falling down the stairs at a station and top scorer and essential 10-dog, Luke Jones committing the sin of a football season holiday to name just two is working the manager’s brain on tactics and moves to the bone.

So a reshuffle in what is always a challenging game on a carpet of a pitch saw Andy Brennan take on Tim’s now club famous 10-dog role and he did it to perfection. He was tightly marked, but he still produced the goods and slipped his marker for an all-important equaliser in the second half stunning fight back.

Skipper Tom Gibson recalled following his extended holiday, and his leadership grip is essential to Jets and was to play an important part later in the evening.

The first half was a real horror show jets were outplayed, outgunned and chasing shadows, losing virtually every tackle so just 2-0 down at the break was almost a blessing and what could be done to avoid humiliation.

Enter Tim O’Sullivan, standing motionless, silently listening to the player’s views. Then the mushroom cloud erupted in a blistering ear bashing that nobody escaped, and which had me getting a defib unit ready just in case for the boiling fuming boss. The content of this blast is best left private! ‘Stormy’ O’Sullivan then exits the changing room with the walls vibrating and the team shaken and silent. Enter a real captain as the silence was broken by Tom Gibson who gave an inspirational account of what they all have to do now in support of the boss and club.

Well, the silly game of two halves saying was never truer. Jets came out like a team possessed chasing, tackling, grafting almost everything that was missing knowing too well the next goal was critical.

The break came with a long-range spinner, and great thumper from Nick Kerley beating the keeper all ends up 2-1 (58 mins). Wembley were wobbling and Jets, with O’Sullivan growling from the sidelines, were rampant at the Wembley goal.

Then a superb pinpoint cross by Ollie Salami into the box, Andy Brennan slipped his marker for a stunning glancing header past the keeper (2-2).

There were moments now at both ends, but it was Jets looking more likely as the Wembley attack faded from the first half threats and both managers played their cards from the benches.

Tim O’Sullivan got this one right on the night too, but almost in a bizarre style. Substitute Jamie Speer attempted a shot from the edge of the area, and the mishit bobbled safely towards the waiting keeper who must have been plotting his out ball. Sensing a chance the other half of the duel substitution Ryan O’Sullivan lurked just in case, and the Wembley keeper spilled it, and Ryan O’Sullivan pounced, pushing the ball along the line away from the keeper and tapping into the empty net. The team and bench went mad, two down, now 2-3 up (73 mins). Now Jets needed to ride the storm for three incredible points.

There were scares both ends and one goalmouth scramble that no one dealt with almost cost us, but the time was played out, and it was a superb result for Jets.

Leighton Town 0 Jets 0 August 25, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Resilient Jets Deny Leighton Jets are top of the SSML Premier league, for the first time… but with just five games of 38 played I prefer saying it is 10 points towards the mythical safety line of 40 points!

Leighton a Town just failed to win promotion last season taking Berko to the final couple of games before bailing out at the last gasp, so a difficult match, and our bank holiday missing list was horrendous, a failing that will need attention if this young side is to gel and project upwards.

Jets made many changes, and the chance to win the game and Jets best chance came early, maybe too soon as Ollie Salami slid the ball to the unmarked Nick Kerley just 4 min into the match and from about three yards somehow the usually hot striker managed to hit the bar with the keeper beaten.

Jets then lost the midfield battle. There was plenty of bite and commitment but not much creation, so the pressure built and built and the frustration at some seemingly home decisions meant Jets at times lost their heads and got reckless and picked up yellows for it, something worrying boss O’Sullivan.

Jets dug in, and the back line and keeper were superb and almost contributed to the draw at the break, coupled with some excellent saves by Matty Evans.

No defib unit needed at half-time this time, just praise from the management team but a warning to the two card boys and a discussion to get the middle to blend.

Disaster came soon and early and no surprise really as we were struggling with the decisions. Andy Brennan, attacking the Town area, jinked and jived the defender, with the small Jets crowd hoping the defender would touch him and give the penalty. He then lost the ball and a hopeful lunge to win it back coupled with theatricals earned him a second yellow and red card.

Now Jets are in deep trouble, and it was a thirty-five minute one way Alamo. Jets defenders were outstanding with little respite, it was feisty at times, not pretty, hard and dug in but they defended like their lives hung on it and once with help from the crossbar.

Gary Wallace had his best game so far for Jets, utterly outstanding as were Scott Bonner, Harry Beaumont and Jamie Speer; the back line deserves loads of praise for getting Jets their third clean sheet in four matches.

Tim changed things to try to get some pressure relief and, who knows, even snatch a winner. Ryan O’Sullivan and a debut for George Turner did swing the game a little as Jets made a few rare attacks. Turner did very well for his first run in a blue shirt after a late admission to the squad and showed promise.

So Jets played their hearts out waiting for the final whistle, and it was very touchy on pitch mainly due to the battle, and at times equally so off it. Then right on time Ryan O’Sullivan almost gave the sucker punch, it looked in but with the keeper beaten it just went, for us, the wrong side of the post.

Jets were very relieved to hear the final whistle for an excellent point.

Man of the match the outstanding today Matty Evans in Jets goal.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/-WmkCDW1lUg

Jets 1 Baldock Town 2 August 28, 2018 League Challenge Trophy

Jets Below Par Jets bowed out of the Leagues Challenge trophy, at home to Baldock Town and deservedly so as they found the “league leaders” tag comes at a price.

One that means they cannot drop their guard or standards as others will be pushing hard to beat them.

Tonight Baldock Town were the better side, they had far more possession, their two goals were stunning shots, and they deserved their win and progression in the competition.

Jets again made changes as the games come thick and fast, but that’s no excuse as the visitors had a tough FA cup tie on Sunday at Romford so had little recovery time themselves.

Jets in the first half were under pressure most of the half failing to get midfield control, and the wide service wasn’t delivering.

The visitors took the defensive upper hand, and the Jets attack became isolated if not cut off. With, however, a dogged defensive display by Jets, Town never really got a good effort on target either, so at halftime, it was a very dull 0-0.

It was a better game in the second half both sides going for the match a little more. Jets had to make a midfield change injecting Deji to try to cut out the strong aerial dominance.

Unfortunately, a hesitation by Deji, coupled with a blistering 30 yard shot by Lewis Barker gave the Jets keeper no chance, 0-1 the visitors.

Jets upped the game in response to this, and it was a better match, while always feeling the visitors had the upper hand.

One player making it happen for Jets was wide man George Turner who was more direct than in the first 45 and causing Town problems. At last Kerley was getting a supply chain to work off.

Jets pulled off an excellent equaliser when sub Ryan O’Sullivan again made an immediate impact from the bench with a burst and calm solo goal and slot 1-1 with about ten to play.

With the minutes ticking down Jets had a series of corners, and the chance of the match to win it, when the perfect layback played into the centre gave an opportunity for Ollie Salami, but the ball was blasted high over the bar and out of the ground.

For Jets, the final punishing sting was a minute or so away.

Town pushed back up and another stunning long-range shot that said goal as it left his foot beat the keeper with no chance and Jets were as good as out.

Jets did push and tried but tonight Town were defensively stronger. Jets lacked imagination, and the supply was too limited until they worked up more of a frenzy to retrieve the situation.

In football, you must hold your hands up when well beaten, and tonight too many were below par and lacked application and team effort, and Jets were distinctly second best.

The Jets Carlsberg Man of the match award was nominated by the players and went deservedly to home debut boy George Turner.

Hadley 3 Oxhey Jets 0 1 September 2018, Spartan South Midlands Premier

Hadley beat top of the table Oxhey Jets in convincing display Hadley FC recorded an impressive 3-0 win over top of the table Oxhey Jets to continue their impressive start to the season.

Goals from Yemi Buraimoh, Jeff Idemudia and Ibrahim Camara were enough to seal the victory which sees Hadley climb to sixth in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

Hadley raced into an early lead in the sixth minute with a Yemi Buraimoh free-kick. The drilled shot, taken from just outside the edge of the box, took a small deflection on its way past Jets keeper Matt Evans.

This was the midfielder’s first goal of the season and was just rewards for his fine start to the season.

The first half was dominated by Hadley who were kept out on a number of occasions by a fine goalkeeping display from the aforementioned Evans.

First, he kept the scoreline at 1-0 with a fine save from a Stephen O’Hara header in the 10th minute.

After good work on the left flank by Alfie Bartram, O’Hara lost his marker and headed the ball low and towards goal, with Evans more than a match for the effort.

Man of the Match Brad Marriott also had a shot saved by the keeper from inside the box moments later and from the resulting corner, O’Hara once again headed over the bar.

Three further efforts were saved by Evans who kept both the lively Idemudia and the tricky Bartram out with fine stops.

The Jets had the keeper to thank for the one goal deficit at half time, with Hadley disappointed not to be two or three goals to the good.

Justice was, arguably, done at the start of the second half when Jeff Idemudia scored his eight goal of the season with a fine effort.

After some smart play on the Hadley left hand side, the striker cut in on his right foot and “larupped” the ball past Evans at the near post. The keeper’s disappointed was tempered by the quality of the strike by the in-form Hadley forward.

For the second game in a row at Brickfield Lane an ambulance was called after a Hadley player sustained a head injury.

Goalkeeper Luke Ward was the unfortunate individual on this occasion following a collision with Oxhey Jets forward George Hobson.

The forward will feel he was entitled to go for the ball, but sadly for Ward. his game was over and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

Without a goalkeeper on the bench O’Hara took the gloves for the second time in his Hadley career and recorded a second clean sheet after barely being troubled.

The 25-minute delay did not disrupt the flow of the game and Hadley were able to add a late goal to add some gloss to the scoreline.

Shaz Anwar clipped a delightful ball down the middle of the pitch through to Ibrahim Camara who was rewarded for his persistence as he slotted the ball home.

The Anwar to Camara play had almost worked five minutes before but the striker was unable to beat Evans on this occasion.

This time he displayed more composure and rounded off a fine performance for the Bricks.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/zT1KOVtgQSE

Jets 0 Tring Athletic 2 September 8, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

No VAR, No Goal Two lapses of concentration, one in each half were to condemn a furious Jets team to defeat at home to Tring Athletic.

The first lapse, a schoolboy pressureless error in the first half by the Jets defence, the second an inexcusable minute by the match officials in the second half that effectively settled the match.

Jets, lacking in their last two games, were asked the question by boss O’Sullivan about their commitment to the shirt and demanding those who wish to keep their shirt to earn it!

The team responded, and it was an even battle, although the repetitive peep of the whistle did become irritating to both sides.

Jets fell behind in a total lapse in concentration when a defender under no pressure sold his keeper short with a dreadful back pass. The visitors no.10 Kieran Turner gratefully nipped in giving the keeper no chance and tapped sideways before chasing down and tapping into the empty net.

The rest of the half was even and competitive, Tring having some good play as did Jets, but the home side did not threaten much with set pieces short and the continuous offside ruining most moves. Jets best chance being a double handled free kick that apparently must have been missed by the officials somehow !!

Constructive but blunt was the name of the game then back to the battle. Tring worked very hard, and it was a good game. You can see why Tring are flying high at the moment and it’s equally evident why Jets are on a mini-slump after the excellent start to the season.

Tim O’Sullivan won’t tolerate this drop-off, and today Jets came back out fighting and for much of the second half looked as though they’d get something they deserved from the match. The chances were there for both teams, and Matty Evans kept Jets battle alive with an excellent penalty save at the post.

Then the second half’s inexcusable lapse of concentration. Not by the players but by the match officials as three or four decisions in seconds were to work against Jets and effectively condemn them to defeat.

Tom Gibson was taken down from behind (no penalty given) but as contact made he got the cross in so maybe, just maybe, an attempt by the official of an advantaged scramble goal. Well to all around except the officials, with the Jets players going in the air to celebrate I can only think the referee looked for help at the assistant, as well placed as a parking cone on the M1!!

Meanwhile, the Tring no.2 scooped the ball back out, not seen by the officials as they made eyes at each other still wondering if it was over the line. Then a hands appeal which left the official bemused before being cleared!!

Chaos and no one can say stay calm and say nothing after this in any game. We expect better, and it was decisive, not deliberate, not intentional BUT crucial to the result because instead of 1-1 and tails up it was seconds from 0-2 and all over.

Jets lost possession, and the visitors hit the long high clearance, and Scott Bonner who had been solid all match headed clear but unfortunately straight to an unmarked Tring player who broke, crossed and with Jets caught upfield Vardy notched the killer goal.

It was harsh on Jets, but some consolation was the vast improvement on last week by many of the squad, it’s work in progress and not the finished article, and there will be peaks and dips.

Harefield Utd 4 Jets 1 (aet) September 15, 2018 FA Vase Preliminary Round

Seconds From Victory, Minutes From Disaster!

Jets bowed out of the FA Vase in an unconvincing well below par match again as the side seems to have badly lost confidence and form since the excellent start to the season.

Discipline, holidays and expectations denied Tim O’Sullivan the start line up he may have chosen but a more than competent line up failed to impress or stamp authority on the game against an excellent and deserving Harefield side brimming with confidence with their unbeaten start to the season.

The first half was no classic. Jets did by far more of the defending and a meaty tackle by George Turner set the first confrontation off and earned him a yellow card. The non-stop reaction to every tackle he made after was relentless. Right on the stroke of the break, a reckless challenge set things off leaving the manager no option but to substitute the player, not wanting a Leighton Town repeat.

Jets only real attempt of the first half was from a Jones free kick.

The second half saw changes and Jets were slightly better, but still, the home side had the upper hand in a hot-tempered derby not convincingly refereed, so the tension grew. Harefield lost their keeper injured, but they had a keeper on the bench who was to have a quiet afternoon as Jets huffed and puffed but offered little to no imagination or anticipation on the attack.

In the last fifteen Jets, with their first shot on target, grabbed the lead. The keeper could not hold, the ball ran loose, and Luke Jones shot high into the net.

We didn’t threaten again, the attack imagination was zero, but it looked as if the win would come as three minutes into stoppage time Jets were still holding firm.

The non-stop Harefield pressure, however, finally told. After consecutive corners, an inexcusable loss of marking and concentration cost Jets, 1-1 and the normal time whistle.

The first extra-time period was copybook, Harefield attacking, Jets defence firm, counter attacks all easily mopped up, but a glimmer of Jets sparking up here and there.

Then as soon as the second period started, a disaster for the Jets. A defender caught with the ball and everyone upfield, robbed and the solo run to slot past the keeper, and everyone could only watch.

Now Jets had to come out, and of sorts they did. Finally, Brennan was injecting more go, and people started to get on the game, Brennan looked like he had the equaliser in his sight as he burst through but was ruthlessly taken out on the edge of the box in a red card offence that like the first half saw nothing but a yellow.

A lengthy stoppage, confrontation a many, handbags, allegations and all that you don’t want on a pitch before the free kick was placed right out the ground and Jets heads went with it.

