Harefield United 2 Jets 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
15th March 2008

Jets were left fuming at the end of the extended match at Harefield on Saturday, when the match official, in their opinion, lost the plot in the final quarter of a highly entertaining league fixture. In the strange extended nine "ish" minutes Jets were denied two penalties when Wayne Gladdy and Paul Danslow were clearly fouled, and then a soft free kick at the other end after Sam Warrell was harshly judged to have fouled was headed home by stoppage time substitute Alex Brown for an undeserved winner.

After the "winner" the game dragged on for a huge amount of time that saw yellow card after yellow card added for the unhappy Jets players as they paid the price for pointing out the truth about the incidents.

Jets started brightly but were a goal down after only eleven minutes when a Harefield attacker just about sent a soft deflection goalbound that trickled past the keeper and into the net off a post.

Jets reacted in magnificent style attacking in free style football. Ian Bywater swung a super cross over for TIM O'MARA to head Jets level after thirteen minutes. Jets dominated the half with their attacking football style and were very unlucky to not get the lead.

The second half was different, Harefield reshuffled and altered things and were in the ascendant with Jets countering on the break. It was a super game but the competitiveness ran away from the officials at the end, and it directly affected the result, when substitute Alex Brown headed home the winner from the disputed free kick.

 

The Reserves have been busy in the last week with mixed results. A good 1-0 win last weekend at Tring courtesy of an Adam Lowton goal and a good defensive performance (A clean sheet in the wind), was then followed by a midweek 1-0 defeat (Wayward Jets) at London Colney with an attacking performance summed up as "They couldn't hit a barn door if they were locked inside" (Anon). Plenty of barn door practice after that led to a 5-3 win over Harpenden this Saturday.

The 'A' team drew away 0-0 against Hemel Hempstead Rovers, while the 'B' team had a good 2-1 home win over Jomarth Construction with goals from Baker and Bishop.

SEVENTH HEAVEN CRASHES TO EARTH,
AS AYRES RALLIES HIS TROOPS.

Jets 3 Hanwell Town 0

Spartan South Midlands Premier
8th March 2008

Only a few months ago Jets players left Hanwell Town's ground with their players joyous singing ringing through the walls of the changing room following their 7-1 thrashing of the Jets. But today skipper Marc Ayres had other ideas and rallied his troops and led from the front from the first whistle to avenge the defeat in style in front of moaners mount.

Jets got off to a flyer as Marc Ayres headed goal bound after just two minutes and TIM O'MARA added the faintest of touches as the ball went into the far net past Former Jets Goal Keeper Paul Taylor to give Jets the early breakthrough.  

Jets were the brightest they have been for months with O'Mara and Wayne Gladdy an ever present threat with a new found confidence, and Ayres could be heard encouraging throughout, It was the O'Mara, Gladdy combine that opened the lead further after twenty minutes when a cross was dropped into the box, Taylor was stranded by O'Mara's touch and WAYNE GLADDY controlled, bundled through and "toe poked" home for 2-0.

Jets were having a real go, and with a FA class one official in the middle giving full protection it helped them to play their passing game they so much enjoy. Luke LLoyd returned from injury and was joined in midfield by the "pestie" Lee Grace as manager Benny Higham reshuffled his pack with Ian Bywater back from suspension and the added skills of Sam Warrell secured the midfield for the attack minded line up.

The second half started with Hanwell clearly coming to get the game back and had they had the best of the first twenty minutes. Jets defended well and young ex Jets ball boy Steve Brown grabbed another chance of first team football by the throat earning him man of the match in his full back role.

It was TIM O'MARA that killed Hanwell off with a magnificent goal in the 73rd minute, latching onto a wide high ball he raced with Paul Taylor for the ball and somehow touched a curler past the keeper into the net, and secured the points that made all at Jets sleep a little better that night and halted the recent slide down the table.

Bore Draw

Cockfosters 1 Jets 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
1st March 2008

I can find little to say about this totally boring end of season game, except if anyone has any painting to do, then watch the paint dry it will be more interesting!!

Jets found themselves with only 44 players to field four teams an hour before kick off and needed players to come from one game to be "subs" for others in a horror weekend of illness and injury. The real injuries being lost amongst the "wimps" making life difficult for the managers.

Jets opened terrible and after only a few minutes Lee Grace was guilty of a "horror pass" across his own box that was happily tucked home by the surprised Cockfosters forward. The first 45 minutes was so poor both sets of supporters were nodding off, cheered only by chatting to each other about the "Good old days of Glory".  For both former champions this was a distant memory on this display.

The second was little better as a whole but Jets were better in this half as Cockfosters had been in the first. Gary Page, came on for this season's debut, and Luke Lloyd and Anthony Sheppard made much welcome and needed returns from injuries and Jets pushed for the game.

Tim O'Mara at last found his scoring touch again after his massive lay off and operation, and Jets got the deserved point. In between Gladdy had a good header saved and missed a chance, Ross Channer made two good saves, and Luke Lloyd looking good on his return looked to have won it in stoppage time but was denied by the crossbar with the keeper beaten.  The rest of the action, best forgotten.

The Lights go out on the Floodlight Cup
(& shame about the sportsmanship)

Saffron Walden 3 Jets 1 (aet)

Floodlight Cup
26th February 2008

Jets disappointing season dipped further when the patched up team went out of the floodlight cup away at Holders Safron Walden on Tuesday night, manly down to Jets continual failure to score "Bread and Butter" goals while dominating games and also compounded by "one piece Rank poor Sportsmanship" for the killer goal.

First team debuts were given to former Jets "Ball Boy" Steve Brown and Carl Wigg as Jets did the long trip to the Holders for this fifth time re arranged cup tie, that has cost Jets players more time off work than the national flu epidemic.

The first half was even, with chances being carved at both ends with both teams seeing bad misses and good saves and even bad luck, But Jets were caught with half time approaching when the offside trap was caught sleeping as the new guidelines of who was and who was not backfired on Jets and they went a goal down on 40 minutes. It's a pity the new guideline was not played the same at both ends after a horrendous decision stopped Tim O'Mara going clear on goal in an identical situation, but that assistant was working to "old Laws" in a poorly officiated game.
           
The second half saw five yellow cards by a match official in a game without a bad tackle as he struggled to maintain any dignity in his personal performance that the away team struggled with more than the home team. Jets changed formation and it was a total bombardment of the Saffron goal, O'Mara missed from just six yards after a fine three man move down the left, then Gladdy failed to hit target with a volley from ten yards. A scramble then hit the post and had two cleared off the line and it just seemed not to be Jets night.

Manager Benny Higham made a tactical change with Steve Noonan replacing the lacklustre Hussain Ali and Jets found new zest in a midfield that was off the pace. Then with twenty minutes to go IAN BYWATER hammered home to get Jets the deserved equaliser.

Only Jets finishing is to blame for the game not being won, and none more an example than four minutes into stoppage time when Paul Danslow bundled past the last defender to go clear on goal, with Wayne Gladdy and Tim O'Mara in line the outcome of three onto the keeper should have only left one outcome. The defenders got back but Danslow got clear again and laid the ball to O'Mara who had time and space in the box, but blazed high and wide and Jets had blown it.

Extra time saw both teams suffer and first blood went to Saffron when an inswinging corner lofted the straggling keeper and hit the bar, and the rebound was smashed home for a 2-1 lead.

The killer was a shame and a blip on the game and football as a whole, a Safron attack was broken down and the ball safely in the Jets keepers hands, who rolled the ball sportingly out of play for the Saffron no9 to get treatment, unfortunately the courtesy was not repaid when the resulting throw in was not returned to the keeper and resulted in the killer goal. As the tempers flared it has to be said both teams are right, Jets that it is a disgrace and unsporting, and the Safrom Staff that nothing in the laws say they have to throw it back., BUT nothing says the other team have to put it out to allow treatment either, it's a sporting thing. Next time you wonder if its worth being sporting and putting the ball out.  It's a shame really because the hospitality was outstanding, the ground pitch and everything else good, so a moment of madness ruined the result and the feelings between two good teams.

Jets undone by high flying Hertford

Jets 0 Hertford Town 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
23rd February 2008

Report courtesy of Hertford Town - they had more to write about.

There was little to entertain the crowd in the early stages, with neither side able to gain the upper hand. A Lee Roberts cross just evaded Kevin Cooper and when Ryan Redford did get a shot in, keeper Channer held on comfortably. Twice when Jets attacked, the tall Paul Danslow just failed to get up high enough to connect with deep crosses. When Kevin Cooper fell dramatically under a challenge on the edge of the box, the referee quickly showed him a yellow card for "simulation". A long range effort from Jets' Tim O'Mara caused Mark Virgo to spill the ball, but there was no danger. At the other end a Ryan Redford shot was turned around the post for a corner, then Redford set off on a clever run through the home defence but his firm shot cannoned off the legs of keeper Channer. Ryan Wade was penalised for a foul on the edge of the box, but Paul Danslow crashed the free kick into the Hertford wall. Wade then made a tremendous run down the right and crossed to Ryan Redford, but again the home keeper blocked his effort with his legs.

