Jets Goal Drought Continues

Chalfont St Peter 1 Jets 0

Spartan South Midlands Premier
22nd August 2009

Jets went to last season's FA Vase semi-finalists in a weird position of the two teams having only one point between them so far this season, but Jets luck was at its worst again, seeing a number of their successful cup squad returning to the team, whilst Jets were further rocked losing Tyas, skipper Jamie Parsons and striker Paul Haynes from the already depleted squad.

In a poor first half Jets stayed level only because Chalfont failed time and time again to convert aerial chances and because Jets keeper Joe Marsh was on-route to a man of the match award, assisted once by the crossbar. Jets were turning in their worst performance of the season, and it was to lead to manager Benny Higham exploding at half time in a rare outburst.

Too many Jets players look unfit and unable to stay the course, and at this level, combined with the players who are less than sensible on the Friday night, got found out.  Chalfont were the better side, but it was more of a match second half, with Gladdy and O'Mara trying to combine to end the Jets goal drought, that is now causing much concern.

Chalfont had the ball in the net but, luckily, despite the referee not seeing the clear hand ball putting it into the net, the offence was spotted by his assistant on the far side.

Jets were furious when they were denied a penalty late on when Spencer Bellotti was clearly charged into the Chalfont ‘keeper by one of their central defenders, an incident which ended up with the ‘keeper getting the free kick! Even the Chalfont bench seemed to be mocking the ridiculous decision.

Jets’ fury at the referee was further compounded when Tom Inch was given a straight red late in the game. In between the side show the game became more open with Jets at last showing something, but at the end of Jets best period it was the Jets themselves that were stung by the winner. Chalfont attacked with menace again, and Tom Inch was caught on the wrong side and the rebound was struck home to give Chalfont the three points.

Jets have only the win over Sun Postal in the Charity Shield on the winning line this season so far, but no panic bells had been rung as in each game Jets had played well, but were rocked with stunning winners. Today that was not true, we were poor and confidence has reached a low point. It needs everyone to address the problems and get the season back on track.