Two clean breaks in stoppage with Jets pushed up only falsified the result to comfier than deserved, but this performance as a whole was not acceptable.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/lApVoc497yg

Potton Utd 2 Jets 3 September 22, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Determined Jets Strike Back Well, he huffed, and he puffed and as threatened he blew the house down !!

Tim O’Sullivan blew last week in the defeat at Harefield in the FA Vase, he said not acceptable, I won’t put up with this, and his threats became a reality as he made five changes, included one new signing debut for a 17-year-old and a bench debut too for a young player from our excellent reserve side.

Jets on the back of five straight defeats ( two in cup comps) had to make changes, and the players had to respond, and what a big ask at Potton United, fresh from the UCL League and one of the preseason fancied teams, also Jets longest away trip so not a day most were looking forward to.

Heavy A1 traffic and red lights jammed near the ground made the long trip even longer and ruined the staff’s pre-match plans, and a quick prep was put into place, but there was time for the old sourpuss to growl his requirements for the day.

Formation and shirt occupiers meant that he had an excellent midfield choice lining up together of Stevens, Brennan and Jones, one that injuries and holidays have stopped from being possible. Up top, Kerley and an excellent debut start for Ollie Lawford, just 17, who has joined us from youth football at Chesham. Jets back line also changed with both Jamie Speer and Harry Beaumont recalled to the side.

The heavy rain only brightened briefly by the nice pass over by the Lancaster bomber, made the excellent pitch slippery. It was hard and wet, so this was going to favour the ballplayers, and both sides had them. Potton’s rapid wingers were a right handful, and Speer and Beaumont had excellent matches holding these lads at bay. Jets and Potton were end to end, and it was a right old ding dong, but with this surface and the unpredictable officials, anything could happen.

Jets got the early break, and it was puppy love as young teenage sprat Ollie Lawford who got his first assist. With a frame built for either speed or the Mr Muscle advert auditions, the nippy kid beat his man and laid the perfect ball to Nick Kerley to at first be denied by the keeper but instantly pounce on the loose ball to tap the rebound into the empty net 0-1.

Jets kept pushing, and there were near misses both ends then the most bizarre of decisions by the match officials was to bring the game level. Potton pumped a high ball into the box, and a massive penalty appeal went up as Deji, foot very high, cleared but also caught the tall striker on the head. The striker went down and stayed down with Nooo from the referee. Brennan cleared, but the ball came straight back and seeing the ball coming towards him the downed striker had enough recovery to lift his legs in scissor format to allow the ball through across goal and into the net. To everyone’s amazement, it was given, then not given then after a long, long discussion by the ref and assistant given amongst scenes of disbelief. It was so wrong. A penalty perhaps in the first place, but once it became play on and the player reacted to the low cross, he became active and had to be offside.

The decision threw Jets as they do lose their heads at times and the hosts took the upper hand and increased their tally 2-1 with a calm slot on a total clear break.

It was a worrying period and again on a 1:1 it looked all over, but Matty Evans pulled off a great save to keep Jets in the contest. Jets weren’t quite ticking on all cylinders in the midfield. They were a little deep and with the slippery top surface and speed of the players’ Jets withdrew, the difference today being the anticipation was better and the front two far more in tune with each other than previous matches.

Halftime 2-1

The talk was firm, positive then reduced entirely to tears of laughter as Tim’s moment of generosity met with disbelief to the horror of the boss. Worrying about Leigh Stevens footwear choice he offered him as the same size his sideline Adidas World Cup 66 type “cos they are studs”. Leigh politely refused the offer saying “I don’t feel they will help me improve much, to be honest”. Silence before the whole changing room cracked up as once the first person broke, everyone did!

They will now go to the Natural History Museum.

So, atmosphere lifted, Jets came out and from the off went for the equaliser. It wasn’t a long wait when following a hotly disputed free-kick for a foul on skipper Gibson ( camera proved the officials right on this one). A twice scrambled clear attack was then hit by Nick Kerley from outside the box, and it beat the keeper coming up off the surface and into the net 2-2.

Jets stayed in the ascendancy as the hosts appeared to tire and another long-range effort by Luke Jones, who had lifted his match so much in the second period it was like a substitution that fired jets on all cylinders, flew past the Potton keeper. 2-3 Jets.

Nick Kerley then went through 1:1 and should have tied the game up but missed out and gradually Jets fell back as the jitters of hold what you’ve got took over.

Jets back line now held firm and as tight as Dave Fuller’s wallet whose owner got a lift to the ground which was just three miles from his home rather than use his beautiful new car!

Nick Kerley looked to have completed his hat-trick, but his superb angled shot was to get the fingertip save of the day to deny him.

Jets held out to take home three excellent points.

Man of the match was picked by the sidelines staff today, and they chose Deji after another outstanding battling performance as a sweeper.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/7lBpzgcumhk

North Greenford Utd 3 Oxhey Jets 1 25th September, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Bright Jets Miss Their Chances Jets fell to a 3-1 away defeat at North Greenford, and in all honesty, it’s hard to figure out how except the fact that if you miss chances in this league, you get punished.

Manager Tim O’Sullivan missed the match in bed ill, so his assistants took the mantle.

In total honesty, it was one of the most exciting games of the season, end to end, chances galore both ends and both sides throwing caution to the wind, for Jets they didn’t finish stronger and paid the price.

Jets first opening came early, maybe too early for young forward Ollie Lawford who jinked and lost his defenders and went in on the keeper but scuffed the shot and with the power lacking the keeper was a relieved man.

Jets pushed and pushed and Andy Brennan, who was to have a stormer, and atom Gibson with a header came close, and it wasn’t one-way traffic as the hosts were speedy and attacked with menace. It was a real nail-biter.

Jets fell behind to a set piece, a corner cleanly and perfectly executed headed clean into the net. 1-0. The game continued in the same way and pace and somehow stayed the same at the break.

The second half was much the same but Jets had the slight upper hand on chances hitting the bar and post.

Greenford missed a sitter from a set piece again, then the breakthrough as Scott Bonner got Jets level via a deflection and it was game on.

Within minutes the chance to take the lead was there as a tremendous save saw the rebound fall straight to two incoming Jets forward, but the young striker Ollie Lawford struck hard but unfortunately straight at the keeper, and the chance lost. Jets big failing are their free kicks, nothing comes from them of late or even looks like it will, but in a change, Nick Kerley started to take them, and they started to seem possible, and twice Deji came close with headers. With young debutant Johanan Adjei-Dawkins looking tired the changes came and, after them, Jets did lose the pattern and flow. The speed of the game was difficult to come off the bench and get into, and twice the ball was lost in the midfield and the goal then the killer goal as it turned out finished Jets hopes of the points.

Jets changed their forward line hoping to get something back, and George Turner hit one great drive that looked goal bound but just bent outwards past the post with the keeper beaten. Jets had no poacher on to look for the loose ball and deliveries, and the threat in honesty petered out.

Jets man of the match was not contested it was a country mile nomination to Andy Brennan who had by some distance his best game of the season, but was clearly missing his Champaign Charles partner Leigh Stevens who was out on the town drinking plenty of Champers ( lucky lad) it looked on FB, for a special family event.

It was a strange feeling at the end, the football at times superb, the officials were excellent, and both teams played well, it was sporting on the sidelines and a thoroughly enjoyable match until we lost!!

We will play much worse than tonight and get some points.

Jets 4 Biggleswade FC 6 September 29, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Progressing Jets Fall To In-Form Biggleswade Jets took on Biggleswade in what was, on social media, tagged as a top of the table clash of the day. We are under no illusion that for us it’s a rebuilding season.

One thing that is for sure is that Biggleswade FC are the best footballing side we’ve seen and played this season. Their vision, anticipation and game pace is superb, so that said to go with them, nose to nose, goal for goal for 80 minutes is a tribute to how far we have come.

The fact, however, that manager Tim O’Sullivan was so furious afterwards at the mistakes that led to the defeat is a further indication to the bar being set higher.

He expected more, less expensive errors from costly showboating and more of the tigerish work and graft that swung the first half scoring too and throw.

Jets took just five minutes to open the scoring on a hot Autumn day, and it was Jets Mr hot and cold that produced it as Luke Jones jinked and teed up a superb bending strike giving the keeper no chance.

The chances were aplenty at both ends, and this was a match played at Formula 1 pace, it was breathtaking and admirable. Jets conceded, and it was not made any easier to take when the away bench come up to you saying how can the assistant miss that it was a full yard plus offside!

But, within a minute, Jets were left in their wake as a solo run and pinpoint low drive was touched home 1-2 Biggleswade.

Jets pushed back and the visitors, having survived a big penalty appeal, were lucky to stay with eleven when a frustrated kick out was leniently let off with no card.

The ultimate punishment, however, was administered when the man of the match contender Andy Brennan latched onto Luke Jones perfect free kick to hammer Jets level 2-2. This time Jets made the quick double trouble, and Tom Gibson slid off silently at the back post to shoot Jets in front 3-2.

Ollie Lawton had the golden chance to open the gap when going 1:1 with the keeper but inexperience for the youngster showed here, and he who hesitates is lost as the keeper pushed him wide, and reinforcements arrived to smother the danger. HT 3-2 and everybody went to draw breath.

Tight for ten, no matter what you do tight for ten was the instruction. Well, that fell on deaf ears as some of the performers from the first half turned sinners. Flicks and swerves became goals against and with just eleven minutes played it was 4-4 and Tim’s tight for ten in tatters.

Biggleswade scored twice to shock Jets, and the manager was furious and steaming at the errors that led to it. Then the pendulum swung again, and Luke Jones ended his run with a cross-goal drive into the net and all level once more. Jets lost the two best players on the day both to injury. First Andy Brennan, and then midfield partner Leigh Stevens and FC gained the upper hand in the middle, and again it was from saint to sinner, and this FC side was far too good not to nail the chances and make Jets pay.

The summary was difficult. Jets have been superb at times the last two games, but individual over confident play and flicks has been the downfall, and they have no reward in points, so unacceptable.

Jets today gained nothing points wise, but plenty of accolades for the progress made so far against an excellent footballing team.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/J6dHe6eGv9E

Jets 0 Edgware Town 0 October 4, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

All Square Against Edgware A very tough 0-0 draw against Edgware Town was about the right result on 90 minutes It was hard, tough at times and as always in a tight draw no doubt both sides will see the moment that victory could have been the points for the evening.

Jets had far better of the first half and were brightened by an excellent debut by Sean Giordmaina, another young up and coming teenager who is scoring regularly for the reserves in their fantastic start to the season that sees them lead the HCL Division one at the moment.

Jets had the early chance when Nick Kerley broke clear one on the keeper but to his evident frustration lost control, and the opportunity was lost.

Nick Kerley then did find the net but the goal was ruled out on the latest of late flags, it took an age, and neutral watchers tell me on the stand side it was a wrong call.

Jets had some scares, and the Town had two excellent chances one bravely saved by keeper Matty Evans risking a Tom Gibson boot also, and the second a superb tackle by recalled Gary Wallace saved the day.

Jets almost had an early strike when the youngster nipped around the defence, and the keeper gathered well at the post.

The most controversial moment was when Jets were sure they had scored before the ball was headed out, but this time the sharp-eyed photo by Len Kerswell on the line proved the match officials correct, it was well on the line, but not over it so no goal decision right.

The second half saw a shift in the balance and Edgware closed down Jets options very well. Nick Kerley was not moving freely following quite a rap on the ankle/ leg and by the last quarter young Sean was looking tired.

Jets altered things with George Turner and Ollie Salami coming on to open up both wings, but Town had things bolted down. By the end, Jets were probably happy to hear the whistle despite a late chance that just whistled past the post with the keeper at full stretch.

0-0 an excellent point for both, thoroughly deserved by both and very well conducted by the officials.

Jets man of the match went to Gary Wallace on his recall as Jets kept an excellent and rare clean sheet.

Leverstock Green 6 Jets 0 October 6, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets hit for six Leverstock Green were back to their fluent best as they produced a great attacking display to put six goals past Oxhey Jets in Saturday’s SSML Premier Division match at Pancake Lane. Jonathan Lacey celebrated his call-up to an England FA XI with two goals in this game.

Leverstock made a bright start to the match and went close in the second minute when a shot from Luke Preedy was turned round the post by former Green keeper Matt Evans. The scoring was opened in the 8th minute as the Green side mounted a classic counter-attack from an Oxhey corner. Alex Witham headed the ball away to Chris Blunden, who laid off to Jonathan Lacey on the halfway line. Lacey took the ball across the field before finding Luke Nugent on the right wing.

Nugent ran with the ball and beat a defender before sending over a superb cross to find Lacey, who had continued his run and scored with a flicked header.

Four minutes later the lead was doubled as Mark Smith received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and drilled a low shot into the corner of the net for a great finish. Oxhey might have pulled a goal back on 21 minutes in a scramble following a corner, but Nick Kerley’s shot was kept out by a combination of Arvydas Kacinkevicius and Alex Condon before Nugent finally cleared to safety from the goal line. Three minutes later Leverstock went close themselves from a corner as Lacey found Jude Bell at the far post, but his header was cleared off the line by Luke Jones.

In the 30th minute Kacinkevicius went up to claim a free kick floated in by Jones, but didn’t hold onto the ball, however the Leverstock keeper saved a follow-up shot with his legs. Seconds later there was another sweeping counter-attack from the Green side. Smith brought the ball out and found Lacey on the halfway line, and Lacey then threaded a superb pass into the path of Witham, who finished coolly from the edge of the box for a 3-0 Leverstock lead.

The early stages of the second half were largely uneventful as the match continued in heavy rain, but things escalated quickly midway through the half. On 65 minutes Preedy was booked for a late challenge on Oxhey substitute Vass Mandeville, but Mandeville was also booked himself for his reaction. A minute later Mandeville went in for a challenge on Preedy, and received his second yellow card, being sent off just ten minutes after coming off the bench.

Preedy received treatment off the pitch, and as he came back onto the field the ball was played straight out to him.

Preedy’s ball into the box just eluded Blunden, but Condon was coming in behind and slid in to stab home the fourth Leverstock goal in the 69th minute. Within a minute it was 5-0 as a blocked shot from Smith ran into the path of Blunden, who shot home from a very narrow angle.

The sixth goal in the 81st minute was Leverstock’s third goal to come from a swift counter-attack, and again it started with an Oxhey corner. Alex Yearwood got the ball out of the Green box to Bell, who ran from his own half into the Oxhey half, passing to Blunden, who in turn played the ball on to Lacey, who produced another of his composed finishes, slotting home from the edge of the box for his second goal of the game.

The win moves Leverstock up to 12th in the table, with games in hand on all the sides above them. With another clean sheet today they have the equal best defensive record in the division and the third best goal difference.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/V2QfSDBvwvw

Jets 4 Harpenden Town 1 October 10, 2018 Premier Division Cup

Jets Bounce Back From Green Defeat Jets manager Tim O’Sullivan kept his promise and made seven changes to the starting line-up after the dreadful performance away at Leverstock Green last Saturday.