Half Time: Oxhey Jets 0 Hertford Town 0

Nicky Marsh made one of his trademark, speedy, runs down the right and found Kevin Cooper with his cross. Coops was only able to shoot wide however, as it began to look like one goal might settle this game. Paul Danslow nearly provided it when he shot just wide from a fine pass by Karl Bull. Then the game turned on a 56th minute penalty, awarded for a hand ball by Ian Bywater. The home contingent were not very happy with the decision, but KEVIN COOPER gratefully took the spot kick and sent it high to Ross Channer's left to make it 1-0.
Jets tried to fight back, won a corner on the hour, and nearly equalised when the ball flew off Ryan Wade's head and was heading for the back of the net but for a timely block on the line by the well positioned Pablo Ardiles. Jets sent on Wayne Gladdy, to replace Andrew Lomas, but it was Hertford who were asking most of the questions now. When Lee Roberts chipped the ball up from the left, RYAN REDFORD cut in to the near post and scored the second on 73 minutes, with a deft header from a few yards.
Three minutes later, Redford was presented with a gift wrapped opportunity to get his second, but somehow lifted the ball over the bar from a few feet out, when a Kevin Cooper header set him up. On 80 minutes, Pablo Ardiles ran into the Jets box, evading several challenges before firing in a shot which the sound home keeper blocked with his legs. Then Jets had their best chance of the game, when Paul Danslow hit the crossbar with force with a good strike. Twice Mark Virgo tipped speculative shots over the bar to keep a clean sheet, having conceded just the one penalty in five league matches since returning from injury.

 

To the Manor Born

Ruislip Manor 1 Jets 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
16th February 2008

It will be a shame if so much history was lost at local rivals Ruislip Manor, where the purchase of the ground by Wealdstone has thrown some doubt, it is clear that Ruislip as a team will not give up hope and intend to be in the Premier Division.

It was a lively start on a difficult pitch but the early chances went to Jets, when on both occasions Paul Danslow provided excellent crosses for Tim O'Mara to see headers beat the keeper but miss by inches. Jets then played their normal suicide game when a Jets throw broke down and the ball was flashed through for JUSTIN BAILEY to slot for 1-0 after 17 Minutes.

In honesty the first half was poor, but both teams squandered chances but the miss of the half was when Jets were let off the hook just moments from the break after fine work by the attacker, leaving the Jets defence for dead, was slotted past the post, when the net looked easier.

The game was the Alamo in the second half and Jets can only blame thereselves for not getting the points, Chances after chances were not finished off and it could have been costly. Paul Danslow broke into a walk again and just failed to get onto a through ball, but the resulting collision with the keeper brought howls of protests from the home crowd wanting his head, so they were less happy just three minutes later when PAUL DANSLOW latched onto a Karl Bull pass and executed a super strike to level the game.

It then became the Jets attacking show as they frenzied for the winner, only luck and bad finishing prevented it, but the one bit of luck Jets did get was when "mighty mouse" Lee Grace rose like a salmon to claw away a looping ball that looked destine for the net after a fine Ross Channer save, but all the officials missed it, the crowd howled again and Jets popped upfield to hit the post and have two more cleared off the line. Maybe on the day, it was meant to be a draw !

 

Jets LOSE OUT TO THE LEADERS IN A THRILLER

Jets 2 Chalfont St Peter 4

Spartan South Midlands Premier
2nd February 2008

Jets went down at home to league leaders Chalfont St Peter 4-2 on Saturday in a game that was a real thriller in the second half, that like the 2-2 at Chalfont earlier in the season was a real credit to the league.

Jets will woe the slow start that left them a goal down in only the 4th minute when a corner was bent straight in by LEE TOGWELL, off a deflection from Ian Bywater. The first half was an end to end affair, with leaders Chalfont having the edge, but Jets neat passing opening up the opponents on many occasions. Jets lost Wayne Gladdy to injury after only fifteen minutes and brother Warren came off the bench to slot into the midfield roll.

The second half ignited both ways as it seemed both teams had been told to "Go for it and attack"  Chalfont thumped the cross bar at one end and just minutes later PAUL DANSLOW (54min) hit a perfect lob over the keeper to level at 1-1.

Just a minute later some fine end to end passing left PAUL DANSLOW attacking the box ( 55 min)  and hit a peach of the curler around the last defender and keeper to edge Jets in front.

The cheers had barely calmed down when a blistering shot was hit and saved by Channer in goal, but unluckily for him Chalfont's deadly striker, who is off to Peterborough United for trials at the end of season, was on hand to out jump the keeper and head home for 2-2 (57 min)

Still both teams went all out, Andrew Lomas was in the centre of all for Jets in midfield, and the "Pestie" Lee Grace trying to nip at the toes of the outstanding forwards. It was BRADLEY BUBB again that struck a tremendous Volley (65min) to put the league leaders back in front with the crowd being treated to goals that would grace a much higher level of football.

Manager Benny Higham threw caution to the wind and threw on Adam Lowton for defender Dave Maynard and it so nearly paid off with Karl Bull's drive hammering the inside of the post and somehow coming out, and the rebound missed by returning Jets striker Tim O'Mara, who would surely have netted when fully match "sharpe".

The killer blow was just in consequence of the Jets all out attack, when Warren Gladdy was waltzing threw midfield, and with Jets pushed forward awaiting the pass, the telegraphed pass went straight to JEROME OKINO (89min) who with lightning pace ran the ball into the net to kill the game.

The only sour point was deep into stoppage time when Paul Danslow stupidly went in with studs showing on the Chalfont keeper and was shown a red for a second caution. It ruined a good game for the striker who had scored two outstanding goals, but will effect the whole team when he sits out a couple of games paying for the lack of self discipline.

 

 

LOMAS BREACHES THE
 LOW OMISSION ZONE

Kingsbury London Tigers 1 Jets 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
2nd February 2008

It was a case of Hertfordshire breaching Ken Livingstone's Low omission zone on Saturday as Andrew Lomas outstanding performance added the fuel Jets needed to beat the Kingsbury London Tigers 2-1. Ken, a figurehead of the Tigers would not have wanted the young players High omissions as Manager Benny Higham rang the changes and laid the law down following last weeks dreadful performance and effort at Welwyn.

Jets started brightly and were having the early half chances and it was clear from the start that the mood was very different, Andrew Lomas was chasing and biting and adding the missing zest to the team, which spurred on even Paul Danslow to break into a walk on many occasions,  in a personally good first 45 minutes, and it was that effort that led to Jets taking the lead after 19 minutes, when lost cause Danslow, OOps I mean Danslow chased a lost caused to hunt down the casual goalkeeping, who flustered in the presence of the large centre forward and missed the ball, allowing PAUL DANSLOW  to run (well  ok. walk) the ball into the empty net.

Jets tails were up and it was no surprise when the returning TIM O'MARA made it 2-0 on the half hour with a cool finish, as the striker gradually edges back to fitness following his knee operation.

In the second half Tigers came back at Jets and it was the defence and midfield needing to graft out the result, with Dave Maynard and Marc Ayres having good games against very good opponents. Tigers pulled one back on the hour but Jets held out and battled three very good points, the only real disappointment being Wayne Gladdy and Tim O'Mara coming off with injuries that will worry the Jets boss.

On the Bright Side Jets are boosted by the return of Warren Gladdy and with Sheppard and Jenkins getting close for action, things could get better for the final third of the season.

 

DANSLOW GETS HIS BAT WINGS
 &
JETS GET SOME LUCK AT LAST

Jets 3 Colney Heath 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
5th January 2008

A Paul Danslow Brace helped steer Jets to some much needed points in the crucial local derby on Saturday, but Jets who have bemoaned their luck many times this season will spare a thought for luckless Colney Heath this week. The two sides who have found there selves much lower down the table than they are use to came head to head on a wet Saturday on a difficult pitch as the rain fell steadily.

Both sides had early chances, but Colney had more clear cut misses than Jets, but it was Jets who opened the scoring after 27min when Marc Ayres had a shot come cross that luckily for Jets found WAYNE GLADDY who scored for the first time since conceiving Baby Taylah!  

Jets then took the slight upper hand and Gladdy should have allowed Jets some breathing space as he sprung the offside trap and went clear on the keeper, with the defender having a last gasp attempt to trip from behind, luckily missing or he would have seen a definite red card, Gladdy shot low past the keeper but missed the target completely, and Jets turned around just a goal up at the break.

