Jets shock Pagnell with Extra Time Win
Newport Pagnell 6 Jets Academy 7 (after extra time)
Brian Hutchins Challenge Cup - Round 1
29th October 2009
Oxhey Jets academy were once again involved in an incredible match last night, drawn against a very strong Newport Pagnell team who had only lost on a couple of occasions over the past two seasons the boys set out with their usual 'lets have a go ' attitude.
Newport started brightly as expected but didn't score and Jets started to feel their way into the game, LIAM COLES gave us the lead on 20 minutes and we were now playing some good football. LEWIS COOK increased our lead on the half hour mark with a powerful long strike. Stung by this Newport upped the pace and the physical side of their game but were struggling to find a way past the defence who to a man were defending very well.
Cameron inch in goal was having a fine game and his handling all night was to be first class. Finally Newport got back into the game on 40 minutes with a clinical finish, Jets were not to be down hearted and replied very quickly when LIAM COLES coolly converted a penalty after Lewis Cook had been brought down. Unfortunately time still remained in the half for a Newport reply,, so half time reached 3-2 to Jets.
Newport started the second half very quickly and found an equaliser on 55 minutes, and at this stage you could tell they thought that would be a springboard to go on and finish of this very young Jets side. But, to their Immense credit, the Jets then had their best period of the game and another great finish from LEWIS COOK restored our lead.
Jets were now pushing forward playing some great football against the increasingly agitated Newport team, tackles were flying in and I felt we received very little protection from the referee. It was, however, from another ill timed challenge that we took a two goal lead when Lewis Cook was again felled in the area and LIAM COLES again sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot kick.
Vinny Harkin was introduced into the action and on 70 minutes Lewis Cook chased a long through ball and the defender under pressure from Lewis coolly lobbed his own keeper to score an own goal and give us an amazing 6-3 lead.
Newport had ten minutes earlier brought on a lad with the size and build of Emile Heskey and were now just playing long ball all the time and on 80 minutes got themselves a lifeline with a great top corner volley from the edge of the area. We were now defending for all our worth, penned into our own half and on 85 minutes Newport got themselves within touching distance 6-5. We had introduced fresh legs in both Rob Barham and Miles Cox and both played their part over the final minutes.
Now into time added on and so close to victory Newport equalised after a deflected clearance fell kindly to give the forward a comfortable finish.
So extra time and I would bet no one in the ground bar our team thought the outcome would be anything but a Newport victory. We regrouped well and again took the game to them with Miles Cox and Leo Pascoulis raiding down both flanks and just seconds before the break Liam sent MILES COX away down the left wing and he cut inside and finished with a low shot under the keeper.
The second period of extra time showed how far we have come and how quickly the boys have learnt as they took the pace out of the game and kept the ball very well, Newport didn't seem to have anything left and we saw out the final minutes without any major problems to complete this famous victory.
The boys were deservedly clapped off the pitch at the end, they had all given everything they could, this was one of those rare occasions in football when ALL 14 players that took part had played very well........................Just a great performance and a pleasure to be part of.
MAN OF THE MATCH ;- Virtually everyone, but as we have to pick one JAKE GRACE