The team responded and played well against a strong Harpenden Town side.

Nick Kerley opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Sean Giordmaina had been brought down.

Sean Giordmaina had a man of the match performance from jets and scored himself with a superb header to make it 2-0.

Jets were then reduced to ten men with thirty minutes to go when Leigh Steven picked up his second yellow card of the game.

Despite the man less, Jets went further ahead when George Hobson scored direct from a free-kick just outside the area.

Harry Beaumont then hit a long, long shot – he claims it was forty yards – that kept low and beat the defenders and keeper to make it 4-0. Harpenden pulled one back late from prolific scorer Archie McClelland.

On what was an all round good night for Jets, the Reserves that stepped up to the first team played their part. As well as the impressive performance from Sean Giordmaina there were strong debuts from Drilon Adjeti in goal and Dylan Hickman-Singh in midfield.

Leverstock Green 2 Jets 1 October 16, 2018 Herts Senior Cup

Jets Lose In Added Time Jets got an ear bashing before kick off at Leverstock Green for this Herts Senior cup tie, as boss Tim O’Sullivan reminded them of the embarrassing 6-0 thrashing taken just a week ago at the same venue.

Both sides made quite a few changes. Jets boss shook things up after Jets dismal showing, and some have not earned their spurs back yet in the hardline manager’s books.

It was quite an even first half, but the hosts had the lead at the break, and the mistake and loose play were disappointing for Jets for the player who, that aside, had an excellent half. How refreshing it was to hear a player hold his hand up and say sorry lads my fault!

The second half Jets upped their possession and game and had the slightly better of the half as Levi did the first.

Harry Beaumont struck the inside of the post, and it came out as luckless Jets never seem to get a break.

Finally, Jets deservedly levelled through a diving header by skipper Tom Gibson and then pushed and pushed for the winner.

Jets biggest problem this season is overplaying, and as in the first half, it was to cost them in the cruellest of ways in the second.

In possession, just over the halfway line the jink and turn were read with the ease of the Beano comic, and Levi with Jets pushed up broke and after a long melee of hits and blocks the ball was fired into the net three minutes into stoppage time.

It was game all but over, and the biggest prize possible was lost when the draw came out, winners away to Watford.

Seconds from penalties and on Matty Evans’ form tonight you fancied him to pull one out the air. So only heartbreak, but extreme pride in the improvement.

The team is learning and improving. The mistakes come when the self-belief comes before the team.

Man of the match easily Matty Evans in goal.

Harpenden Town 0 Jets 1 October 20, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Young Jets Shine Three excellent points again on the road for Jets after seven players not being available forced the boss to make multiple tactical and player changes.

Harpenden have been below par after an excellent 2017-18 season, so the return to the ground where Jets were thrashed last season was not quite as daunting after the recent 4-1 win for Jets in the cup. Second games so close together, however, are always tough.

The rural ground was a glow of colour today, and the match in the early stages end to end, but as the half continued Jets got on top, but the chances were half chances and Jets lacked that killer touch.

Jets went for youth with three up front aged 18-16-17, so the experience was lacking, but the skill wasn’t. Ollie Lawton got some early long-range shots in but the Harpenden keeper is very experienced, and much more power was needed or getting a lot closer.

The first big chance came when Sean Giordmaina went clear on the keeper, but the bobble and snatch sent the ball towards the heavens on this occasion.

Harpenden countered on the break, and twice Matty Evans was needed to be on his toes to thwart the threat and Jets rearguard looked solid today.

Jets pressure paid off if by a scrappy build up compared to the moves so far. Jets had five consecutive corners as the pressure built, then a defender’s slip allowed Sean Giordmaina to pounce and pump the ball home past the keeper. The cherry on the cake for the young striker was that it was to be the winner and a first senior team match winner for the young striker (0-1 39 minutes).

There was time for one more match-winning moment and not from the young guns up front, but Jamie Speer as the full backed superbly headed off the line at the back post a thunderbolt that all but took his head off, and the ref blew the half-time whistle.

Early in the second half Jets lost the exciting Dylan to an ankle injury and in honesty, a change of formation left Harpenden very much on top chasing the match.

Jets went into their shell somewhat and hung on rather than competed nose to nose.

It felt a long 45 mins, but Jets defence held strong and well for a confidence-boosting clean sheet, much needed since the hon fixture secretary’s statto ramblings pointed out they had conceded the most Premier League goals before today.

Jets thought they had got the killer goal when Deji headed home but a late and very dubious flag denied him. This left Jets running the clock down to clinch the points.

So the Jets Carlsberg man of the match. Jamie Speer was outstanding today, and a big contender, the young gun Sean Giordmaina unloaded the killer blow for his first match winner, and Matty Evans was again as sharp as a razor between the sticks. The final decision went to boss Tim O’Sullivan who picked Nick Kerley who took on a deeper role in the reshuffle.

Good points against a much improved Harpenden side from ten days ago.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/2H0S_rfadi0

Jets 1 Wembley 1 October 27, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Pints Shared The Brewers derby finished as a 1-1 draw at the Boundary stadium, and it was Jets more glad to hear the final whistle than the visitors.

Wembley fresh from their excellent midweek win over Enfield in the Middx Senior cup completely belied their second from the bottom position and were a much-improved side to the team Jets came from two down to beat earlier in the season.

Jets were ragged and off their game today, and on a bitterly cold afternoon, the end of the game could not come soon enough.

It was scrappy, but Wembley was on top and although both unusually seemed to play much longer today the accuracy in the first half was much more with the visitors who had man-mountains in the team. Jets, without learning, continued to pump the high ball, and then walk around hands on hips shaking their heads when it failed.

Jets fell behind to a horror decision in the home camps mind when Tom Gibson looked multiple fouled before it being given against him and a stunning accurate free-kick gave the Buds the lead 0-1.

Jets sort of flickered but without much menace and it was the defenders who had their hands full almost without rest. The defence did well with a little help from the crossbar on one occasion. Jamie Speer, Vass, Scott Bonner, Tom Gibson and Harry Beaumont were doing their jobs, but the attack and midfield were overrun by the massive work rate of Wembley that Jets were not matching.

Tim O’Sullivan, it’s fair to say, was not a happy man with the first half performance and they were left knowing it.

Jets fared better in the second period, they competed and did start to make scoring chances. Wembley had possession but nowhere near as much as in the first half.

Luke Jones had long-range efforts that didn’t bother the massive keeper, but it at least showed the way to attack. Sean Giordmaina looked more like his work rate was returning, and Nick Kerley was seeking out some excellent cross pitch balls, but Wembley snuffed them out today.

The equaliser had a squeak of luck as Jones just got a toe but couldn’t control a ball, and it flicked high, and the defender with arms stretched wide gave away a bolt on penalty that Nick Kerley slammed home 1-1 and game on.

Now it was just as cold but more exciting, and the two teams slugged it out. Both sides had penalties turned down, and both had half chances. In the end, it looked like Jets were getting the points when Sean Giordmaina went clear in a race with the defender and was composed ready for the winner when a late flag pulled him back, and the Jets crowd went wild with the no no no screams.

Wembley were always dangerous from set plays due to the size difference of the teams today, and I for one was glad to hear the final whistle.

Star player for Jets was a single nomination, and Jamie Speer walked uncontested away with that one, but in fairness, the defence today can take a bow, they were Carlsberg Special Brew. Jets, however, on ball play and imagination were Carlsberg cold today. A point is a point on to next Saturday.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/_zLhPfejEDE

Edgware Town 2 Jets 2 November 3, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Combine To Deny Wares Another good point on the road at Edgware on the dreaded (by some) artificial pitch.

The two sides drew 0-0 at Jets a couple of weeks back when Jets had a big upper hand in the first half and were hanging on in the second. Strangely this was much the same which possibly puts a question mark over a few players personal fitness since a recurring theme.

Manager steps up and reminds them of the notoriously slow starters we are, are we ready?… yes, lads are WE READY?… YES BOSS, 58 seconds later a goal down and it all to do again.

Sloppy in the middle is an understatement but the finish top draw by Carruthers curling home from a distance giving the keeper no chance at all.

Jets had their goal down wobble with Matty Evans making a good save to stop further damage, then became more composed and went at the hosts with good attacking flair.

Luke Jones then sprung into life with speed and a swagger burning off three players to knock a super pass to Nick Kerley whose thunderous cross was chested into the net by Sean Giordmaina who looked as if his skeleton chest had suffered broken ribs putting it in!! 1-1 (20 min).

Jets gained the upper hand territorially, but neither side produced many clear chances up to the break.

A big blow to Jets was young Dylan Hickman Singh who is a real prospect and was loving the Astro picked up a nasty injury when his foot stuck, and he turned (nobody near him), and the lengthy stoppage with the lad clearly in pain and I fear a longish rest, unfortunately.

The second half saw the hosts with the big downhill advantage nd Jets had to work very hard to maintain the draw. We went back into our old shell, overdoing individual play and sacrificing the team flowing football that had given them a head of steam in the first 45 minutes.

Edgware were sharp and dangerous on the slope and thought they had scored, but the flag denied. Jets, however, did not heed the warnings, and in the 77th minute, the Wares got the goal that was coming. Again sloppiness, lost possession and a perfect through ball from Tipote to Hunte to slot home.

Jets responded magnificently, and the keeper made a good save from a Sean Giordmaina header onto the bar, then Nick Kerley from a tight angle thought he’d got it but hit the side netting.

Jets kept pushing, and finally George Turner, who was excellent when coming on for Dylan, crossed for Sean Giordmaina to slot his and Jets second for 2-2 (82 mins).

Three contenders for the Jets man of the match. Leigh Stevens as always covered every inch of plastic on this occasion, George Turner was right in there coming off the bench, and Sean Giordmaina the two-goal hero and named by Tim as the “new wasp” ( older players will know the former total pest given that title) wasn’t far behind Leigh on coverage.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/wMKF5yc81wk

Jets 2 Icarus FC 1 November 10, 2018 RAF100-Armistice 100 Friendly match

Jets Edge a Close Encounter on An Amazing Day A moving ceremony with wreaths laid by the two team captains, Oxhey Jets youth, the match referee, representatives from the Hertfordshire FA, Spartan South Midlands League officials and referees, the Police, RAFA, and finally Lisa Hodges in memory of Private ‘Tom’ Lake.

Fred Weaving took the salute, and there was total stillness in the ground for the two-minute silence.

Icarus started brightly and had the early chances, hitting one just wide and forcing a good save from Matty Evans in the Jets goal.

Jets then settled and, for a period, took control of the game. Leigh Stevens was controlling the midfield and Jets created chances. Leigh Stevens went close and then Nick Kerley fired a robust left-foot shot just wide.

Sean Giordmaina created a great opportunity but the Icarus keeper, who made several good saves, pushed Sean’s shot over the bar.

Jets then got the lead, young Ollie Lawford the scorer, his shot getting a fortunate assist from the rain-sodden ground to beat the Icarus keeper.

Despite Jets attacks, Icarus looked dangerous on the break. Tremendous pace up front and some well-planned counter attacks gave them their best opportunities of the half. Half Time 1-0.

The second half started very even with George Hobson denied by a good save, and then Matty Evans saving low at feet from an RAF attack.

Icarus then had their best period of the game as they fought for the equaliser, upping their pace and pushing men forward to try and make it count. Their goal came from a sustained attack after a break down their left, and then a pinball sequence were they hit the post, hit the bar, and had a shot cleared off the line before Tom Somerville slotted home from inside the area.

Both teams went in search of a winner, and the Jets regained the initiative. Sean Giordmaina just failed to get his head to a bullet of a cross, but a few minutes later he had the chance that won the game. Another surging run down the left by Jets captain Tom Gibson, this time getting through the RAF defensive tackles, the ball breaking to Sean on the edge of the area who swivelled and shot into the corner of the net before Icarus could react.

Icarus tried hard to level, but Jets kept them closed down until the final seconds when they had half a chance but shot wide.

2-1 win for Jets in a competitive and close game.

The decision on the Carlsberg Jets Man of the Match was made by the RAF, and they shared it between Leigh Stevens for his dominant midfield performance and Sean Giordmaina for his tireless work rate upfront, unsettling the Icarus defence, and getting the late winner.

The laying of the wreaths (Youtube) https://youtu.be/2orkmij_wwc Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/DWMfyRFsB_k

Jets 5 London Tigers 0 November 17, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Five Star Jets Jets did something they have not done for 21 months they scored five in a game (thanks to my statto for the info) besting London Tigers 5-0 at the Boundary Stadium. Fair play to groundsman Graham O’Brien as the pitch didn’t look as if the RAF poppy game in the monsoon was ever played on it; it was excellent today.

Jets reshuffled following a departure and lost Harry Beaumont in a fitness test with a foot injury.

Jets started brightly and in honesty stayed that way for the whole of the first half. The Tigers keeper made save after save as Jets dominated and it was only 14 minutes in when Andy Brennan headed in a superb goal from George Hobson’s corner.

Jets continued to dominate, and Kerley and Jones were running at the defenders with menace but just holding when distribution could have been devastating. Nick Kerley made it 2-0 though with a good long range shot.

Jets goal attempts were plentiful, but the keeper was on top form, or they went out the ground, there wasn’t much in the middle.

Half Time 2-0 and Jets a little edgy as their dominance had not put them out of reach.

Tigers came out stronger and more organised, and the Jets seemed to either tire or got lazy. Either way, Tigers were getting more and more of the game, so manager Tim O’Sullivan responded with his substitutions putting on Deji to shore up the battle centre ground and a very young Ollie Lawford to attack the defence with Sean Giordmaina going into a more central role.

It paid off, and the edge swung Jets way, and the game looked secure when a shot on the spin from Sean Giordmaina made it 3-0 and almost straight away new signing Jordan Payne on his debut struck number 4.

It was over, and both sides were playing out the final minutes when a terrible defending error rolled the ball straight to sixteen-year-old Ollie Lawford to stroke home 5-0 and get a reward for his hard work and attacking flare coming off the bench.

Man of the match had more people up for the job than Teresa May have left in her cabinet, so the list had to be cut.

Jordan Payne on his debut was outstanding, Andrew Brennan was the old Andy, and Jamie Speer was excellent with last-gasp winners in brave conditions while Tigers were having their most active period.

The nod went to George Hobson for an outstanding match start to finish.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/EVqiFcDdw_k

Jets 6 Oxhey FC 0 November 20, 2018 St Marys Cup

Jets Too Strong for Local Rivals Jets and Oxhey FC stood side by side pre-match to honour and pay their respects To Tom Lake on the sad anniversary of him being killed in action in Afghanistan, we thank Oxhey FC for the way they respected our fallen hero.

Seemingly when Jets wish to pay respects to the fallen, the heavens seem to open with tears. The two minutes silence and last post were broken only by the noise of the thunderous rain, and the players of both sides and the match officials did not flinch.

Now the battle infield commenced in challenging conditions, the pitch was perfect but the wind, rain and at times hail and so so cold was a test for both sides.