In the second half with twenty minutes to go Jets looked to have secured the points when the Colney Keeper did a "Paul Robinson" and missed the ball, the Powerful PAUL DANSLOW broke into a walk aided by his new found "Bat Wings" and coolly slotted home (70min).

This lit the blue touch paper and Colney fired into unstoppable life, they streamed forward and smashed the under side of the bar and post after Anthony Shephard got caught in the box and was robbed, but minutes later they got their deserved rewards and reduced the arrears.

Minutes later a soft punch from keeper Ross Channer was returned, but despite Channer getting a good hand to it the side of the net bulged and Colney were rampant and level. To be fair it looked like there would only be one winner now and it was not Jets, but Jets recovered and started to compose thereselves well, and the winner was a peach.

Jets went from keeper to goal in a thirty plus controlled passing keepball move that was a credit to any team of any level and a just winner. Jets pushed and passed until PAUL DANSLOW fired his second and Jets third.

The remaining few minutes were frantic and Colney missed two clear cut chances that it's hard to believe stayed out as Jets got the points and, for the first time in weeks a slice of good luck.

Marc Ayres and Wayne Gladdy were back on there game and most played well, but the loss of club captain Colin Jenkins to the stretched injury list was a blow.

Three Points and a Happy New Year was the toast.

FATHER TIME SHINES AT 500, JUST HOPE THE NEW YEAR IMPROVES.

Jets 0 St Margaretsbury 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
29th December 2007

Ian Holdom rolled back the years to star for Jets in the last game of the season, unfortunately it was not enough to steer Jets to a deserved point or more. Before the game the loyal midfielder, who is Jets all time top goal scorer was awarded a special memento to mark passing 500 senior games, and from there on was the centre of attention for the side.

St Margaretsbury started brighter for the first fifteen minutes, but there dominance in possession was not felt in front of goal and Jets keeper Ross Channers did not have to make a save. Jets then got on top and will regret the misfiring forward line again drawing a blank when they were on top. Holdom was inspirational in most of Jets chances and beat the keeper only to find his shot come back off the post, which is typical of Jets luck at the moment. Chances went begging, but the only shots on target came from the midfield players which is one reason Jets are struggling at the moment. Half time 0-0

Jets were never as good in the second half and the game was destined it seemed to 0-0. A welcome last twenty minutes was given to the returning Tim O'Mara playing for the first time since the August Bank Holiday, and boy do Jets need his fire power. He immediately went at Bury with a direct purpose missing from Jets without him but the support all around him was off colour particularly with their final pass.

With just ten minutes to go Marc Ayres was caught out in the box and the resulting pin point cross was easily headed home from a completely unmarked forward on the goal line, as the Jets defence went on holiday a few days early. Jets pushed for the equaliser and for the second week running were denied by a tight if not dubious assistants flag.

Tim O'Mara jinked and teased and crossed for Karl Bull to control and fire home, but was ruled out by a Wayne Gladdy offside, which is not quite how the law is meant to work this season!! 

Deep into stoppage time with Jets pushed forward Anthony Sheppard allowed a long clearance from the keeper to bounce and the nippy forward pounced and finished Jets off.  Jets really need to learn as time and time again they are punished for school boy errors at both ends. Channer did not have to make a save all day but got the ball out the net twice.

With O'Mara back, and others coming soon, Jets can only hope that when Ian Holdom ushers out the old year, he helps steer Jets back into better things.

On Behalf of everybody at Oxhey Jets I wish you all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

Noonan O.G. sets the Town up for Christmas.

Biggleswade Town 2 Jets 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
22nd December 2007

Jets went to premier division leaders Biggleswade Town on Saturday and will be gutted that a brave performance went unrewarded. Losing Jamie Arthur, Michael Courtney and Luke Lloyd on the day compounded manager Benny Higham's problems with the already injury crippled side, so Steve Noonan was given his first team debut in midfield, and Ian Holdom and Mitchell Murphy were called up for the trip north.

Biggleswade had all the early possession as the side jittered and gave the ball away far too many times and Jets looked in serious trouble, but on a difficult hard pitch both sides started to make errors and at half time Higham urged his team upfield so the errors were away from the defending goal, after the game finished 0-0 at half time, mainly due to some super saves from man of the Match Ross Channer in goal, and the lucky cross bar on a couple of occasions.

Jets were much better second half and took the game more to the league leaders who Jets had beaten just a few weeks ago from two down. Jets were disappointed that they feel a fair share of the decisions did not come their way from the officials, so it always seemed a little uphill. Jets were under pressure when Channer made three super saves to deny Town and it looked like it could be Jets day at last to get a slice of luck in a horror season.

With just fifteen minutes to go a cross was swung over and debut boy Steve Noonan rose high under pressure from the centre forward and nodded past Channer and into his own net. Town were jubilant and only minutes later repeated the move but this time finished themselves for 2-0.

It looked all over but the game swung Jets way in a brave effort, Ian Holdom went on for Noonan and Jets went on the attack. Now Warrell was finding and cutting the Town defence with precision passes and one sliced them open for WAYNE GLADDY to score and set up a hairbrain finish. Jets pushed hard and Town just hung on given corner after corner in the frenzy, Paul Tree Trunk Danslow went to ground but got nothing, but was clearly pulled back by his shirt for a nailed on penalty seen by all except the referee.

Jets looked have got their point but somehow and for some reason that can only be described as a "Father Christmas Panto decision" the goal was ruled out by an assistants flag. It was cruel and wrong but as always days are made and ruined by these decisions and there is nothing anyone can do about it except moan and feel let down.

Its been a long haul to the halfway mark for Jets who badly need some of their experienced players back to steady the ship and boost the below par team, and put this season down to experience, and find out who shot the lucky charm this season. MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL.

Channer legs it with the points

Jets 3 London Colney 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
15th December 2007

Goal keeper Ross Channer was man of the match for Jets in the critical Premier division fixture on Saturday, and a point blank save with his legs was the turning point of this game. Jets were awful in the first half, and were almost happy to turn around just one down to the 11th minute break that came from a Jets throw in high up the pitch which is just typical of the lexical displays that Jets are turning in these days. Manager Benny Higham listed all the things wrong, which took up most of the break, in what without any doubt was the worst 45 of the season for Jets, and against the massive improved London Colney team of a few weeks ago, it meant problems for the home team.

But it was a full reversal in the second half as the team carried no passengers for a change and the team really dug in and went for the game. There were a few scares both ways as Jets had the ball in the net once in the first half and twice in the second, which were ruled out by the assistants flags, and Colney at 1-1 had the same disappointment.

The opener and provider for Jets to level was Wayne Gladdy who sprung the offside trap and drew the keeper after a fine run, and unselfishly squared across goal for PAUL DANSLOW to hammer home one of his furthest goals of his career, as the ball trickled the whole two feet to the line the crowd held its breath, wondering would it make it, but with the precision of a snooker player, the ball just made it and Jets were rewarded for the advantage in possession.

Who knows with Tim O'Mara, Jamie Arthur and Sam Warrell all on the bench returning from injury and Adam Lowton always a danger when coming on the team responded making it hard for Higham to make his promised changes. On 71 Jets got the Christmas  gift when the Keeper fumbled a MARC AYRES header, proving that  coupled with Marc's announcement of another child on the way before kick off, really does make him a top scorer in the club.

Only seconds earlier Ross Channer who had made three tremendous saves provided the turning point in Jets favour with a great save with his legs that denied Colney the lead again that would have been hard to claw back.  London Colney were always a problem on the break and Jets were uneasy until super sub did it again, Lee Grace provided the perfect cross for ADAM LOWTON to control and coolly pick his spot for the killer in the 89th minute. Jets are uneasy at the moment, but players are coming back and the future is a little brighter.

Almost got away with it

Broxbourne 4 Jets 3

Herts Senior Cup
5th December 2007

Jets nearly clawed a cup win out of their injury crisis on Tuesday at Broxbourne in the Herts Senior Cup. Jets were unhappy with the refereeing and the first tale of woe on that score was the direct cause of them falling behind after 20 minutes when a mystery free kick on the edge of the penalty area hit the cross bar and Broxbourne reacted first to head home the opener.

Jets rallied well, although were lucky to have a full team after both Paul Danslow and Jamie Arthur were guilty of awful fouls as the team became more and more frustrated at the play acting of a couple of the Brox players that was so easily and continuously being suckered by the officials.

Jets rallied and the front pairing of tree trunk Danslow and speedy Arthur was causing problems for Broxbourne. On the 30th minute LUKE LLOYD (30 min) turned well from a tight angle and put the game level, then just three minutes later JAMIE ARTHUR (33min) screamed one into the net to edge infront.

