Jets Earn their Double over Broxbourne
Jets 3 Broxbourne Borough 2
Spartan South Midlands Premier
13th February 2010
Jets completed a very rare league double over highly placed Broxbourne at the Boundary Stadium in an action packed game. Jets boss Benny Higham made two changes from the team that reached the St Mary’s cup final on Tuesday, recalling Wayne Gladdy for the injured Spencer Bellotti and a surprise first start for young Myles Stephenson in midfield.
Jets had won 4-2 in the away fixture earlier in the season and the marksman that night was Luke Beardsworth, and it was no surprise that he was followed around the pitch for most of the game. The game was not for the weak hearted or the scared as neither side took prisoners in a fairly bruising battle, as seems the tradition between the two sides over the years.
The early period showed no advantage as both sides sprayed the ball around on the superb surface with much confidence and there was little between the teams, although a little disappointing that at times the players over reacted to challenges. Jets opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Chris Ingham swung in a free kick that Steve Brown and Luke Beardsworth rose high and challenged the dominating defence, Brown’s head down was flicked into the net by the tireless full back IAN BYWATER, who added to his impressive goal tally.
Man of the match Lee Armitt then did a wonderful conversion but was denied by an assistant’s flag. Jets were pushing but Broxbourne were a constant threat and Steve Duce in goal was kept on his toes throughout, and Jets were devastated as Borough came up with the equaliser in the 44th minute.
The second half was much the same as the first and young Chris Killer, who had replaced the ill Lee Inch, struck a magnificent shot into the net, but was also denied by the flag, then LEE ARMITT started his one man demolition first of all grabbing the ball in midfield before driving on and lashing a twenty five yard power drive into the net (60min).
Luke Beardsworth then went clear but was denied by an outstanding save by the Borough ‘keeper, Broxbourne then countered on the break and were denied by Duce at the other end.
LEE ARMITT then gave Jets the breathing space running at the defence before simply side footing around the advancing keeper and beating four defenders before rolling the ball into the net for a really super goal from the in-form striker.
Jets midfield were now running their joints off and Jets fancied the result, but as always with this young, but inexperienced team they gave away a goal which made for an exciting if nervous final minutes.
Jets held out for three very good points and the very rare league double over Broxbourne. Jets are not predictable and with Grace and Bywater showing such energy, and Roberts and Gladdy supplying the outstanding Armitt-Beardsworth strike partnership anything can happen in a blink... within all this another young “puppy” put in a very sound performance on his first start.