Jets made changes and a cup debut for the table-topping Reserves players Henry Marku and Drilon Ajeti in goal. The boss Tim O’Sullivan even played Gary Wallace and Deji in the line-up, and for Deji, he provided the tackle of the match to stop Andy Brennan scoring for us, managing to clear the 90 feet high net behind the goal with a shot to burst the clouds..

Oxhey had the ball in the net first in the first few minutes but were denied by an assistant’s flag.

It was not long, though, before Jets intentions were made clear. Andy Brennan played a one-two with a Gary Wallace (yes really Gary Wallace !!) in a move the latter described as a “deft touch pass comparable to Ozil”. We prefer to think he obeyed Tim’s instructions of if you get the ball to give it quickly to someone who can do damage with it to the opposition !!

Andy Brennan was the man of the match by a country mile tonight. He excellently burned off the defenders to slot to give Jets the lead in the 12th minute.

Jets continued to apply the pressure and when Nick Kerley pounced on a keeper slip on 27 minutes at the back post for 2-0, it was getting hard for the visitors.

Kerley all but killed any hopes off for the visitors with a long-range dipper on 39 minutes. 3-0 at the break.

Both sides made changes, I’m sure people more than happy to come off and get in the warm, but if they stayed inside they missed the Andy Brennan demolitions game, it was an assault on goal adding a second-half hat-trick to his first-half opener to punish the visitors.

The Oxhey goalkeeper did, however, make three exceptional saves to keep Brennan’s hat-trick at bay, and Deji’s not helpful tackle from behind also delayed it, until he finally pounced to get it, then added one more for luck as Jets made it eleven goals in two games to warm the home supporters.

The minute’s silence for Tom Lake (Youtube) https://youtu.be/fk1ovDG9cIg Both Oxhey sides observes a two minute silence for ex Jets player Tom Lake, who served with the 1st Battalion, Princess Of Wales Royal Regiment, and lost his life in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 20th November 2011 Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/kz9NY7231iA

Baldock Town 1 Jets 1 November 24, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Resilient Jets Earn Their Point Tim O’Sullivan found himself without nine of his squad, some understandable and some seemingly forgetting they committed themselves to a decent level of Saturday Football as the rather forgettable excuses rolled in.

The outcome was three debuts in a tough long-haul trip to Baldock Town to face an excellent team whose lower league position is purely due to the four games in hand following a good FA Vase run, and of course, they beat Jets 1-2 at the Boundary Stadium to kill off our Mids. challenge cup hopes.

Jets started well and an excellent ball from Jamie Speer found Nick Kerley a good 40 yards out who shot past the very advancing keeper 0-1 (8 mins).

Jets were worth the lead and could have extended it when Sean Giordmaina went clear on the keeper but unusually shot straight at the keeper. Jets carried on pushing, and from a smart cross Giordmaina looked odds-on to head home, but Jordan Payne got there first and headed high over the bar away from the young striker, a move that means he buys the sweets next match.

A big blow for Jets then when a massive clash of heads left Henry Marku flat out with a severe eye wound. He had to be immediately withdrawn and sent to the hospital where his eye wound was sorted and pleased to say the MRI on the head showed no damage or breaks around the socket, but unfortunately, the youngster will miss the next few weeks. There was no malice it was a straight aerial collision.

Enter the first of the three debutants, but the positional changes made Jets wobble losing the strong youngster and Jets got caught when a solo run looked to have been gathered by Evans on 41 mins, but the ball was nudged just past and agonisingly into the side of the net for 1-1 at the break.

The second half was one-way traffic apart from the occasional break. Jets were under the cosh and it seemed only a matter of time until the killer blows arrived.

The lads on the pitch were giving everything they had defending long and hard, and had a lot of luck as the hosts won the crossbar challenge thumping the bar four times in as many minutes, and when they did lower their sights they hit the post, twice !! It was a hammering as Jets dug in. The last ten minutes saw a glimmer as Nick Kerley was put through by Giordmaina, and the attempted take out which wrapped both legs failed as Kerley rode it. The leading goal scorer started to steady, and with the keeper racing out it looked a dead duck situation, but Nick blasted, and the keeper’s block put it wide. Then Kerley became lost to the injury caused by the first swipe as the lad who did it saw yellow, but he had done his job and taken one for the team. On the long hobble off after treatment all Nick was saying over and over again was “why did I blast it? I never do that.”

Jets thought they had a penalty chance to win the game. It was beyond Jets that the referee, who had been excellent, did not point to the spot when Sean Giordmaina went through. Jets held out during the stoppage time, and relief at the whistle was palpable. It was a superb point and a back to the wall dig in for the second half.

The Carlsberg man of the match went to Matt Evans who was non stop in action during the second half onslaught. It was a hell of a point today and well done all who turned up.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/Kuc_Mu-ox5g

Jets 4 North Greenford Utd 4 December 15, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets and North Greenford Serve Up a Rock Banger For the second time in recent weeks Jets had to play in monsoon conditions as incredible wind and rain hammered down and as puddles formed in the centre area the rest of the pitch was remarkable and allowed it also to rain goals in a rock banger of a match.

Jets fell behind early after a warning shot. Twice Jordan Payne slipped up, and the second time he was punished as North Greenford United notched the lead McLeish (5 mins) and minutes later he was flat out and subbed with the hamstring tugged. The conditions got worse, and an abandonment looked possible when deep water built up around the outside of the pitch. Jets had two good chances first when an NGU defender slipped and left Sean Giordmaina clear but he “shinned it” and a defender cleared, then Nick Kerley went clear, but the keeper denied.

It was Jets who struck next when Jones opened up the whole pitch and played Nick Kerley in who was calm and hit home 1-1 (17 min).

Joy was short lived as just a minute later Vanderville miscues his intervention and McLeish again went clear and perfect execution for 1-2 (18 mins).

Well, anything you can do, and Nick Kerley let an incredible strike go for 25 yards plus. 2-2 (19 mins). The rest of the half was end to end, toe to toe in dreadful wind and rain.

Bad news for Jets was an accidental elbow which felled Jamie Speer left him with a massive swelling bubble on his forehead. He was despatched straight to the hospital, and then Jets Mr Midfield in the conditions Andrew Brennan suffered the Hami blow and the third sub was needed with forty-five still to play.

Despite the changes, the Jets were still in there competing. Then disaster as Vass in a moment of madness passed a short back pass straight to two-goal McLeish who calmly ran and rounded the keeper for his hat-trick 2-3 (53 mins.)

Jets wobbled and looked gone, NGU hit the bar and young reserve keeper Drillon made two excellent saves in difficult GK conditions. Jets recovered and rallied again, and a Deji cross found Sean Giordmaina and his diving header looked in, but the keeper made an incredible save.

Then Kerley shot wide from a good chance and Jets struck the post. Finally, a breakthrough as a Jones free-kick forced another save, but this time George Turner was on hand to stab over the line 3-3 (80 min). It was a ding-dong game now and surely the winner when a stunner from George Turner hit the net 4-3 (88 min) NGU went all out with a couple of corners which Jets survived. But, in injury time, another corner went to an unmarked attacker and headed in. 4-4 (90+1).

It wasn’t quite over, and Jets had a little pop, but the match ended all square. In the second half what had looked like a defeat had turned into a win and then finished as a disappointing point that felt like a defeat!!. It was, however, a good and deserved point for both sides.

Jets man of the match, Nick Kerley and George Turner scored two goals each and a stunner apiece, Brennan was outstanding for 45 and replaced by George Hobson for 45 who was excellent too.

Manager Tim O’Sullivan made the tough decision between them and went for George Hobson.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/i6_JRbQceqY

Colney Heath 3 Jets 0 December 29, 2018 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets suffer Christmas hangover (Courtesy of Colney Heath website) Colney Heath welcomed back Spencer Clarke-Mardel to the line-up who had been away travelling somewhere and I think he’s been to Lapland to visit Santa and so it proved right as he quickly scored a goal midway during the first half of the match to give the Magpies a late Christmas present and a 1-0 lead.

The Magpies started brightly and it was of course Spencer Clarke-Mardel who had the first stinging shot of the game after he was setup by a string of passes between Harry Shepherd, Chris Blunden and Harvey Scott which saw the latter slip the ball to him for Clarke-Mardel to get a fine shot away from the edge of the box which saw the Oxhey Jets keeper Matt Evans just mange to get a finger-tip to the ball and tip it around the far post.

Then it was the turn of Chris Blunden to find Clarke-Mardel and although his surging run into the box was blocked by a couple of defenders the ball ran kindly for him to get a shot away only for it to sail over the crossbar. Although Oxhey were trying to probe forward for a goal themselves they found the backline of the Magpies in good order.

On 21 minutes the Magpies found themselves a goal in front when they won a throw-in out on the left which Harvey Scott took and his long throw found Andy Sears-Black who nodded the ball on for Santa's little helper Spencer Clarke-Mardel (Captain Marvel) for him to send a powerful stooping header past Matt Evans from ten yards and into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Shortly after that Andy Sears-Black cut in from the left wing into the box but he fired wide of the far post and then Chris Blunden latched onto a defensive poor clearance, but his firm low drive was blocked by Evans and the ball was eventually cleared. Next Blunden burst into the box from the right and his fiercely struck shot was pushed out by Evans whereupon Blunden crossed the ball to the back post for Clarke-Mardel to get a shot away which was cleared off the line.Then Harvey Scott fired just over whilst at the other end Andrew Brennan nipped in, but his rising drive cleared the crossbar also.

Early in the second period Dan Westmore curled a dangerous corner kick into the box which saw Matt Evans punch the ball clear out of the box and then came a spell of a lot of possession for the Magpies and then a long ball from the back by Sam Doolan nearly found Harry Shepherd inside the box but the Jets captain Tom Gibson was quick to spot the danger and cleared the ball off the toes of Shepherd. Harvey Scott then had a firm effort blocked by Evans whilst a great ball over from the left by Spencer Clarke-Mardel again nearly found Shepherd at the back post but it ran wide and so he just failed to connect.

For the visitors Sam Adetiba went close but his effort was well saved by Tom Blackman and then the Magpies from out of the blue took a two-goal lead. They won a corner down the right which Dan Westmore took and he curled the ball brilliantly into the far corner of the net to make the score 2-0.

A couple of minutes later it became 3-0 when Chris Blunden picked the ball up out on the left whereupon he promptly cut into the box, beat three players before he drove the ball low past Evans from ten yards into the back of the net.

Biggleswade Utd 1 Jets 2 January 5, 2019 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Produce The Goods At Top 4 Biggleswade What a day for Jets head coach Ryan Jackett as both his clubs, Oxhey Jets and Portsmouth ( managed by former Watford hero Dad Kenny Jackett), smashed home 96th minutes winners, Jets at high flying Biggleswade United and Pompey in an FA Cup giant-killing win at Norwich.

Jets started the day with a further reminder that no effort games like the feeble one last week won’t be tolerated and a tough test was to follow at high flying Biggleswade United who were on form and bubbling with confidence.

Tim demanded and then demanded what he demanded but could the lads produce?

Well let’s make it harder shall we, they said and sloppy defending failed to cover and clear for Jets keeper Matty Evans after a point-blank save. The defence ball watched as Sam Holmes smashed home the loose ball. (5 mins).

The remainder of the half was even, end to end and competitive, but right on the whistle Sean Giordmaina almost snatched the lead pouncing on a save but just in the side netting. This chance came after a 35th-minute penalty equaliser by Nick Kerley after Scott Bonner was brought down.

The first 15 mins of the second half uphill was arguably the best I’ve seen Jets play this season. They chased, hassled and had real attacking options and quality against much-fancied opponents too, but United were defending superb, and the no5 was truly outstanding, an absolute magnificent defender.

As the half went on and both sides made changes, it was a thriller with both sides creating but rarely missing chances, because it was outstanding defending, blocking and goalkeeping that kept the sides level.

With the final ten minutes on the clock, the game was swinging the home sides way then with minutes to play a stunning save from a Matty Evans was a turning point. It was a stunner changing direction to stop the for sure winner.

Jets were for the first time hanging on a bit and when the referee indicated a minimum of 5 mins added I think many Jets hearts sunk.

Jets dug deep then with 94 on the clock skipper Tom Gibson intercepted and charged uphill and into the safety zone deep in the home sides half then cleverly took his foot off the pedal and won the throw in. George Turner collected and hassled and turned it into a corner, and it must be the last chance. George Turner pumped in a fierce corner, and Nick Kerley headed across goal and off the opposite post for the winner (96 mins).

Jets went mad, not because it won the league or a cup, but the team was looking for redemption, and they held their heads high and went higher than expected just when it counted. They bounced back from a lousy performance with a dogged hard earned one against a top-four side.

Man of the match. Nick Kerley got two goals, Sean Giordmaina’s shots on target were high and work rate superb, at the rear guard all were solid against excellent players and Scott Bonner and George Hobson, asked to play different roles, were excellent. With all this, though it was one moment that made the win possible for Jets, not the goals but the Matty Evans save.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/EmSGeyosBt4

Biggleswade FC 1 Jets 1 January 12, 2019 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Another Bigg Result for Jets One week on from the terrific last gasp victory at 4th placed Biggleswade Utd, and Jets headed back up the A1 to play, arguably, the Spartan Premier Champions Elect Biggleswade FC. For the second week running, and for the 4th time up the A1 this season, Jets came home very happy with another Bigg result, this time with an excellent point against an impressive Biggleswade FC team.

Jets knew this trip back up the A1 again to face FC fresh off the back of their fantastic FA Vase result last Saturday was to be very testing. Jets had injury problems today, and the injury list got worse when a list of calamities caused the very late withdrawal of leading scorer Nick Kerley.

Jets did well with Sean Giordmaina operating solo up front in Kerley’s slot and by sheer graft created Jets first two chances. The first was saved by the keeper at the post and the second, after he steadied and took what looked to be the opener, forced an incredible last gasp toe save, deflecting it for a corner.

Matt Evans the Jets keeper was not feeling well as he entered the pitch was all but perfection with two stunning saves to hold Jets against their classy opponents.

FC then had a let-off as the bounce beat their keeper and for Jets, it rolled inches the wrong side of the post.

Jets knew they could not slip, FC are one of the quickest slickest speedy attacks in the division, and the point was proved when disappointingly sloppy play discipline cost them, their own throw-in lost far too easily and the fast break and calm slot and FC were on their way (26 mins).

It was competitive and played in a great spirit which was a credit to both sides and at the break and just one goal it was still anyone’s game.

The second half started end to end, Jets matched their possession, but FC were building the shots and chances ratio more, and Matt Evans more than once pulled off the stopper.

Jets, however, were slowly edging more and more into the game. Sean Giordmaina was then lost to a precaution injury protection, and George Hobson was changed for a young debut (Kenny Nobrega).

Then with just four minutes to go, it was super-sub Ollie Lawford who rose high to head home with perfection from a Luke Jones cross (86 min).