Jets were enjoying their best period of the game and looked comfortable, but with half time coming keeper Ross Channer was caught out with a cross turned goal from wide out on the touch line that some how curled over him to square the game again (43min).

Jets then lost all concentration and were day dreaming as the third was run down the line unchallenged and waltzed into the net for a half time lead.

Broxbourne were the better team in the second half, but it's a pity about the acting which lowered the respect for a good skilful young team, but it was Jets and Jets alone who must shoulder the blame for the killer blow. Club captain Colin Jenkins and striker Jamie Arthur had already been lost to the ever growing injury list, that has seen even Jets midfielder Garry Beadle return from Newcastle to help out his patched up team mates. Jets were pushing to try to salvage when goalkeeper Ross Channer gave a suicide ball away direct to the lively forward who gratefully ran the ball home for the killer blow (75min).  

To their credit Jets did not give up and when ADAM LOWTON scored a fine solo goal and calm slot on time (90min) it left Jets with a flurry in stoppage time to try to salvage something. But in fairness it was a flurry and the best side held out for a deserved win. Jets have to learn to stop losing the game themselves and let the opposition have to win it, at the moment it seems someone has to have a brain scatter every game for the luckless team, and at this level you get punished for it.

Missed chances cost the points

Jets 1 Broxbourne 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
1st December 2007

Jets were again condemned to a home defeat because of missed chances against Broxbourne. Jets opened the scoring after only 22 minutes when fine work from Wayne Gladdy and Lee Taylor opened the Broxbourne  defence and PAUL DANSLOW  hammered home a "Picaso goal"  so called because it's just as rare !!

Jets had opened brightly despite the pre kick off revamp of the team again due to a late withdrawal. Luckless Jets lost Michael Courtney due to work and Sam Warrell in a recurrence of his hamstring injury during his warm up to play.

In the early exchanges Wayne Gladdy opened the defence with ease and the money for the win would have been on Jets. But as so often with Jets at the moment they squandered chance after chance to bury the game until they were finally made to pay the final ultimate price of defeat. Two three kicks undid the Jets. First a free kick from out wide on the wing, which was excellently whipped in and Jets could be a little disappointed with their defending after the initial ball. The second was a terrible again, Paul Danslow needlessly gave away a niggley free kick in the Broxbourne box and halted the Jets attack, and the free kick went straight upfield for the winner.

Before the end Anthony Sheppard will be wondering how he did not score with two clear back post headers, when scoring looked simpler, Luke Lloyd missed from the six yard box and Jamie Arthur was struggling. Jets have one big problem, it's confidence, injury hit or not these players will gel and hurt somebody back soon. 

With Jets at Broxbourne in the County cup on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see the outcome.

Meanwhile the Reserves great run came to an end, going down to league leaders Hertford 3-1 (match report). The 'A' team earned a home 1-1 draw against Mets Police, whilst the 'B' team had a bad 7-1 defeat at home to Croxley Coach & Horses a week after getting a good point away at Hunton Bridge (match report).

Jets pay the penalty

Brimsdown 1 Jets 0

Spartan South Midlands Premier
28th November 2007

Skipper Marc Ayres missed a stoppage time penalty to deny Jets a much deserved point at high flying Brimsdown on a wet Wednesday Night.

Jets again had to reshuffle with striker Wayne Gladdy out injured and Jamie Arthur having more days out than a coach company, but Jets soaked up the early pressure and in a ten minute spell before half time found that the wicked luck the team is getting at the moment carried on. First Ian Bywater saw a blistering volley saved by the keeper, then Karl Bull hit the cross bar with the keeper beaten, and Paul Danslow headed a glorious chance wide as Jets pushed hard.

In the second half Jets had more of the game as the midfield passing improved, with both teams missing chances on the slippery pitch. Jets looked to have got a much deserved point, until with four minutes to go Karl Bull was caught in midfield and Brimsdown broke clear and slotted a fine goal.

Jets looked beaten as they rarely managed to complete their passing game with a shot at goal, until in stoppage time Paul Danslow "broke into a walk" across the penalty box, doing all he could not to ruin Jets master plan of "don't shoot" until he was felled from behind and both the assistant and the referee immediately indicated the penalty that should give Jets the deserved point. Ayres placed the ball and hammered straight at the keeper, and for the second time this season a stoppage time penalty miss would cost Jets a defeat.

There was just time for one more attack and from a free kick on the edge of the box Karl Bull missed by inches and Jets were beaten. It was cruel on out of luck Jets, but it's a football fact that if you don't put your chances away in football you get punished, and at the moment Jets have problems in that department.

 

Holmer cracks a smile

Holmer Green 1 Jets 3

Spartan South Midlands Premier
24th November 2007

Holmer Green caused Jets to smile at last with a 3-1 away win to ease there nerves. Jets injury savaged team were caused to adjust things at the last minute caused by Warren Gladdy pulling out on the brink of the leave time.

Manager Benny Higham was very pleased with the teams attitude to the game. Jets fielded new keeper Ross Channer and Higham awarded the returning Karl Bull his debut, for which Higham was rewarded with a fine performance by both. Channer pulled off a fine save at the near post after just a minute as Jets soaked up the pressure in the first fifteen minutes, and was forced to make a brave feet at the feet of the oncoming forward in the second half.

Karl Bull was competent and controlled in midfield and helped settle the Jets reshuffle following the loss of Sam Warrell with a Sunday injury.  Jets got in front after Wayne Gladdy was pulled back and fouled in the 25th Minute, the referee initially waved play on for the foul but an assistant was waving furiously and indicating the shirt tug on the referees blind side, and after consultation indicated the penalty that MARC AYRES hammered home.

Gladdy had earlier seen a great save deny him following a one on one chance that Holmers keeper Dave Clark pushed over spectacularly. Jets were stung in stoppage time of the first half when Luke Lloyd sold short and SIMON WILLIAMS rounded Channer to go in level at half time.

The second half went Jets way as Holmer faded and it was no surprise when Jets went back in front, And what a good goal it was when LUKE LLOYD turned , composed and calmly slotted home (67min).

WAYNE GLADDY's hard work was rewarded in the 84th minute with number three and Jets were home and dry with something to spare.

The Reserves continue their winning run with a 4-0 win over Sawbridgeworth that was much harder work than the final scoreline suggests. (match report)

 

Jackie's Pink Movement on the Move

In Clear and Present Danger

Jets 0 Leverstock Green 3

Spartan South Midlands Premier
17th November 2007

Oxhey Jets injury savaged first team fell again at home to Leverstock Green on Saturday, and all officials and players at the club are aware that the season that started with such high hopes is now one of fighting and hoping for Premier Survival. Wayne Gladdys and Paul Danslow were hurried back into the injury crisis team after three weeks out, but although they played well were rusty and in need of matches, and in an ideal world they would have needed a couple of reserve games to get back on the pace, but that is a luxury Jets do not have at the moment as those not available far out weighs those that are.

Further injuries to Luke Lloyd, Michael Wyatt (ankle), midfielder Sam Warrell (hamstring) and Lee Taylor who hobbled off ten minutes after coming on has worsened Jets problems over the weekend.

Jets General Manager John Elliott said "the injury list is not a short term one, with three waiting for operations, the manager has very few options, only place options. There is no point having a go at the players who are in there trying. Some are being forced into a situation above where they should be, by no fault of their own or the clubs really. Many are promising young players who should be building for a promising future via a reserve team system, but are trying to learn at the sharp end. Its not their faul,t they can only do there best, as we hope that we get back some of our experienced players after Christmas, but until we do its battle stations time. All of our teams are hit by the crisis as it means that many players in all four teams are playing above their comfort zone, by one and sometimes two teams, but they are learning and improving and it will be good for the future, BUT now is a worry for the first team. Status is important if you want to enjoy FA cup and Senior Trophy games again next season. The whole squad that is left and the teams and officials need to pull  together and ride out the crisis as one".

The crisis makes the reserve teams start even more impressive as they are at this time second in the league and on Saturday won away at highly rated London Colney reserves with a late extra time winner from Adam Lowton ( Report attached) in The Herts Intermediate Cup. The thirds enjoyed a good 4-2 win over Kings Sports ( report to follow) so it proves that in the back up sides the young players being pushed are adjusting and rising to the levels required of them.

Below is a report from Leverstock green that is accurate of the game and will act as the alternative view from us down beat Jets staff !!

 

Saturday 17th November 2007	Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Oxhey Jets	(0)	0	.
Leverstock Green	(1)	3	Arthur 11, Armstrong 78, Swaysland 90+4
at the Boundary Stadium
Leverstock Green’s form has been all over the place this season, but they turned in their second good performance in a row as they earned an impressive 3-0 league win at Oxhey Jets. Each of Green’s three top scorers found the net, the first time this season that all of the “big three” strikers have scored in the same game. Green got off to an ideal start as they took the lead in the 11th minute. Colin Wilson floated over a cross from the right touchline which Jets keeper Dave Jacks came out for, but Allan Arthur got up ahead of him and glanced a header over the stranded keeper into the net for the opening goal. Leverstock had more of the possession in the first half, but it was the home side who had the clearer chances. On 13 minutes the Green defence went to sleep as Luke Lloyd played a quick free kick to Wayne Gladdy, but the Jets striker shot over the bar. Two minutes later Gladdy’s defence-splitting pass put Paul Danslow through, but he muffed his first touch and the chance went away. Three minutes before the break Marc Ayres sent over a cross which went across the face of goal as both Danslow and Gladdy just failed to connect. There was another chance for Gladdy five minutes into the second half when Danslow flicked on a goal kick to put him clean through, but again he shot over the bar. Danslow headed wide from a good chance on 63 minutes. Frankie Jowle came off the bench on 70 minutes, and Green began to create the chances that their play deserved. Two minutes later Armstrong dummied a pass from Anthony Page to put Jowle in to cross, but it was headed away. A minute later a cross from Wilson was headed away only as far as Dale Sears on the edge of the penalty area, but Sears shot wide from a good opportunity. On 76 minutes a cross from Welling deflected off Sears to find Mick Swaysland inside the six yard box, but he shot over the bar from the kind of chance he would usually gobble up. However, two minutes later the target was found in spectacular style. Armstrong intercepted a stray pass midway inside the Jets half, and seemed to have a couple of passing options, but instead he struck a superb shot from 30 yards that flew past Jacks to put Green into a 2-0 lead. The home side had a couple of near-misses in the remaining minutes, but the game looked safe for Green, and they iced the victory with another goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Jon Davies’ ball forward looked to be going out of play, but Armstrong chased it down to the goal-line and managed to pull the ball back for Swaysland, who side-footed past Jacks for the third goal.

 

 

Gutless, Effortless & Clueless

Jets 1 Hanwell Town 7

Spartan South Midlands Premier
10th November 2007

It was a case of the three ess'es on Saturday, as listed above as the depleted squad that has been hanging on looked as if they could no longer be bothered to even try in a match that was an embarrassment to most involved. It is well documented and known that Jets have an injury list that has crippled the team, but the squad has always given its best, and battled out points and maybe even stake a claim for a place when the numbers return. But this was no longer the case.

I won't name the names, you know who you are but it would suffice to say some did not try at all, some gave their best, and some are just out of their depth. Whatever the reason high flying Hanwell Town did not break into a sweat as they humiliated the team and all that joined them with ease. It took only 3 minutes to get in front, which was four by half time and no better in the second half.

Ian Bywater should have scored with ease at 1-0 but missed a simple header, and Jets did miss three one on one chances, but that was all on offer. I won't name the mistakes, people know who they are and what they didn't do. I just hope they look and respond OR get replaced before they lose all Jets have worked hard to achieve over so many years. This is a family site, so I can say no more !

 

The 'A' and 'B' teams also had bad weekends, the A's going down 4-1 to SWR Garage Doors in the Apsley Senior Cup and the B's going down by the same scoreline to Hadley B in the league (match report: Jets heading for relegation battle).

The only good news for Jets was the continued good form of the Reserves, winning convincingly by 4-0 at home to Mursley United (match report: Reserves continue to shine).

 

GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND FLOP IN THE GUY FAWKES MATCH

Jets 1 Tring Athletic 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
3rd November 2007

Oxhey fell to another defeat at home to Tring Athletic in a match that had a few rockets flying, a bit of treason in some of the decisions and at the end of the day a flop plot for Jets quest for points.

Tring Athletic started and finished the first half the better team, and Jets keeper Dave Jacks was called into action after only the second minute to tip over a header. Jets responded seven minutes later when the impish Lee Grace supplied a good cross for Jamie Arthur to head goalbound, it looked in but as the crowd stood a superb save from the Tring Keeper denied Jets the underserved lead.

The first explosive decision came in the 26th minute when a goal bound shot from Tring was chested off the line by Lee Grace, but with the assistant wildly shaking his arms for "not Over" the referee screamed play on, and the Tring Bench were in uproar, and continued to be for several minutes until the referee was called over and administered some cautions to the staff and or officials incensed at not getting a penalty.

Jets tried to sneak in on the upset and Marc Ayes had a good header saved, then Adam Lowton blazed a good chance over following a fine Luke Lloyd run. Jets fell behind in the 35 minutes when Dave Jacks "Spilled" and STEVE HUTCHINS was on hand to stab the loose ball home.

Jets responded immediately with a Lloyd free kick just over before in the 39th minutes JAMIE ARTHUR pounced onto a ball from Jets man of the match Sam Warrell to round the stranded keeper thirty yards out of goal to run into the empty net. Now Tring came back on the assault and a lazy loose ball from Lloyd left Jets stranded and Jacks was again forced to make a good save, and seconds later was in action again tipping over the bar from a powerful header.  The half time whistle sounded to a relieved Jets team, who were roasted by manager Benny Higham, who could not believe his team were not 4-1 down.

Jets were still in the game, although lucky to be, and the second half was not as dramatic, Tring on top in possession but Jets dangerous on the counter. The only sad thing was that the winner as it turned out to be came as a result or such poor decision making by the officials. In the 55th minute Jets keeper David Jacks was clearly felled in a challenge that left him flat out on the ground, a scramble that lasted a full couple of minutes followed with the referee ridiculously allowing play to go on around the felled keeper until the ball was clearly put out for a goal kick. FROM THE RESULTING CORNER !!!!! CHRIS SALMON headed a waists high cross into the net for a winner wrong footing Ian Bywater his marker. It was sloppy by the Jets defence and appalling by the match officials.

The final 35 +6 minutes was end to end as Jets pushed forward and now Tring played the counter attack and chances went begging at both ends, But in the final minute of stoppage time the ball fell in the box to Ian Holdom who hammered the ball goal bound for the point, but a breath taking save by the Tring Keeper salvaged all three points for his team.

The final whistle went with about 6 in the book (1 from Jets), both benches reported and hardly a foul in sight, which sadly reflects yet again the way the matches are being controlled these days. Tring on the day deserved their win, pity about the winner.

Meanwhile, the Reserves continued their excellent run with a determined 2-1 win at St Margaretsbury. (match report)

 

GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND FLOP IN THE GUY FAWKES MATCH

Jets 1 Tring Athletic 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
3rd November 2007

Oxhey fell to another defeat at home to Tring Athletic in a match that had a few rockets flying, a bit of treason in some of the decisions and at the end of the day a flop plot for Jets quest for points.

Tring Athletic started and finished the first half the better team, and Jets keeper Dave Jacks was called into action after only the second minute to tip over a header. Jets responded seven minutes later when the impish Lee Grace supplied a good cross for Jamie Arthur to head goalbound, it looked in but as the crowd stood a superb save from the Tring Keeper denied Jets the underserved lead.

The first explosive decision came in the 26th minute when a goal bound shot from Tring was chested off the line by Lee Grace, but with the assistant wildly shaking his arms for "not Over" the referee screamed play on, and the Tring Bench were in uproar, and continued to be for several minutes until the referee was called over and administered some cautions to the staff and or officials incensed at not getting a penalty.

Jets tried to sneak in on the upset and Marc Ayes had a good header saved, then Adam Lowton blazed a good chance over following a fine Luke Lloyd run. Jets fell behind in the 35 minutes when Dave Jacks "Spilled" and STEVE HUTCHINS was on hand to stab the loose ball home.

Jets responded immediately with a Lloyd free kick just over before in the 39th minutes JAMIE ARTHUR pounced onto a ball from Jets man of the match Sam Warrell to round the stranded keeper thirty yards out of goal to run into the empty net. Now Tring came back on the assault and a lazy loose ball from Lloyd left Jets stranded and Jacks was again forced to make a good save, and seconds later was in action again tipping over the bar from a powerful header.  The half time whistle sounded to a relieved Jets team, who were roasted by manager Benny Higham, who could not believe his team were not 4-1 down.

Jets were still in the game, although lucky to be, and the second half was not as dramatic, Tring on top in possession but Jets dangerous on the counter. The only sad thing was that the winner as it turned out to be came as a result or such poor decision making by the officials. In the 55th minute Jets keeper David Jacks was clearly felled in a challenge that left him flat out on the ground, a scramble that lasted a full couple of minutes followed with the referee ridiculously allowing play to go on around the felled keeper until the ball was clearly put out for a goal kick. FROM THE RESULTING CORNER !!!!! CHRIS SALMON headed a waists high cross into the net for a winner wrong footing Ian Bywater his marker. It was sloppy by the Jets defence and appalling by the match officials.