Would Jets settle for a point? Nope they went for it, and a stunning save from the FC keeper from a blistering Luke Jones shot denied Jets the three points. FC then could have won it as in the 93rd minute of the 93 they headed a chance onto the crossbar when scoring looked bolt on.

The whistle came to mark an excellent point for Jets. FC will be disappointed not because Jets were lucky, but because their standards are high which is a testament to how well new Jets did today.

Jets Man of the Match saw many in contention, but the boss picked and he went straight to Matty Evans whose saves made the point possible.

Jets are showing, as Tim always says, a work in progress and they sit with some big budgets behind them at the halfway mark. All still possible so far and too early to predict who will be up and down, but if I were having a sportsman’s bet I’d say we took a brilliant point away at the champions-elect today.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/yfpdphZouII

Jets 1 Potton Utd 0 January 19, 2019 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Resolution Earns Potton Double Three more excellent points against a top pack side left Jets in a happy mood having 7 points from 9 against high flying teams and moved Jets into the rarified grounds of a double over someone, a rare event over the last few seasons. Jets won away at Potton early season, so today’s win was a real battle as Potton looked for revenge.

Jets gave a debut to new signing Kyle Johnson who has joined from table toppers Tring Athletic wanting more pitch minutes, and he almost got off to a flyer hitting the post in the first few minutes, his shot flew across goal grazing the other goalpost and out. Jets had the upper hand in the early stages and came close again via Johnson, but then it evened out, and it was an end to end ding dong battle.

United should have scored at the back post with a header, and Matty Evans made two good saves.

Sean Giordmaina then rose high and nudged the cross past the keeper and defender, with will it won’t it going through all Jets people’s minds. Top scorer Nick Kerley nipped in and made sure 1-0 Jets (23 minutes). Had it not been finished the penalty would have been Giordmaina’s reward for getting clattered.

Then right on half time Sean Giordmaina hit a shot goal bound, but the half time whistle went so we will never know. The first half could easily have turned around 5-5 on chances.

Tim O’Sullivan was adamant. Forget we are in the lead because if you do you are doomed, rewind it in your head to 0-0 and go for it again. There was praise for the diamond front four of Johnson, Kerley, Giordmaina and Turner for the multi chances created; for the backs for perseverance against highly energetic United forwards; and for the middle where young Henry Marku was excellent adding much presence to the midfield.

The second half was end to end with equal chance after chance making excellent grassroots football viewing. It was a result that four minutes into stoppage time you were still unsure if you were going to win. Giordmaina and Johnson in a late flurry forced a triple save to deny Jets confirming the win, and Turner was denied at the near post, while Matty Evans pulled off a stunner to hold it at 1-0.

It was a double and hell of a hard-earned one, and I applaud all three teams on the match.

Man of the match was picked by Tim O’Sullivan who pre-match said to Skipper Tom Gibson you would need to be MOM today to deny their forwards, he did, and so Tim could say I told you so he chose Tom….. but in fairness, he did maybe deserve it!

Oxhey Jets 0 Leighton Town 1 January 26, 2019 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Fail To Launch It was a case of after the Lord Mayors show on Saturday. Statto’s in the club were warning me this was a sticky match after three superb results against top end flying sides.

Without trying to slander our visitors in any way, who just about deserved the points, I feel Leighton’s Secretary summed it up after saying to be fair to the people who paid to watch both our games this season, they probably deserve their money back, both matches were so bad.

The first half started OK, going end to end. Jets had two headed chances that Scott Bonner and Sean Giordmaina had saved. The rest was dour with both defences well on top. Jets back four plus keeper did their job well, as did Towns.

Jets really offered very little, threatening only twice after the opening and that was when the wide lads attacked at speed, the rest being ruined by static play and petty fouls.

Nick Kerley, an apparent target for the visitor’s staff, tried hard to hassle, bustle and carve an opening but unless he looked wide Jets were out of ideas.

Half time 0-0 and a real bore.

George Hobson was lost to illness and three subs used, but nothing improved. Jets, who showed a lack of composure, were without ideas as the visitors slowly and gratefully took advantage of Jets lacklustre performance.

The game looked goalless with the edge of a steal with the visitors. On 80 minutes that came.

A Town corner of quality produced the winner as Jets watched the ball and left players unmarked and Town headed the winner.

Jets did huff and puff a little. Dylan Hickman Singh threatened as he came in from the wing, but the danger petered out.

Then in the final minute Sean Giordmaina went through wide, and the equaliser, although at an awkward angle, looked on, but the youngster grabbed wildly at the chance and blasted high over, and the game was lost.

Man of the match was going to go to the defences, and only Nick Kerley could have changed that on his first-half performance, but Jamie Speer and Scott Bonner were the final nominees, and the nod went to Scott Bonner.

In honesty one to forget and a reminder that you get out what you put in, and a team is eleven men pulling in the same direction.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/rPlJcgj0dyw

Tring Athletic 3 Oxhey Jets 3 February 9, 2019 Spartan South Midlands Premier

Resilient Jets Make Their Point An excellent point today for Jets at promotion-chasing Tring, particularly given that Jets had to make many changes on the day.

Jets took the lead on the half-hour mark when Sean Giordmaina laid a pass to Kyle Johnson who made no mistake against his former club.

0-1 Jets.

It didn’t take long though, for Tring to level, Jack Humphrey, scoring in the 38th minute.

In what had been a very even first half, it was Jets who retook the lead in the 45th minute with a Scott Bonner header.

For the second half, Tring now had the advantage of the slope, and they started much stronger than Jets. Jets wobbled, and Tring took full advantage with goals from James Verney and Ashley Campbell which turned the game around and gave them a 3-2 lead.

It could have been more, but former Tring keeper Matty Evans was strong in goal and kept Jets in the game.

As in recent games against the top teams, Jets showed their resilience and hung in looking for their chance. It finally came in the 91st minute.

The Tring keeper saved Kyle Johnson’s shot but the ball came loose, and Sean Giordmaina pounced on the loose ball and struck it home.

3-3 Final Score.

Stotfold 1 Jets 1 February 16, 2019 Spartan South Midlands Premier Jets Extend A1 Run Jets made multiple changes for this trip to Stotfold and put out a very young team.

Jets nearly paid the price where their inexperience showed against a Stotfold team fighting for their Spartan Premier status.

Stotfold started brightly and dominated the early stages with Jets limited to a few chances on the break.

Henry Marku had an outstanding game, his best in a Jets shirt, and he went on to be Jets Man of the Match.

It was Jets who took the lead in the 34th minute, against the run of play. Henry sent in a good shot from a distance and Sean Giordmaina was on hand to get his foot to the ball and change the direction leaving the Stotfold keeper with no chance.

Few chances were created for the rest of the half by either side in what was not one of the most entertaining games of the season.

HT 0-1 Jets.

Stotfold started in the ascendancy again in the second half and had Jets up against it, and Matty Evans was called upon to make three good saves in 1-on-1 saves.

Stotfold also hit the bar.

The Stotfold equaliser finally came after a very dubious free-kick given against Jamie Speer. The free-kick was then fired into the wall and took a wicked deflection, off Jamie Speer, leaving Matty Evans going the wrong way as the ball went into the other corner of the net.

Jets did rally in the final minutes but, even so, they were glad to hear the final whistle.

A good point nevertheless which maintains Jets unbeaten run in games along the A1.

It also takes Jets to 36 points for the season – that is more than last season’s total and there are still 12 games left to play.

Full Time 1-1 Jets Man of the Match: Henry Marku Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/XCuL4I5zV3I

London Tigers 2 Oxhey Jets 3 February 19, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Johnson & Putman Strikes Steer Jets Home Jets kept their good run going with this 3-2 win over London Tigers.

Tigers came back twice to level the game but Jets prevailed with a Kyle Johnson winner.

Johnson had given Jets the lead in the first half but Tigers equalised from the penalty spot with what was the last kick of the half.

Lewis Putman, temporarily back with Jets as part of his injury recovery, put Jets back into the lead early in the second half but Tigers equalised again.

It was left to man of the match Kyle Johnson to make the difference and grab his second goal of the game to win the match.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/zV4sFlE33Wc

Oxhey Jets 1 Baldock Town 1 23 February, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Battle Hard For A Deserved Point It was a tough match today, Baldock Town arguably the most in-form team in the division in an incredible run, unbeaten in their last 14 games and that includes reaching two SSML cup finals. This game was to be a big test for Tim’s young guns.

And difficult was the day too as Jets first team returned home for the first time since the tragic death of our own Garry Beadle. There was a pitch ceremony to honour Garry with respects shown, a special number 10 wreath laid (and the No 10 shirt was withdrawn for the day) and a special edition programme.

Friends and family joined the Jets in the moving respects.

A big thank you to the match officials and Baldock Town for their total respect.

Football was a welcome distraction from the grief and the two sides put on an end to end cracker, which is a morale boost for Tim’s rebuilding and bonding squad.

Minus rehab Lewis Putman and Kyle Johnson in attack and Andy Brennan still out the all but safe with a dozen to play Jets were able to run the youth for some valuable experience.

If there were an overall man of the match it would be the Baldock goalkeeper who made stunning quadruple saves in a scramble and a fantastic top corner save from a Luke Jones shot that contributed heavily to the visitor’s point, but that said it was a well-deserved point for both teams.

Jets will be disappointed with the goal conceded as the striker burst forward through three defenders before Jets keeper brought him down, while going away from goal, a penalty converted 0-1.

Now, this was to be an even greater test for Jets as some real passion was needed to bring this back.

It was even, and end to end, but no more scoring at the break.

Jets responded in the second half, and they pushed the visitors. Giordmaina started to find his speed and gaps and was back to chasing and hassling wide.

A change in midfield worked for O’Sullivan as Gibson, Marku and man of the match Luke Jones were hassling Baldock into mistakes.

Then, however, Jets went through a dodgy spell of giving the ball away and wasting opportunities and could readily have conceded the killer, but now it was the back four taking the strain as they protected their keeper to the full.

Jets levelled after being given a free-kick close to the corner flag. This time one of the smallest lads height wise on the pitch was lurking at the back post to blast home the equaliser for the point.

Both sides could have won it, it was even in stoppage time and hard to call, and either team could have snatched the win.

Final score a deserved point each and a hard-earned one each way.

Luke Jones was Jets clear man of the match despite some close attention from Baldock.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/TcBQ65bSxM4

Oxhey Jets 2 Arlesey Town 1 26 February, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Break Through Against Strong Town Jets earned another three points against a top-six team to continue their climb up the table remarkably against the big boys and maintaining an excellent record on the A1 matches.

Arlesey Town and Jets really did battle out a nose to nose tackle for tackle battle, you could not look your opponent in the eye and blink tonight. Chances were at a premium, and both teams had spells where they edged play, but it was edged not dominated, the defences were both tight and secure and little made it through to the keepers, but when it did both pulled out blinding saves.

The substitutions by manager Tim O’Sullivan swung it Jets way with both Jets subs having a significant hand in the goals.

With the game looking drawn at 0-0 a peach of a ball from George Hobson literally brushed the hair of the jumping centre half, but it was enough to put Kyle Johnson through on the keeper and he as calm as you like slotted 1-0 (81 min).

Jets now had a couple of chances as the visitors came out looking and at the other end, a double save by Jets Matty Evans held Jets lead.

Then the second substitute young Ollie Lawford drove a low cross in and with Lewis Putman central and Sean Giordmaina at the back post waiting to pounce the defender’s outstretched leg diverted the ball into his own net 2-0 (86 min).

The battle eased but three minutes into stoppage with a penalty appeal and a save the ball fell to the unmarked striker to drive home 2-1 (90+3).

The referee blew full-time on the restart.

It was a hell of a battle and a testimony to how far Tim has brought the club back in a short time.

Man of the match was unanimous Jamie Speer defensively superb all night against a very well organised and strong side.

Special mentions for all the backline. They were and had to be faultless tonight. Henry again outstanding in a midfield where all worked hard to win possession and create opportunities. A front line of Putman, Giordmaina, Kerley and Johnson, supported by Turner, Jones & Marku must be frightening for any defenders, and you just can’t let any of them out your sight or bang.

With players returning and injuries and suspensions clearing Tim has an excellent squad coming together now, and the atmosphere and fun are back.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/-oELM8c5T_U

Oxhey Jets 3 London Colney 0 2 March, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Continue Their Good Form While the Reserves were playing their semi-final, the first team had no meaningless game either taking on local rivals London Colney at home. The two sides have played each other twice this season, both at Colney, Jets winning the league match and London Colney the cup tie.

Tim O’Sullivan rotated positions and the team, and it was to be a fierce battle for much of the game that was a handful for the officials who rose to the challenge.

Jets took an early lead through young Henry Marku who, after a bit of Jets pressure, headed clean from a corner powerfully into the top of the net for an early lead (1-0 - 9 mins). Henry was lost to injury minutes later, and the battle scars were mounting up both ways as this was a very combative match.

There were a few comings together, and similar cards and not much to choose between the sides, but Colney missed a sitter with a back-post header, and the treatment table was the busiest part of the break at half time. Jets 1 London Colney 0 Jets reshuffled, Tim unhappy with the way things were going and we looked better and more dangerous in the second period, Nick Kerley went one on the keeper and should have doubled the lead but slotted wide.

Jets and the matches arguably best move of the game paid the rewards when Sean Giordmaina combined with Luke Jones and Leigh Stevens to play in Nick Kerley to double Jets lead (2-0).

Jets were buoyant and when a spectacular Luke Jones made it 3-0 there was no way back for the blue boys. It is Jets third double of the season, and mathematically Jets passed the bottom two teams points possible to have no interest in the relegation chase for the first time for a few years. Jets climb to a dizzy 8th place and 46 points.

As much as 3-0 sounds a big score, it was also a massive tribute to the defence too, and by three votes to two a Jamie Speer edged out Leigh Stevens to the man of the match award.

These are the Saturdays we love to enjoy.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/UB9nE9nHLIM Youtube after match challenge!! https://youtu.be/GxBzinFoMeE

Oxhey Jets 1 Hadley 2 9 March, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Fall Just Short Jets fell to only their second defeat in fourteen matches, but a stubborn display second half put them within a single kick of the ball for a point against the championship chasers.

The first half was appalling to watch spoiled by the high wind ripping over the pitch, and it was Hadley bossing the possession and Jets doggedly digging in and only one goal on the board at the break an own goal by Vass with a slight touch from the corner.

Tim O’Sullivan changed the formation and demanded more, but the job became harder when former Jets player and on as a sub at HT for Hadley, Ned Clarke pounced on a Mandeville mistake to round Evans and slot in No 2.

Changes were made, and Jets became equal to the title chasers and pushed and pushed then Sean Giordmaina pounced on a saved loose ball and while getting flattered by the keeper slotted 1-2.

Jets pushed but the quality of late missing today was replaced by pure grit, and six minutes into stoppage the chance was there as Nick Kerley was upended and straight to the spot went the referee.