The final 35 +6 minutes was end to end as Jets pushed forward and now Tring played the counter attack and chances went begging at both ends, But in the final minute of stoppage time the ball fell in the box to Ian Holdom who hammered the ball goal bound for the point, but a breath taking save by the Tring Keeper salvaged all three points for his team.

The final whistle went with about 6 in the book (1 from Jets), both benches reported and hardly a foul in sight, which sadly reflects yet again the way the matches are being controlled these days. Tring on the day deserved their win, pity about the winner.

Trick or treat

Jets 6 Bovingdon 2

St Marys Cup
31st October 2007

Oxhey Jets gave a Halloween Trick or treat performance at the Boundary stadium to dispose of Herts County League Bovingdon.

Jets so often the giant killers elect found themselves in a no win situation as a brave Bovingdon team came at Jets full on for the first twenty minutes in this St Mary's Cup tie. Bovi did have the ball in the net after just eighteen minutes, but the whistle had already gone for the foul before being headed past Jets keeper David Jacks after 18 minutes, but Jacks could do nothing but pick the ball out the net when he was surprisingly beaten with a dipping shot in the 25th minute. It was a super strike and a deserved reward to Bovingdon who had gone at Jets flat out and pinned their ex league team mates back.

Jets were stunned and the out of salts side looked uncomfortable as the half continued, but when things turned Jets supporters were to get the treat that was expected on Halloween night. A neat bit of play with Jamie Arthur slipped SAM WARRELL in just inside the 18 yard box, for a perfect one touch and slot move. (41min) Just a minute later JAMIE ARTHUR split the defence to coolly put Jets infront (42min). Jets sensed the blood and streamed at their opponents and were amazed when a blatant hand ball went unpunished in the 44th minute, but the Bovi joy was short lived as a powerful drive at goal was blocked and the referee awarded a soft penalty, for hand ball which must have been a combination of both decisions. Skipper MARC AYRES smashed home the penalty for Jets on the whistle (45min).

The team talk was much different from the one due only four minutes earlier, but manager Benny Higham warned the team the next goal was the most crucial of the game. MARC AYRES(46min) struck that goal before most supporters were back in the ground, and it was as good as over.

IAN HOLDOM got number five (70 min). Bovingdon to their credit battled away and got a goal back from the spot in the 78min but it was a consolation and the Jets all time Leading goal scorer IAN HOLDOM got his second and Jets sixth in the 90th minute to send the Jets crowd home happy.  

In fairness to Bovingdon it was a brave performance, and Jets with massive injury problems wobbled for a while, but in the end status and expectations were met.

Jets injury crisis worsened when they lost strikers Wayne Gladdy and Jamie Arthur and midfielder Sam Warrell with knocks and are doubtful for the weekend, but its been like this all season and we will have to re-group and do what we can at the weekend.

But what a fright for a while on Halloween !!

A good web blog of a visit to Jets last weekend for the game against Cockfosters can be found at http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2007/10/oxhey-Jets-fc.html

 

Higham blows his top

Jets 1 Cockfosters 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
27th October 2007

Manager Benny Higham blew his top at his lack lustre team on Saturday after their 2-1 home defeat against Cockfosters. Following a seven out of nine points run including beating leaders Biggleswade Town, Jets settled down to the headless chicken snooze zone on Saturday and Higham challenged all his team after to  "Tell me now if you feel you did your job today".

Nobody thought they did and that was the correct conclusion as a clueless side went through the motions.

As early as the third minute, when last weeks hero turned villain as Wayne Gladdy clear on the keeper blazed wide, it was clear Jets were not in the mood, miss after miss followed until the game stung them and the Cockfosters team who attacked far less often but with far more menace stole the lead. Skipper Marc Ayres was caught and KEVIN READE (28min) went straight and direct for goal and an easy conversion past keeper Dave Jacks.

Jets reply was immediate as within a minute LUKE LLOYD (29min) lashed a thunderous dipper from a whole 30 yards plus that the keeper didn't see. It was a super strike and one that you thought must wake Jets from their slumbers.

Jets pushed forward with menace but it was clear that if Jets stayed out all day and night nobody would know how to put the ball in the net and chance after chance was squandered by over play or poor shots or passes and the price was paid in the 40th minute when DANNY HUTCHINS showed Jets that anything Lloyd could do, he could do too as he lashed a curler past Jacks from 30 yards for the winner.

In the second half Jets huffed (a little) and Puffed (a little) but by now Cockfosters looked a side with pattern and Jets headless assault fizzled to nothing and a deserved defeat.

Nobody can blame the others - everyone needs only to spend time analyzing themselves.

 

Jets in Seventh Heaven

Gladdy hits 200 goal milestone

London Colney 0 Jets 7

Spartan South Midlands Premier
20th October 2007

What a difference seven days can make, as out of salts Jets finally revved their engines and collected seven points, and scored seven goals in the away demolition of local rivals London Colney in this premier division clash. The architect was Wayne Gladdy, the out of confidence player collected the man of the match award as he contributed to three goals and scored two as he passed the 200 goal mark for the club.

Jets set off fast as Holdom edged the ball in the net from a rebound save in only the first minute, but the joy was cut short by an assistants off side flag from the original shot, but it was Colneys joy that was shorter as after only nine minutes Wayne Gladdy jinked and jived into the box before unselfishly squaring for the "sniffer" IAN HOLDOM  calmly slot from an acute angle.

Jets made hard work of the next half hour, over playing in many areas but Gladdy opened them up again in the 33rd minute again for IAN HOLDOM to side foot into the net. Colney were stunned and while they were dusting down WAYNE GLADDY (34 min) ran into the box and lashed home a long overdue 200th personal goal for the club. The strikers delight was obvious as he gleefully and deservedly celebrated after a long goal drought back to August. Half time 0-3.

The second half, with Jets kicking up hill, started with Colney on the assault, and it was clear the next goal would be crucial, and having soaked up the pressure it was Jets that got it. LUKE LLOYD ( 53min), who had been out of touch in the first half, finished a four man move to make it four, but this was just a warm up for his spectacular 25 yard dipper that was to follow that had the supporters behind the magnificent shot screaming goal seconds before it even dipped over the keeper and bulged the net. (76min)

Inbetween the spectacle WAYNE GLADDY passed his 200 with another goal (58min).  Manager Benny Higham was now worried as the known "CAREFULLY" manager had said when asked at half time if the drinks would be on him, responded "only if you get eight" ensuring his wallet was safe in his pocket, BUT when LEE TAYLOR added number seven in the 92nd minute, all hell broke out.

Jets streamed forward to collect their prized drink that some would have drunk and some would have framed, the players pleaded get it forward, and Higham pleaded with the referee to end the game. At the final whistle all were happy, seven days, seven points and a seven goal win.

....... and Higham's wallet, well, its still never been seen !!.

 

Just when you wondered where the next win would ever come from....

Lowton sings the Blues

Jets 3 Biggleswade Town 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
17th October 2007

Adam Lowton became an instant hero on Wednesday night as injury stricken Jets clawed there way back from 2-0 at half time to beat second place Biggleswade Town 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Jets, a little more cheered from the 0-0 draw on Saturday at Biggleswade United, were in despair yet again when Wayne Gladdy, Chris Witter and Goal keeper Steve Duce all had to withdraw on the day from the Jets squad, but the sly old fox Ian Holdom and Debutant Adam Lowton left Jets crowing at the end as they denied the "Waders" top spot at the end of the game.

Jets started brightly but Jamie Arthur failed to connect to the early chances, but in midfield with Warren Gladdy, Luke Lloyd and Sam Warrell, Jets were always creative. Jets bright start is so often knocked back and it happened again as Town on almost their first attack into the box scored via Bradley Harrison after 18 minutes, from an acute angle that needs some investigation.

Jets were further stunned in the 43rd when Jamie Steele added the second and the goal that would no doubt kill off the out of salts and below strength team. The half time talk was, how, why, and what to do as manager Benny Higham pleaded with his players to go for it and don't just fold up.

Jets pushed on with new purpose but were further rocked when forward Jamie Arthur and the ill Michael Courtney were replaced. Marc Ayres, Jets skipper, was first to a ball from Ian Bywater and split the "waders" defence for the reliable IAN HOLDOM to half the arrears on the hour (60min) Jets streamed forward with new purpose and belief, with the speedy Ian Taylor and Adam Lowton on to menace up front.

With just five minutes to go and his first touch for the team ADAM LOWTON latched onto a superb ball from Marc Ayres to level the game and send the Jets despondent supporters wild.  Could Jets hold this fantastic point, ADAM LOWTON had other ideas after enjoying his first moments in the team, like a good champagne the pop was followed by the rush as he latched onto a Sam Warrell ball from midfield to leave two defenders standing in his slip stream and calmly slot past the advancing keeper. (87min).

Jets players mobbed the hero of the night and despite a scare or two, one a super save from keeper Dave Jacks tipping over the bar, Jets finally got their first win since August. The acclaim on the night went to the scoring heroes, but it was young Michael Wyatt who collected the man of the match award at full back in the gutsy Jets performance.

Jets went home happy, Harefield stayed top so forgave Jets for the draw they held them to two weeks ago, and all at the Jets were happy with a four point week, Boy did we need it too.  But final words goes to Adam Lowton, WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR THIRD TOUCH OF THE BALL in the Jets team !!

 

and..courtesy of Biggleswade Today, a Biggleswade report on the game: -

Waders miss chance to top the table

By Alan Wooding

Two late goals gives Oxhey Jets the points

With Spartan South Midlands League leaders Harefield United's game at Aylesbury Vale postponed on Tuesday, Biggleswade Town's chance to top the Premier Division table were left in tatters on Wednesday night as they went down by the odd goal in five at Oxhey Jets.

The Waders travelled to Oxhey's Boundary Stadium trailing the Hares by a point but with a game in hand and, with confidence high, they were 2-1 up with seven minutes remaining only for an Adam Lowton double to leave Chris Nunn's side reeling.

The Town were late arriving at Jets' south Oxhey ground and they made a tardy start. However Bradley Harrison managed to put them ahead in the 18th minute when a cross came back to him on the right of Jets' six yard box and he managed to squeeze it home from the tightest of angles.

Dan Heron had the ball in the net again but was ruled offside although, three minute before the break, the Town's leading scorer had another effort well parried by the home keeper.

And once again the ball came back to him and he managed to leave three defenders in his wake before unselfishly squaring to Jamie Steele who was better placed to knock in Waders' second of the night.

"Quite how we went in 2-0 up at half time was a real bonus as Oxhey had been the better side," said manager Mr Nunn.

However the second period was a different story as the Biggleswade defence were caught out three times.

The first error came in the 58th minute when they failed to defend a deep cross which allowed Oxhey's Ian Holdom to reduce the deficit at goalkeeper Aaron Springham's far post.

And while the visitors rode their luck, with seven minute left Lowton was in for 2-2. Then four minutes later he completed the job with a carbon-copy strike – so what might have been a table-topping night for the Town ended in a 3-2 defeat.

 

 

Point Taken

Biggleswade Utd 0 Jets 0

Spartan South Midlands Premier
13th October 2007

These two teams are seeing plenty of each other and this was our 3rd meeting with Biggleswade United in the last month. The games always seem to be close and this was no exception. The game was to end in deadlock as both teams defences held control over the opposite forwards although, if some good chances had been taken by either side, the scoreline could have been very different.

O’Dell went close for United in the first half with a powerful volley that crashed against the Jets’ crossbar and fifteen minutes later Rydehead stole the ball from a Jets defender and fired low at keeper Steve Duce who managed to parry the ball but was then fortunate to see Goodship miss from only 3 yards out.

Still in the first half, Duce saved from Russell Kemp and again saw Goodship miss when volleying the loose ball wide.

Jets came back into it towards the end of the half and Lee Grace, who had a good game, crossed to Wayne Gladdy whose shot was cleared off the line by the Biggleswade defender.

Then, just on half time, Sam Warrell worked his way past two United defenders but overhit his shot over the crossbar.

The second half saw United go close with a free kick and a shot from Sarll, Duce saving well again. Jets replied with a good effort from Ian Bywater.

Biggleswade then made attacking substitutions to try and win the game and it almost worked in the 72nd minute when Goodship got hold of a poor Duce clearance, but Duce recovered with a brave take at Goodship's feet. The Jets goal then came under siege with Biggleswade having three good chances. First, Darvall sent a shot wide, then Burke’s shot struck the top of the Jets’ crossbar and finally Kemp flashed a header just wide.

After all that pressure Jets would have accepted the point, but then nearly stole it when substitute Ian Holdom was left unmarked at the far post and got the ball from a great cross from Jamie Arthur, but his shot sliced wide.

United had the final chance, a loud appeal for a penalty, but it was not to be, and the game ended scoreless.

The Reserves had maybe their best result of the season, winning 4-3 at home to Hoddesdon Town with two goals apiece for Gary Page and Paul Danslow. Match report.

Mugged - by ourselves

Jets 1 Langford 3

Spartan South Midlands Premier
6th October 2007

Jets lost 3-1 courtesy of our own inefficiency in front of goal. Wayne Gladdy owned up to and apologised for a number of misses in front of goal, but he was not alone. There were a host of other peoples misses that should have seen us turn round 7-1 in front at half time.

Lee Taylor opened the scoring for Jets after 8 mins, picking up a rebound off the Langford goalpost. At 1-0 all the indications were that Jets could pick up a big victory until Steve Duce boobed on a 25 yd free kick allowing Langford to go in at half time with a 1-1 score and thinking it was Christmas.

In the 2nd half Jets started to fall apart, and our form went downhill fast, from bad to worse. Langford then struck, totally against the run of play, and then got a 3rd with 2 mins to go, to make the Jets misery complete. well, not quite...

The final nail on a dismal day was seeing 4 players, 2 from each side, dismissed in stoppage time for a scuffle after a tackle involving Lee Grace. The Jets players were skipper Chris Harding and Paul Danslow (for pulling a player away). All in all, the dismissals were an over reaction to an end of match flare up after a match that had seen few problems.

In summary, Jets looked to be missing their injured starting players massively and really looked like they needed the “Saturday” players back –not the odd sock and plimsoll leaguers.

Jets reserves Colney jinx continues with a 2-1 loss.

5OO AND COUNTING FOR COLIN

Mr Reliable Club Captain Colin Jenkins was honoured before the Jets Premier Division Game with Harefield United on Saturday with a tankard to mark his 500th senior appearance for the club. Colin, who has played for Jets man & boy, has served Jets proudly since he was ten and just watching Jets play in the youth and old Watford and district league. Colin is a credit to the club and football and deserves the congratulations of all as he marks his 500th appearance and continues to hunt down first team manager Benny Higham's all time leader in appearances total of 755 senior games.

GOLDEN BALLS FOR OUT OF LUCK JETS

Oxhey Jets have proof that they had a team to be reckoned with when they were proudly Presented with The Molten Team of the Month Award for August. The magnificent Gold football was presented to manager Benny Higham and his players before the super 2-2 draw with Molten Premier Division leaders Harefield United on Saturday. League and Molten officials commended Jets on their unbeaten month which was a boost to the now injury hit club that has been savaged by injuries that is the main reason for the dip in results in September.

Jets General Manager John Elliott said "it was an honour to get the award voted on by a league Panel and is proof that the team can perform at the higher level, adding this award is a real boost to a team low on morale at the moment" The boost was evident in the Jets match that followed.

 

CHIM-TIM-ENY, CHIM-TIM-ENY

Jets 2 Harefield 2

Spartan South Midlands Premier
29th September 2007

Jets own little Chimney sweep brush, combined with Tim O'Mara on Saturday to halt league leaders Harefield United's title charge. Lee Grace and Tim O'Mara, who has been out of action since August scored two goals in six minutes of the second half to turn Jets from a goal down to a goal infront in this action packed local derby.

Only ten days ago Harefield hammered Jets 7-3 at the Boundary Stadium and must have thought they were on to do the same after they stole the lead 19 minutes into the game after a lively Jets opening. Jets are starting to get a team back following the horrendous injury crisis at the club, and before the game were presented with the Molten team of the month award for August, which shows how much the team has been rocked by the injuries.

Although a llot of possession was evident the final third was letting Jets down with Wayne Gladdy and Lee Taylor working hard but isolated alone for much of the half, but twice Jets came close with Wayne Gladdy just shooting over in a self instrumented attack and shot, and then failing by a whisker to convert a wicked low cross following a five man passing move.

Jets were slow and deliberate in the early encounters, while Harefield more direct to the ever threatening Sonner at point. But it was Leaders Harefield who went in front after 19 minutes through Michael Linsey. Jets pushed hard and had some neat play but the final ball was letting them down badly and in a half that saw the back spine of the Hares defence get yellow cards, Jets failure to deliver a decent free kick was key to their failure.

The half time talk inspired Jets and with skipper Chris Harding coming off to add to the Jets injury list woe, it was enter "Timmy Toe Punt" who has been so badly missed by the Jets team with a knee injury. With the half just three minutes old and half the spectators still in the club house the hobbit LEE GRACE brushed aside the defenders to curl cheekily into the net, Well that's his version, but others say a cross that went into the net!! but whatever the reason Jets were level and buoyant after the recent run of results.