Kerley took it himself having never missed, but as the keeper committed Kerley correctly went the other way, but blasted over the bar and Hadley went mad in celebration, in fact too much as a resulting straight red for a Hadley player followed after a comment to the official.

It was hard on Jets and Kerley but let’s make it clear that these lads who step up on penalties should not be blamed, gutted yes, but they take the pressure and sometimes they miss.

Jets Man of the match was a three-way contest. Andy Brennan on his return game working hard for his 60 mins. Sean Giordmaina’s work rate and goal were impressive, and he was looking more like the player that first came up.

The man that had his hands full the whole game was skipper Tom Gibson who got the nod and a bonus £20 gift from Garry Beadle’s best mate in Newcastle following his funeral on Friday.

Final word in memory of Garry, play for him and his memory, play for Jets like he always did, hard and proud. Today our Tom did just that.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/hUOyF_hnUO8

Arlesey Town 4 Oxhey Jets 2 16 March, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Blown Away At Arlesey The first team had a tough match again up the A1, and it was to be our first blank trip of the season, not helped by the missing men again.

Jets kicked with the gales in the first half and did not make the most of the massive wind advantage and approached half time with a single goal lead when Kyle Johnson slotted a superb ball from Henry Marku. Arlesey though had then mastered the conditions and been getting on top for the final fifteen minutes playing some excellent football to slot under the keeper for 1-1 at the break. The task for Jets was now huge against the constant wind.

The players were given “tasks” by coach Ryan Jackett, and it geared up Jets for a fantastic effort that so nearly paid dividends.

Jets had more of the first part of the second half and grabbed the lead with superb football involving three and finished off with a shot by Sean Giordmaina 1-2.

It should have been increased when Giordmaina burned off the defenders to slide the perfect ball to Kyle Johnson for the goal slot, but the attempt was inexplicably wide by the usually deadly point man. Jets kept up the pressure and a defender and goalkeeper combined to stop a blistering shot by Giordmaina going in the net as Jets luck was right out today.

The massive turning point was a refereeing decision I’m still shaking my head over; the referee had a very very good match, so I was both disappointed and amazed at what I witnessed.

Nick Kerley was played in 1:1 on the keeper wide on the edge of the box. He pushed the ball, and the charging keeper committed the challenge, ball and player contact and the referee only about 10 yards away no hesitation straight to the spot.

The usual protests followed then a few minutes later to everyone’s amazement the referee went to the assistant on the far side of the pitch, at least 60 odd yards away, AND who would have had no view once the keeper dived and spread except the back of the keeper !! The decision overturned to a throw-in. How comes week in week out we see assistants who won’t give a throw in until the ref points with a finger then we get Superman with super long x-ray vision on a match.

Jets wobbled now and apart from a lob by Ollie Lawford that the keeper just stopped going in were holding on. The Arlesey equaliser came when overplay lost the ball, and the hosts swung quick, and despite Evans attempt to cut out the unmarked winger he drove hard and low, and it was turned in unmarked at the back post.

Jets legs went, and the home side finished Jets off in added time with two late wind assists to kill us off.

In fairness, Jets won a couple of weeks ago, and it was a late goal where a draw was fair, today the opposite was to happen when a draw was decent for two very evenly matched sides. Was it playable today, no but it was safe and pitch OK but just a farce with the conditions.

Man of the match was a unanimous decision going to Sean Giordmaina who supplied high energy and almost all Jets second-half chances, but a special mention for coach Ryan Jacket who planned his game and instructions and it was minutes and a hell of a windy referee’s decision away from paying off.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/yN3GJ80Kark

Oxhey Jets 0 Harpenden Town 1 23 March, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Lacklustre Jets It was a bad day at work as Jets failed with just above a wimpier to their third consecutive defeat. One against Hadley was an excellent performance, Arlesey was good until a team collapse with only ten to play going from 1-2 to 4-2 in that short time, but today was by the standards set this season fairly pathetic in desire and attitude and almost embarrassing in self-acclaim and not teamwork.

Jets had a good save by Evans before going a goal down after 3 minutes in what was the winner. The result could have been worse, but a big Harpenden penalty appeal was turned down by the referee.

Minute’s later Jets had a bolt-on opportunity to go level when Sean Giordmaina was taken down. For the third match running a penalty decision had a significant impact on Jets lack of points. Three games ago a 96th-minute miss by Kerley, last week the penalty that was bottled by the officials after discussions with the Lino 60 odd yards away on the far side of the pitch. Now this week another Kerley miss softly down the centre to the waiting keeper, left it at 0-1.

Jets should have had another penalty when Kerley himself was upended, and I can’t explain why that wasn’t given.

Jets pressed, Harpenden had a walking wounded team but battled and battled and on the break looked more dangerous than Jets who played as individuals rather than as a team going forward.

At the break, it’s fair to say the manager was not happy. There was a response, just, but with fifteen to go although mostly Jets there was not a good shot on target.

The houses were hit and the ball net busy, but the attempts were at best mediocre and the set pieces worse. Very frustrating!!

Last fifteen it was slightly better. Sub Ollie Lawford had a chance but was weak but at least hit on target. Then Sean Giordmaina looked as if his curler had saved the day, but it went this time inches wide, but definitely the closest of a mediocre and disappointing day.

Things got worse for Jets when after a yellow in stoppage time Kyle Johnson chose to abuse the referee and got a straight red to all but finish his season and end a miserable day for Jets in an even worse way.

Man of the match Andy Brennan could have only been challenged by Matty Evans for the nod.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/PWQJ0FSGYRI

Oxhey Jets 1 Leverstock Green 0 30 March, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Giordmaina Strike Breaks The Deadlock First and most importantly Jets and Leverstock Green paid respects to Leverstock’s Graham Smart who tragically passed away last Friday, the Smarts and Elliott families have shared football clubs friendships for over 40 years and the upsets by both this month were evident all day. Today was to pay total respects to Graham and all his family. RIP a great man to his club and grassroots football.

The football seems irrelevant to recent events, but Levi find themselves needing to remove any relegation fears, having started the season as one of the title favourites. Changes in fortunes and playing staff has seen them slide into trouble, but I think they’re safe, but we all know the magic line is always in your mind.

Today Levi could and should have had a point, they started better, they finished better, but as we found last year, Lady Luck deserts you when you need it most.

With just two minutes gone Levi battered the post with everyone bested from 6 yards and groundsman Graham O’Brien’s comment sums it up. “I’m surprised the goal’s still standing with that one.”

It was still 0-0 though and the game warmed up. Matty Evans twice denied, and Jets were making little impact, most shots not staying in the ground. The busiest people were the ball boys searching for the missing match balls.

Jets did hit the post and a few times Levi broke, but the best chance was when Brennan robbed a defender, but his shot was high. Then what looked like the breakthrough when Tom Gibson, on a charge, was taken down. For the third time in a row, however, a missed penalty, George Hobson dipping his colours.

Jets really do look out of salts and ideas at the moment and snatch shots and overplay ruining so much of their efforts.

The second half was a little better, but both sides lacked that cutting edge.

Jets moved first, and it was a winning move by boss Tim O’Sullivan. A double substitution throwing on Sean Giordmaina and leading scorer Nick Kerley, and within minutes it worked as Kerley threaded through a pinpoint pass for the teenager to thump home 1-0 and a breakthrough. The same combo nearly got a second and a penalty appeal as Jets looked to finish the job.

It was the opposite and Levi pushed forward and had a big penalty appeal turned down, then an incredible save by Matty Evans turns the ball onto the post, and as it rolled across the goal, somehow Scott Bonner cleared it with Levi pouncing., Bad luck for Levi but brilliant defending from Jets.

In stoppage time more drama as Levi looked to have the goal and point they deserved. Evans was chipped and beaten and the ball goal bound, BUT inexplicably a Levi player standing offside but not interfering with play ran in and hammered it into the net… for offside against him. No goal and Jets had the points. It was hard on Levi as they search those final safety points.

Men of the match was shared between the energetic Andy Brennan and outstanding keeper Matty Evans who saved us time and time again...again!!

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/tpPKn7tHghE

Leverstock Green 1 Oxhey Jets 3 02 April, 2019

St Marys Cup, semi final

Jets Storm Into St Marys Cup Final Jets first team stormed into their first cup final in four seasons when they beat Leverstock Green for the second time in four days, winning by 1-3 to reach the St Mary’s cup final.

Jets last cup final was the St Marys when Wayne Gladdy managed his team to a first attempt cup win.

Jets got the early goal on the slope when Sean Giordmaina latched onto Nick Kerley’s ball for the lead.

Jets were in territorial control, and things became difficult for the home side when Henry Marku headed No2.

That slope is worth two goals, so Jets felt they needed more. Jets pushed hard but Leverstock got their act together and became difficult to pass. Levi rallied, and Jets had a let-off when the home side thumped the bar and then applied long periods of pressure.

Jets countered, and Nick Kerley was denied when 1:1 by the keeper and Jets also hit the post as the game became open.

Half time Leverstock 0 Jets 2 The second half started quite tame, and the expected onslaught for an early goal was not evident.

Then inexplicable slack play all but finished Levi off when Luke Jones was alert and caught the defender loitering on the ball and rounded the shocked keeper to score 0-3.

Leverstock rallied and latched onto a poor back pass to score. It wobbled if not scared the outcome as Jets played it out to reach the final in an excellent refereed match.

Man of the match was a two-pronged challenge between Sean Giordmaina and Henry Marku.

Manager Tim O’Sullivan decided to make the decision and gave the nod to promising youngster Henry Marku who has been a success of the remarkable resurgence of our Reserves this season.

They have been supplying such players while still reaching a county cup final, leading their division and with an Aubrey cup semi-final to play as well.

What A Carlsberg night !!

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/890Jjkn2EY8

Cockfosters 1 Oxhey Jets 3 06 April, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets Knock Fosters Bottom This comfortable 1-3 away win at the lane by Jets, along with other results, pushed Cockfosters to the bottom of the table.

Jets, conscious of the game earlier in the season, were careful to have no feelings or comments open to interpretation so mixed and match and rested large numbers for the trip.

A call up for reserve squad keeper Filip Chalupniczak was one of five changes for Jets.

The side got off to a shaky start and Fosters had a big penalty call when Jordan Payne appeared to manhandle, and this was virtually the only glimpse for the home side as Kerkey, Giordmaina, Marku and Jones worked together to pin the home defence down, and two goals quickly followed.

Nick Kerley latched onto a Marku superb ball to curl no1 home right on the post. Jets had multiple chances twice Giordmaina going through but the keeper and the bounce denying and Kerley and Bonner blazed over, but it was a short let off, Henry Marku wins a near post header, and the scramble followed and a swivel shot

by Sean Giordmaina latched home 0-2. Despite much pressure, the score remained until the break.

Jets were even with the changes comfortably controlling the match and when superb touch football by Jets and again Henry Marku finding a Kerley to fire home no3 Jets were all but home and dry and holding onto their hopes for a top ten finish for the rebuilt side, a superb achievement for Tim on his first season.

Cockfosters spoiled the party with an instant reply, also playing first time passes into the net 1-3 Jets seemed to fold and the rest of the period was all the home teams possession, but they will need much more urgency and accuracy of chances to get out of this three-way relegation battle.

Jets used all their substitutes then got an injury to Luke Jones but in the final minutes were denied a handball penalty and an excellent save and goal-line clearance prevented a more comprehensive scoreline on the final whistle of a very calm and well-officiated game by all.

For Cockfosters time is short as they are in a mess like we were last season and one that is going to be difficult unless that big lift can be found that we found when Tim jumped in to add the big attitude zip that was to lead to the great escape.

Man of the match went to Jets Mr Reliable Gary Wallace in Jets rearguard, challenged only by Henry Marku for all his assists and imaginative game.

One massive well done goes to today’s skipper Scott Bonner, who was singled out by the match referee as a gentleman and pleasure to work with both verbally after the game and in writing to the SSML. Excellent to receive such praise for a skipper Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/0q5WQjSduDY

Oxhey Jets 1 Biggleswade United 4 13 April, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

United Show Their Strength The sun came out, recent forms been sound, two footballing teams, so today hopes were high for an excellent old end to end ding dong.

The day started well. League officers were there to present the team of the month award for February, the first for us this season.

The match started as we expected, end to end, relentlessly carefree football it was looking full of goals for sure.

Biggleswade had one scramble in the Jets goal mouth that went on for what seemed an hour, but somehow it stayed out, and their carefree attacks were causing us problems.

Jets were also on it, and Nick Kerkey forced two excellent saves to keep the United defence busy as the game lived up to its expectations. Jets downfall, though, was the slack wasteful passes, and it was to cost them dearly more than once.

United grabbed the lead after a weak midfield ball was pounced on and executed to the full and they never looked back then. Jets were being outplayed, outworked, outclassed and chased shadows and were more than happy to be just two down at the break. A big helping hand to that was young Filip Chalupniczak in goal making several saves, Jets were getting the runaround, and it was painful.

Manager Tim O’Sullivan was fuming at the lack of effort and awareness of the game and made clear they had just ten minutes to respond or three changes would be made.

Well in the first minutes yet again a sloppy not excusable loss of the ball sent United on route one down the wing. Jets looked like Tiger Moths chasing Concorde and skipper Tom Gibson poked the ball into his own net desperate to stop it getting to the numerous unmarked players. It was over, Jets in tatters today had capitulated.

Three changes were made, and it was Jets best spell, Sean Giordmaina was denied by a good save with a header, and Nick Kerley went close at the post. The main trouble now was getting the balls back from the farmer’s field as so many were inexplicably blasted high out the ground today.

Jets pulled a goal back with a Scott Bonner header from a perfectly placed free-kick. The response after that though angered the manager as he expects more fight from his team. Pull one back yes, eight minutes to go, keep going, get another but never give up.

Jets today got burned off out of sight again and the easiest of slots no4 within two minutes made it 1-4, end of game.

United were excellent today and look like a team ready to make a strong promotion bid next season. Jets, though, fell well short of what they are capable of. It was totally unacceptable today, and many people had a wake-up call.

Jets Man of the match was a two-player contest between the keeper and the midfielder. The manager picked Andy Brennan as the clear winner.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/rRSlpzIqDmw

Oxhey Jets 1 Colney Heath 2 20 April, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Jets on the beach To make the quote more printable, manager Tim O’Sullivan said: “they are already on the beach for the close season”. Well some of them were, and most of those left behind looked like they were ready for the rest. The boss was not happy, and it’s looking like the cup final shirt scramble has more playing themselves out than into the team at the moment.

In a hot sunny Boundary stadium, the scene was set for two sides in a safe no man’s land able to put on an excellent football display for the paying public, live on the radio thanks to Chris Walker at CWONAIR internet radio, the officials sensible with a water break during injury all was good.

The game started end to end the visitors having more composure on the ball and the edge, but Jets competing but lacking the quality of late with the final ball.

Jets keeper Matty Evans has been on great form and today, back from a romantic two-week break, he continued it making saves that kept Jets alive.

Jets response was to counter and score a great goal, when one of the best moves was to end with a cutting pass from Luke Jones opening up the defence for Jets best outfield player today Sean Giordmaina to coolly latch on and slot 1-0 (15 mins) and Jets first worth a mention shot on target.

Jets continued to be the lesser possession team as the midfield was non-existent. The pitched looked like a volleyball set up with a large gap in the middle and both sides playing the long ball, but Colneys efforts were far more accurate.

Jets had a big chance to extend the lead further when a pinpoint cross from Nick Kerley landed perfectly to Kyle Johnson who somehow missed the header and shouldered the ball over. Probably the miss of the match and a massive turning point.

Minutes later the visitor’s pressure paid off when George Devine lobbed a peach to level 1-1 (38 min) Jets faded more in the second period, and in honesty, the official became a little confusing after an excellent 70 mins. Jets players lost their heads, and Henry Marku was cautioned and immediately replaced protecting him from any red card with the St Mary’s Cup final within the now ban period as today’s result as well as Henry was playing was little compared to cup final availability. Jets were breached again from a corner with an excellent header by Sears-Black 1-2 (84 min) Jets best period followed after a spell of complete ill-discipline that saw Giordmaina, Johnson and Ikusemori all cautioned, but was Jets most dangerous period too.

Jets pushed, and although the set pieces lacked quality (frankly a mess), there were half chances.

In stoppage time, however, came the result changing decision that cost us a point. It was a blatant and I mean blatant handball stone walled bolt on penalty not given. Some of our players’ dissent in the final moments didn’t help the no-decision but no it was, and Jets lose their second on the bounce as they fade out past the post. Still. come on, it’s a lot better than the nerve-racking dramas of last season to stay up, so we shouldn’t moan about a sleepy top 10 place.

Man of the match was easy. There was only one pitch player worthy and that was Sean Giordmaina, but after today you must choose keeper Matty Evans as he was time and time again outstanding when all failed in front of him.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/Ru-Z6eCwh2w

Crawley Green 3 Oxhey Jets 4 27 April, 2019

Spartan South Midlands Premier

No more easy Jets Jets had to reshuffle yet again but boy oh boy did some of the lads say they want their cup final shirts today.

Jets went to a superb Luton training ground on a perfect Astro pitch to play in-form Crawley Green in the final league match of the season.

What a mess the start was, the defence was woeful and the attack wasteful, and Jets very quickly went behind, just 4 minutes 1-0 when Draycott slotted well from inside the area.

Jets were actually quite unlucky when Johnson hit the bar with the keeper beaten, but Matty Evans was just as busy making many saves, as was the Green’s keeper, but Jets squandered many opportunities. 1-0 became 3-0 in less than half hour when Draycott added a second and Nimi slotted, Jets were becoming Easy Jets at the end of the Luton airport runway.

With half time in sight, Kyle Johnson slotted for Jets from close range to restore some pride.

Half time Crawley Green 3 Jets 1 Tim was calm, firm and very clear of his expectations and the team responded like the roar of the planes overhead zooming to their destinations, it was a different set up with the defence solid and streaming forward and a superb long shot dipping over the keeper on the hour by Nick Kerley set Jets up again 3-2.

Now it was attack attack attack. Luke Jones was combining with Giordmaina’s excellent work rate to cause problems with Johnson and Kerley waiting to pounce.

Pounce they did when, after the Green’s keeper made two superb saves, the ball ran out to Nick Kerley outside the box who cheekily rolled the ball with precision into the net with the keeper still flat on the floor 3-3 (77 min) Jets now fancied it big time, and a draw was not on their minds, green countered with two superb saves by Evans as all caution went to the wind, but Jets were menacing and were denied by excellent goalkeeping.

The breakthrough was surely there as Kyle Johnson was upended, but to the horror of Jets, nothing was given.

It was tense, but the hosts looked to have hung on, but Jets pushed and pushed and the ball looked in from a Deji header but he was denied on the goal line, and the player instantly dismissed for the hands.

Now Jets have missed the last four penalties, and with a minute to go, this was it. The supporter behind the goal did his best to put off the youngest starter on the pitch for Jets as the boss gave young Sean Giordmaina the job.

Breath held he held his calm, the keeper blinked first and he rolled the ball into the net. Jets went wild, it meant nothing more than an 8th equal place finish pushed behind Arlesey by goals scored (hmm remember that rule last season on the last day). With the final whistle, it was pride, spirit and belief restored after a couple of dodgy games.

One game left now, the cup final v Berkhamsted at Hemel FC on May 9th.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/fmF9oEm5fAc

Berkhamsted 1 Oxhey Jets 0 14 May, 2019

West Herts St Mary’s Cup Final @ Hemel Hempstead Town FC

Jets Push Berkhamsted Close in the St Mary’s Final Jets did themselves proud in this St Mary’s Cup Final, up against Berkhamsted who have just finished 6th in the Southern League Division One. The Comrades had to ring the changes with four centre backs ruled out and some players missing on holiday, after the game was put back a week after a deluge at Vauxhall Road. The deputies coped well with James Weatherill keeping a clean sheet behind a makeshift back four. Manny Folarin made his first appearance for Berko since November at centre half and took the official man of the match award.

Jets’ Sean Giordmaina looked lively on the left wing for Oxhey, but shot wide with the first real chance of the game and soon after hit the post when he was put through from a fine pass by Ashley Lewis. There were few chances in the first half when Berko were playing uphill and Jets hearts were in their mouths as an Andy Brennan back header wrong-footed Matt Evans, hit the post and rebounded back into Evans’ arms righton the goal line. Later Matt Evans pulled off a fantastic double save that both Gordon Banks and Jim Montgomery would have approved of, to twice deny Ashley Morrissey from very close range, finally getting the ball over the bar.

Half time and 0-0 and all to play for.

Karl Stevenson got only his second start for Berko after three months out injured and lasted half the game before Will Summerfield came on for him and James Towell moved from midfield to right back. Evans again kept out a Morrissey shot after the ball was laid back by Andrew Ofuso. Soon after Scott Bonner headed agonisingly wide for Jets, the Jets faithful thinking that the ball would roll over the line, but fate had other plans in store.

The game remained tight and competitive, and Jets came into the game more, with both sides playing some great football on the floor, but the stalemate was broken in the 64th minute when Summerfield scored for Berkhamsted, applying the finishing touch from Matty Evans save from a whipped in free-kick.

Henry Marku got his marching orders a few minutes later for some abusive remarks to the match official which left Jets playing the last 20 minutes with 10 men.

Jets still showed their spirit and were still able to have reasonable possession, and they gave it a right go in the final 10 minutes, with a couple of chances going close.

Berkhamsted held firm though, to lift the trophy.

Congratulations to Berkhamsted on their win and for their season as well. Well done as well though to Jets who pushed Berkhamsted all the way, and have had a terrific season as well, building through the year to finish an excellent 8th place in the Spartan Premier.

Youtube First half match Highlights https://youtu.be/tuvV8-0_RdY Youtube Second half match Highlights https://youtu.be/5GYsbNEhvVQ

Jets Reserves: 2018/19 A season to remember 18/08/18 Jets reserves started their league season in the Herts Senior County League under the new management of Tom Bullock and Steve Booth and came away from a tough derby match at Oxhey FC with a credible 1-1 draw. Gary Yerby getting Jets goal and Man of the match.

25/08/18 The first home match of the season didn’t go as planned as Cockfosters reserves beat Jets reserves at the Boundary Stadium 3-1, Andre Lopes scoring the Jets’ solitary goal.

1/09/18 The reserves have started the season ON FIRE! Eight against Welham Albion (8-2). A hat trick for Sean Giordmaina, a brace for Andre Lopes, while Johanan Adjei Dawkins,Taylor Cobb and an own goal, Jets also netted six in a final midweek friendly as well just for fun.

8/09/18 Jets reserves continue to keep on scoring as they got five today in the Aubrey Cup at Aldenham winning 2-5 (at the Sun sports ground). A hat-trick for Tom Kaill, while Jordan Gutteridge and Chad Flaherty scored one apiece to complete the scoring for Jets.

12/09/18 Jets reserves run out 3-0 winners over Rayners Lane reserves in this midweek fixture. Jets eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute and then the floodgates opened/ Michael Vickers scored two while Sean Giordmaina got the other.What made the result even more impressive was that Jets were down to ten men before half time.

15/09/18 While the first team suffered a cup shock in the FA Vase, the Jets reserves continued to keep the blue flag flying by gaining another three important points and successive sheet for Drilon Ajeti in a 3-0 home win over Buntingford Town. Scorers were Andre Lopes, Tyrese Wolfe and young Dylan Hickman-Singh who came on as a sub. Both Jets & Rayners Lane players, staff and supporters stood in a minutes silence to pay their respects to Colin Hooker who played almost 150 games for Jets.

22/09/18 Another home win against Wodson Park for Jets reserves, winning 4-1. Sean Giordmaina, Mitchel Swain, Luke Wells and sub Robbie Lovitt were the goalscorers.

Not the greatest first half ever seen but a superb second saw Jets go up a gear.

25/09/18 A midweek win for a rather depleted Jets reserves saw them win 4-1 against table topping Hadley reserves. Jets looked up for this game from the start and dominated the game throughout to show that even the ressies have great strength in depth. Banging in goals for fun at the moment, these young pups are learning the lumps and bumps of men’s football and offer a massive belief and hope for the future of the club. And it was that young man again, Sean Giordmaina, scoring twice, while Tom Kaill and Andre Lopes netted the others.

29/09/18 The Reserves continued their excellent run of form and tonight sit top of the Herts County League Div One, following their 2-0 win away to Aldenham. Bubbling from the 4-1 midweek win over league leaders Hadley they had immediate problems when they lost one player in the warm-up and another early on.

Mike Vickers gave Jets the lead from the spot with his seventh goal of the season, and on form Sean Giodmainia, who has won himself a first-team call-up following his outstanding goalscoring run, got the second in the 2-0 win.

It’s seven wins on the bounce for Jets young reserve side that takes them to top spot. Man of the match was Tyrese Wolfe who was superb all game making many vital tackles in defence then sprinting forward to support the forwards in a remarkable personal performance.

Jets by their admission were not at the pinnacle of their form today but against a very changed and robust Aldenham side who pushed them all the way they won ugly. It is the points that count, and they got them, and the remarkable progress under new manager Tom Bullock and coach Steve Booth continues.

06/10/18 Jets were “Up for the Cup” today as they hosted Cuffley reserves in the Intermediate Cup and strolled to a comfortable 4-2 victory. Tom Kaill, Andre Lopes, Scott Pugsley and George Davies were the goalscorers to keep the “Treble” still in contention!

13/13/18 The goals and points were shared in a six goal thriller up at St Margaretsbury. Tom Kaill has taken over goal scoring duties from Sean Giordmaina as he found the back of the net twice while George Turner netted the other in a tough but well fought 3-3 draw.

20/10/08 It’s still only October, but Aldenham FC must be sick of the sight of us!!

Jets reserves returned to the top of the Herts County League Div One with a 5-0 win at home to Aldenham, it’s 13 unbeaten now for Tom Bullock’s team. Luke Wells got a hat-trick and Henry Marku a brace.

24/10/18 Jets ressies have now gone 12 games unbeaten but a poor first half saw them go in at the break 1-0 down. But word were spoken in the dressing room and the Jets gave a gutsy second half, where Henry Marku got the equaliser with just 15 minutes to go. Both sides created a fair few chances and either team could have nicked it at the end. On the whole, a point a fair result against a talented Cockfosters side.

27/10/18 Jets Reserves stayed on top of the Herts County League Div One after the second draw of the week. The 1-1 draw in the top of the table clash on Wednesday at Cockfosters Reserves was followed by a 2-2 draw today against Hinton first team. Superstar Ashley Fongho scored as well as George Turner.

03/11/18 The Jets reserves travelled to Welham FC and came away with all three points after a scrappy 2-0 win. Ashley Fongho scored again for the second game in a row and Robbie Lovitt also hit the net. Admittedly the Jets were not at their table topping best but controlled the majority of the game. Drilon Ajeti saved a penalty in the first half to keep the score at 0-0 at half time and the unbeaten run now stretches to 14.

10/11/18 Oxhey Jets reserves travelled to Green Lane to play last season’s Division One champions, Bovingdon reserves and the Jets came away from a hard fought contest with a 1-0 win. Ollie Salami with the winner for Jets.

17/11/18 Jets reserves continued on their travels with a trip to deepest, darkest Garston to play the new and improved Old Parmiterians team, and added another three points to their collection with an impressive 4-1 win. Scorers were Aaron Eales, Andre Lopes, an own goal and Henry Marku. 16 matches undefeated and still looking good.

24/11/18 The Reserves got a superb, dominating home win over Wodson Park reserves in the Aubrey Cup winning 4-0 although it could have been a lot more. Jets scored a first-minute goal and from that point on never looked back and were in full control. Drilon Ajeti was a spectator for most of the game. Albie Booth, Tom Kaill, Tyrese Wolfe and Michael Vickers scored the all important goals to extend their unbeaten run to seventeen on the bounce.

08/12/18 The cup matches are coming thick and fast but the Jets reserves are dealing with the pressure fantastically as they ran out 5-1 winners over a Berkhamsted reserves team who haven’t lost this season until now. A rather nervous start but as soon as Jets got the first goal they never looked back.

Jets will face Hoddesdon Town reserves at home in the Quarter Final, which will be played on the 2nd February, which means that there is a distinct possibility of a Semi-Final derby against Oxhey FC. Jets scorers were Albie Booth, Tom Kaill, Luke Peters and two from Andre Lopes.

15/12/18 Jets reserves stretched their unbeaten run to 19 with a 0-4 win at Hatfield United in extremely poor conditions. Jets lead the table on 37 points, three in front of nearest rivals Bush Hill Rangers who have three games in hand so still a lot to do, but you can only win and hope, and the lads have done fantastic so far.

29/12/18 Oxhey Jets won their last reserve match of 2018 with a comfortable 3-0 win over St Margaretsbury reserves. Andre Lopes, Rawn Seale and Michael Vickers sealed the three points for the high flying Jets reserves.

05/01/19 The unbeaten run is over. Jets reserves travelled to Donkey Lane in Enfield to play a very good Bush Hill Rangers side in what was a very exciting and entertaining game. A mistake after 25 minutes gifted the Bush the only goal of the game. Despite an array of missed chances, Jets were unable to leave Enfield without at least a deserved draw if not a win.

Defeat is never wanted but for a young side, many on their first season in men’s football, going 20 unbeaten is to be only applauded when the run ends ..you just have to chalk it down to experience, dust yourself down and start another run with heads held high.

12/01/19 The Reserves bounced back from last weeks defeat in style coming back from a goal down at the break to win 3-1 against a strong Hoddesdon team.. It was a Poor first half for the Jets, going in 1-0 down. But they came out for the second half and showed great character to go on and eventually win the game 3-1. Two goals scored by Rawn Seale with Matthew Goodman getting the other.