Jets pushed forward for more and the game had swung their way and after 56 minutes the fairytale return was wish was granted as TIM O'MARA spectacularly over head kicked the Jets into the lead to send the crowd wild and Tim on a long wanted celebration to mark his return.

Warren Gladdy and Sam Warrell were now running the midfield show with passing class, picking out the Jets players and Jets went for the kill with a long spell on the attack that led to eight consecutive corners as Harefield hung on. Wayne Gladdy was slipped through on the keeper and with Jets men spare in the middle the killer looked due, but he obeyed his managers orders to "shoot and be selfish more" and his drive was well saved and pushed for a corner low at the post with brother Warren furious not getting the pass across goal.

With ten minutes to go Alex Brown was introduced as a last throw of the dice to a Harefield Team now dug in around the Jets penalty box and Steve Duce in the Jets goal was making some good saves to keep Jets in front as the team were pinned back. It looked impossible to hold on under so much pressure and with four minutes only to go Sean Sonner grabbed the disappointing for Jets, but deserved equaliser heading into the net following countless scrambles and chances.

Both teams settled and the result remained 2-2. It was a good hard earned point for the Jets but a deserved one as they hope and pray that the injury crisis clears and the results improve. On this form points and wins should come back.

lee grace came straight from
work to make monday's game

You can't beat bad luck
-but the errors keep coming

Beaconsfield SYCOB 2 Jets 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
24th September 2007

The first teams dreadful run continued at much fancied Beaconsfield last night, when a reshuffled Jets team, following on the day withdrawals from the Gladdy brothers, Jamie Arthur, Jeremy Tollman, Ian Holdom and Gregg McLaren in a pre match fitness test, left Benny Hingham's plans in complete tatters.

Things quickly got worse after only 6 minutes when Marc Ayres became the fourth different player in four games to commit a suicide ball when all the players were in front of the ball and resulted in a goal at the wrong end leaving the down hearted team with an uphill task. A free kick to Jets was lashed sideways and ricocheted of Luke Lloyd and was gleefully pick up by the surprised Beaconsfield forward who sprinted away from the stranded Jets players to slot with ease. This is becoming a trade mark error in the team of late.

The Jets team rallied following the error and took the game full on at Beaconsfield and were the much better attacking team, Luke Lloyd lashed a fantastic 25 yarder which beat the keeper all ends up, but the dipping shot clipped the bar and came out. The Beaconsfield keeper had a blinder keeping Jets at bay, although he should have had no chance in only the first minute when Lee Taylor went in on goal but scuffed the shot and went wide. As much as silly errors are costing Jets dear at the moment, so is the loss of a goal scoring forward as chance after chance is missed, and at this level the cost is high.

The second half was Jets going forward and again Luke Lloyd hammered the cross bar and it was really not Jets night, then to rub it in the lively Chimney sweep Lee Grace was fouled wide on the wing and everyone was surprised when they stopped but no free kick was given, but the forward went to ground as soon as he was challenged and the referee went straight to the spot to incense the players and staff of the away team.

Even at 2-0 Jets streamed forward and were rewarded when man of the Match IAN BYWATER tried to make amends for his error of judgment on Saturday to pull Jets back in the game.

Jets screamed forward and had two penalty appeals turned down, one blatant by the differing match official before deep in stoppage time he finally did point to the spot for hand ball. Marc Ayres strolled up to clinch the much deserved point and complete the fantastic but deserved fight back, BUT his shot was pushed onto the post by the keeper and with Jets players static the follow up was missed and Jets beaten as the final whistle went just seconds later. Beaten but after the recent matches a little ray of hope of the better times.

Vase hopes smashed
on a Watford night out

Concord Rangers 3 Jets 0

F.A. Vase
22nd September 2007

Jets FA Vase hopes went out the door to an excellent Concord Rangers team on Saturday, but Jets chances were made slimmer by selfish people that think they can turn up from a night out in Watford and still be worthy of a game.

Jets have enough problems with their massive injury list without the whole team being let down by a few. Jets lined up in a defensive manner hoping to stop the early goals that have been costing so dear but all the best laid plans went out the door after just four minutes when a bewildered Warren Gladdy stroked a harmless ball straight at the Concord forward who ran on to slot an easy goal with Jets all pushed upfield.

Jets never really got into the first half and could have been hammered by half time had not the post on five occasions and man of the match in goal Steve Duce worked minor miracles. Jets came out a better team in the second half, and with Luke Lloyd on for Warren Gladdy, Jets pushed forward and Jamie Arthur had a couple of half chances that nearly pulled the game back Jets way, but at the other end Duce worked hard to keep Concord out.

With fifteen minutes to go the second was headed home and Jets were beaten and the third at the final seconds only contributed to the history not the match. Higham made his feelings well known at the end about what he wants and won't tolerate from the players and it must be said that even though in a complete misquote of  those famous words "In the history of the club never has so much been ruined by so few", Concord were a good team, and in honesty I don't think a full strength and sober Jets team would have stopped them. Man of the match on his first team debut - Steve Duce by a mile.

 

Cup hope die in
Home Team suicide

Jets 1 Biggleswade Utd 3

Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Cup
19th September 2007

Jets won't be returning to the Premier Division Cup Final this season after a suicidal half at Altham Way on Wednesday night. Jets continued from kick off where they left off on Saturday against Biggleswade, well on top and the first twenty minutes was almost exhibition football and Wayne Gladdy tore the defence apart time and time again as the slick passing game of Jets looked to have returned to the out of salts team.

11Min gone Wayne Gladdy again went round the defence with ease and PAUL DANSLOW returning to the team from plant and post duties finished with all the finesse of brother John to put Jets one up. By half time it should have been six and all over but again Jets inability in front of goal to finish the opposition off was to cost the team badly.

Biggleswade pulled all square during a rare lapse of awareness at this point and Jets folded, players  finger pointing and moaning at each other only willing to blame and not accept any blame in a spiritless performance.

With fifteen minutes of the second half gone and Jets form also gone the team was rocking then Sam Warrell gave the ball away as last man with the whole team except the keeper forward waiting for the ball, the attacker strolled forward and notched United easily into the lead. Warrell held his head, some moaned like hell and Jets fell apart and the third on time was just a formality.

The second half way awful, and that's from all of them. One thing the out of salts team need to learn are the words "Team" and "We",  not  "them" and "Him" !!

OK -Point taken as
numbers return

Jets 1 Biggleswade Utd 1

Spartan South Midlands Premier
15th September 2007

Jets ended their losing run with a 1-1 draw at home to Biggleswade United on Saturday  in a much better team performance. Sam Warrell made his debut on his return to the club in midfield with Warren Gladdy and they made a big impact on Jets flowing the ball around.

Twice Jets looked to have broken the deadlock but were twice denied by an assistant's flag. Chris Harding and Wayne Gladdy returned from their injuries to further boost the team and Jets can really only blame themselves for not gaining the advantage as their field play was very good, but the final ball woeful and the main reason nothing came from the possession advantage.

There is never much between these two sides since their first encounters on promotion year, and this was no different. Manager Benny Higham hammered home how the missed chances of late had been costing so dear, and it came to be again when Jacks was caught out from a dipping free kick from 30 yards in the 55th minute.  

Jets pushed hard and battered for the game, and Wayne Gladdy finally opened the stubborn defence after 65 minutes for JAMIE ARTHUR to coolly slot home. Paul Danslow looking tired from doing his mums plants and post was withdrawn for the energetic Lee Taylor and the tired legs of Ian Holdom for the youthful Andrew Lomas as Higham went for the match.

But on the day both teams had to settle for the draw, and although Jets will feel a little hard done by, they should remember that United twice went clear in stoppage time but failed to apply the killer goal. 1-1 a fair result.

Outclassed and Out of the Cup

Jets 3 Harefield Utd 7

South Midlands League Challenge Trophy
12th September 2007

With the squad available Jets never really expected to challenge Harefield on the night, but the injury list got worse during the game losing Paul Turner and Michael Courtney with hamstrings and The New Goal Keeper Paul May signed from Hayes to ease the crises carried off after 32 minutes following a Sonner challenge.

The game was dead after only 15 minutes with two goals worthy of a much higher level of football, but MARC AYRES pulled one back from the spot after a hand ball decision, but the joy was short lives as the Hares went up two minutes later and killed the game off. The keeper was then carried off and Harefield added to their tally turning round 4-1 up.

In a frantic or silly second half the final score was 7-3 with Jets scoring through LEE TAYLOR and IAN HOLDOM and Holdom and Arthur guilty of horror misses that could have made the game closer. Unfortunately due to the severe injuries much of the game was missed and a proper report cannot be done as the game was not seen by many of the staff, but manager Benny Higham's words probably sum it up when he said "I cannot remember seeing a game before where the opposition were better in every position and every player".
 

Running on Empty