19/01/19 Jets reserves win again to remain top of the Herts County League Div One. A scrappy 3-1 win today away to Buntingford on a poor pitch. Jets got off to a great start going 2-0 up inside 10 minutes with 2 really well worked goals. 2-1 at half time with the opposition scoring from their only real chance of the game. A hatful of chances were missed by Jets but another important win nevertheless.

9/02/19 Congratulations to our Reserves for a terrific County Cup Quarter Final win over Hoddesdon Town. Jets had gone 2-0 up and looked comfortable but Hoddesdon clawed their way back into the game, putting a lot of pressure on Jets to make it 2-2. Jets regrouped and pushed forward again and got a deserved winner, and a place in the semi-finals, with 10 minutes to go. A semi-final against local rivals Oxhey FC is a distinct possibility.

2/03/19 Oxhey FC 2 Oxhey Jets Reserves 3 (after extra time) 2nd March 2019

Herts Intermediate Cup Final

Jets Reserves Rally To Reach Cup Final

The pinnacle spot this weekend goes to our Reserves, who reached the Hertfordshire Intermediate Cup final thanks to an extra time penalty to win 2-3 against local friends and rivals Oxhey FC ( First).

Jets had to come back twice from a goal down in a highly competitive match with little between the two sides.

Matty Goodman scored Jets first leveller but jets went behind again, and it looked like Jets were going out. It was deep into stoppage time when a stunning free kick from Andre Lopes made it 2-2 and took this County cup semi-final into extra time.

The hosts looked shattered at being so close to the final and then having a touch of magic take it away from them.

Jets got their noses in front in extra time from the penalty spot and held it to take the club to the county cup final, a terrific achievement, so huge congratulations to Tom, Steve and all the lads on their success.

Jets will play Royston Town reserves at the County Ground, Letchworth on Tuesday 9th April in the Hertfordshire Intermediate Cup Final.

5/03/19 Oxhey Jets Reserves 2 Hadley Reserves 0 Aubrey Cup More Cup Success For The Reserves Jets reserves march into the next round of the Aubrey Cup after a goal in each half from Tom Kaill gave them a 2-0 lead over Hadley reserves. Hadley pulled a goal back just before the final whistle but Jets persevered and will play at home to Chipperfield Corinthians of the Herts County Premier League in the next round.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/FpdGMaO8cyY

9/03/19 Back to league football after a couple of cup ties and things felt a little deflated as the Jets reserves were held to a 1-1 draw away at Hoddesdon Town reserves.

16/03/19 Jets reserves continue on their quest for the Herts county “treble” after a fantastic 4-1 win over Premier league side Chipperfield Corinthians in the Aubrey Cup quarter final.

Jets will play Letchworth Garden Eagles in the semi final.

19/03/19 Jets reserves continue their winning ways after a convincing home win against last season’s Division One champions, Bovingdon reserves 5-1.

Jets were 2-0 up within the first ten minutes thanks to a brace from Andy Lopes.

With around ten minutes to go until the end of the half a Bovingdon player received a nasty injury with a suspected broken leg/foot and an ambulance had to be called for. Forty minutes went and no sign of the ambulance and coats and towels were being brought on to help the player getting hypothermia while laying on the cold ground. It was then mentioned when Jets staff rang the emergency services again that there would have to be a 5 hour wait.

Needless to say, this was past the point of ridiculous, and so John Elliott brought his Land Rover onto the pitch, put the back seats down and with the help of various players and coaches, got him into the back of the car so that he could be finally driven to hospital.

On the restart, the Bovingdon free kick was saved and Jets scored again on the break.

An own goal from a corner followed soon after and Bovingdon managed to get onto the scoresheet just before the half time whistle.

After a first half like that, it was no surprise that the second half couldn’t continue in the same vain.

Just before the end of the match Jets netted a fifth goal of the night and are now five points clear at the top of the table.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/p_elB9fTotg 23/03/19 The reserves continue to impress and travelled to Barnet Playing fields, behind the old Barnet FC home of Underhill, now currently being demolished.

Scott Pugsley and Ollie Salami scored the goals in a 2-1 victory to maintain their hold on the top of the table. The only rivals to the title look to be Enfield’s Bush Hill Rangers who still have four games in hand of Jets and are only five points behind.

Although it is always said that it’s better to have the points in the bag then the pressure of still playing for them.

27/03/19 Wednesday night football came to Oxhey for the “El Oxheyco” derby between table topping Jets and 9th placed Oxhey FC in their league clash. The two clubs met on the first day of the season on Aldenham Road in a 1-1 draw.

Filip Chalupniczak was back in goal for Jets, and Aaron Eales, Mitchel Swain and X Factor star Ashley Fongho scored for the Jets while Joe Fox and Greg Taylor netted for FC in a closely contested affair.

2/04/19 The reserves had a convincing 5-0 win over title favourites Bush Hill. Jets went 1-0 up within 3 minutes and didn’t look back. It was 3-0 at HT and two more in the second half made it 5-0. The Reserves were at the best, a high work rate and some fantastic football. Rawn Seale was the man of the match, banging in 4 goals and having an all round superb game.

9/04/19 Herts FA Intermediate Cup Final Oxhey Jets Reserves 2 Royston Town Reserves 0 Terrific Reserves Win Herts FA Intermediate Cup

Jets Reserves beat Royston Town Reserves 2-0 tonight in the Herts Intermediate Cup final at the County Ground Letchworth.

Jets goals came from Ashley Fongho (20 min) and Andre Lopes (90+1).

Royston started the brighter but Jets looked dangerous on the break.

Ashley Fongho put Jets ahead in the 20th minute with a superb strike and from then on Jets looked the stronger team and the one more likely to score again.

In fact, good work by the Royston keeper continued to deny Jets, so much so that he was given the Herts FA Man of the Match award.

While it remained just 1-0 Jets were always vulnerable to one good shot from Royston. It nearly happened two minutes from time but a tremendous save from Jets keeper Drilon Ajeti denied Royston and preserved Jets lead as full time approached. Drilon was made the Jets Man of the Match primarily for that save, so pivotal to the end result.

Then in the 91st minute Jets finally sealed the win with a fine left-footed cross goal shot from Andre Gomes which started huge Jets celebrations by players, management and supporters.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/dOvvvx8UT1o Goals and celebrations Oxhey Jets reserves Herts Intermediate Cup winners 2018/19 https://youtu.be/CTkbXWNbNAM

13/04/19 A day off for the Reserves but a big day nevertheless.

Bush Hills 3-2 win over Cockfosters Reserves means that Jets Reserves are Promoted to the Herts County League Premier Division, so actually within the FA Pyramid system for the first time ever.

Bush Hill still remain championship favourites but our promotion is now assured and it completes a great week for the Club and the Reserves who won the Hertfordshire Intermediate Cup for the first Time on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Tom, Steve and the whole squad on their achievements so far, I say so far as they have a semi-final and a championship still to play for.

20/04/19 The Reserves, already promoted, won 0-6 at Lemsford. In what was a one sided affair Jets were 4-0 up at half time and killed the game with another two in the 2nd. Jets once again played some really nice stuff again and the game could have had more goals. Andre Lopes scored a cracker with the Tony Yeboah strike hitting the bar and in from 25 yards out.

23/04/19 Oxhey Jets Reserves 6 Hinton 0 Hinton Hit For Six

Jets Reserves were on top form against Hinton who were looking for a top-four finish, but Jets were in no mood to give an inch as the players paid claim to their cup semi-final shirts this weekend in the massive Aubrey cup semi-final against Premier Division unbeaten champions Letchworth.

Jets had the early possession, but the Hinton defence was organised and solid against them, and the goalkeeper was in “plane safe” mode.

Jets did have the ball in the net from a set piece when a Mike Vickers challenged the keeper high in the air, but the goal was ruled out by the match official.

Jets took the lead in spectacular style with a blistering long-range shot from Andre Lopes who despite a dramatic attempt by the keeper was beaten all ends up.

Jets pushed on now looking for the kill, and it came with a cool slot right on the post by Mike Vickers 2-0.

The games significant talking point on 35 minutes as Jets keeper Fillip went out to meet an oncoming attack and the player went left towards the corner flag and was caught by the keeper. The referee went straight to the spot despite the foul being a full two yards outside the area and issued a yellow card.

Appeals galore and the official spoke to the linesman and changed it to a free-kick and red card despite the fact the attacker was going away from goal and defenders were arriving to cover. Madness but not surprising.

Mitchel Swain pulled on the orange jersey and kept it clean right up until the interval, half time Jets Reserves 2 Hinton 0 Jets reorganised and came out for the second half and what a blistering forty-five minutes they were to have. Andre Lopes was on fire and destroyed Hinton with accuracy and power on the ball.

Lopes himself opened the second half scoring with another blistering long shot that caught everyone out including three cameramen (but not the videoman!!) 3-0 and two for him.

Minutes later he pinpointed Mike Vickers with incredible speed the pinpoint cross, and Vickers needed no second chance for his second of the night 4-0.

It was turning into Lopes demolition night as a thunderous ball into the box was smashed home by Rawn Seale 5-0.

Rawn then had the miss of the season from another pinpoint Lopes ball to blast high out the ground from three yards with the keeper beaten. The nippy winger, though, had the last laugh as he burst down the wing and slotted no. 5 in a solo goal to notch his second and the 6-0 for ten-man Jets.

A beautiful clean sheet for the stand-in keeper Mitchel Swain who was faultless.

Man of the match was the easiest decision of the season, Andre Lopes scored two, assists’ two, and a class above in a blistering display by the whole team.

Saturday will be a big test for Jets reserves as Letchworth have won the Premier title unbeaten, so a benchmark for promoted Jets for next season in the Premier Division and with the FA ground grading committee denying Letchworth there much deserves place in a higher league probably because they have a seat missing or something pathetic like that, they will be one of Jets opponents in the new season.

A special mention for Hinton’s Mick Clarke, who is stepping down as boss at season end, we go back many many years to when Jets first team progressed through the Herts County league ranks, he is a credit to his club and grassroots football, and the sort of person football clubs need. We wish Mick well in whatever role he chooses and in his retirement, but somehow I think we see him back doing something, I hope so!!

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/_7Y4JG9GH4k Andre Lopes screamers https://youtu.be/WCbSXra5lE4

27/04/19 Oxhey Jets Reserves 4 Letchworth Garden City Eagles 3 Aubrey Cup Semi-Final Valiant Reserves Defy The Odds To Make Aubrey Cup Final

Big ask today, Herts Intermediate cup winners and promoted Jets Reserves vs Premier Division and unbeaten champions Letchworth.

Jets had the first minutes, and it all looked promising, but Lady Luck deserted them and Jets thumped the post the rebound causing a clean break and Letchworth scoring 1-0. Jets were all at sea and could do nothing right, and it looked all over as the Premier side made it 2-0 after just 12 minutes.

Jets responded and what a response with two goals in three minutes in the 40th and 43rd minutes to send the lads in 2-2 and the break.

Jets suffered another blow (55 min) as they went behind 2-3 now the big test was there could they recover again?

Yes, Luke Peters again drew level 3-3 (59 min) and it was game on big time who would get that winner.

Jets pulled it out the bag just a few minutes later from the spot and Andre Lopes calmly slotted the winner and a place in the Aubrey cup final on May Bank Holiday Monday at Colney Heath.

Jets man of the match John Gyabaah Jets (first team) have been in the Aubrey cup final twice before while in the Herts County League, beating Sun Sports and Sandridge Rovers, so fingers crossed for a hat trick.

Excellent performance by all concerned.

06/05/19 Oxhey Jets Reserves 1 New Salamis 2 Aubrey Cup Final @Colney Heath FC Reserves Denied In Tight Aubrey Cup Final

Jets Reserves finally dipped their colours in the Aubrey Cup final at the hands of Premier Division Promoted New Salamis. Jets, though, can have nothing but pride following the tense, tight battle taking the Premier side all the way to the whistle.

The available contrast was massive, Jets a young side fresh out of under 18s football, padded by some experienced older heads to guide them, the opponents with an ex Norwich player and able to fund a holiday return air ticket for one of the players to make the game.

Jets hassled and battled and unsettled the Premier side with the slope first half and looked good for the lead they gained when Andre Lopes hammered home from a tight angle to give Jets the advantage.

They probably needed more with the slope and could and should have extended their lead when presented with a 3:2 situation in the area, but no one took responsibility and shot, and the passing broke down, and a golden chance lost to put real pressure on. Jets were getting caught mainly by experience as some struggled to adjust their personal game to the less time on the ball being given to them leading to snatched loose passes.

The second half against the slope Salamis upped their game, and the physical side of it and Jets struggled with off the ball incidents three times leaving Jets players flat out, and massive unrest off the field to the officials demanding more protection for the seemingly tactic change.

Salamis were now on top and Jets defending, but it was tight and effective, and Jets looked to be holding even against the harder tactics.

An excellent goal though, levelled the match as Salamis drew the defender and passed to McKenzie who drifted between two defenders unnoticed to slot 1-1.

The winner as it turned out was from the spot, and it was inexperience and drawn as the substitute ran the ball to the goal line, he drew the foul that was not needed, just shepherd it out, and the referee had no hesitation going straight to the spot and 1-2.

Jets wobbled and another penalty was given, this time a con, as at last the Lino who had missed all the off-ball incidents decided the player was tripped, but justice was done as it was blasted well wide.

Now came Jets best period as in the last ten they really pushed for the equaliser and there were scrambles, a big chance headed wide and many free kicks, unfortunately, that was a problem as Jets failed to drop them away from the very experienced keeper who was mostly presented with catching practice.

Jets deserved to take it into extra time but in honest reflection Salamis probably just deserved to nudge over the line to win the very prestigious Aubrey Cup. Jets had the man of the match player in young John Gyabaah which was a further credit to the side.

Jets can only be proud of their performance in this final and the competition just as a Reserve side even reaching the final and beating the Premier Champions on the way, but today they were edged out, just !! So learn from it then get heads up and be proud of what they have produced this season.

Youtube Match Highlights https://youtu.be/8h6HSY7sfQg

8/5/19 Oxhey Jets Reserves 5 Hatfield United 0

Last league game for the reserves, in what has been a momentous season for the second teamers. The reserves have gone above and beyond the call of duty this season by finishing second in the herts County League Division One, and gaining promotion at the second attempt.

On top of that they were runners up in the Aubrey Cup, losing to New Salamis, 2-1 and winning the Herts Intermediate Cup with a 2-0 win over Royston Town Reserves at the County Ground, Letchworth.

Jets were 3-0 up by half time, the scorers being Gutteridge, Lovitt and Kahill.

Next season will be a new challenge, playing in the Premier Division of the Herts County League, and it has already been hoped that Jets will finish in the top six of the Herts County elite.

Here’s to next season!!