Jets take their chances

Harpenden Town 0 Jets 2

Herts Intermediate Cup Quarter Final
23rd January 2010

Quarter final of the Herts Intermediate Cup, and the Jets travelled away to Harpenden Town and to a pitch that appeared to be one which could prove difficult to play any direct, short football after the recent snow and rain.

The Harpenden side were to prove more than a handful, as they pressed forward from the start and were soon to make their intentions clear as in the tenth minute they pushed on the left and a strong shot into the centre found it’s way into the Jets side netting, just a fraction behind the post. Both sides then settled to attacking football with both failing with their finishing with shots being sent over the bar or around the posts as the final strike abandoned both sides.

With so many chances going adrift it was hard to see who was going to break the deadlock as time past and the break approached, but finally, it was the Jets who fought through the muddy pitch in the 34th minute when Adam Lowton was to collect a cross from the right and make a low strike into the Harpenden net and give the Jets an unexpected lead at 0-1.

The last ten minutes were to see the Jets having to work hard to contain a determined Harpenden side, but were able to hang on to the one goal advantage through to the break.

The second half was thought to show a surge from the Harpenden side to regain the leveller, but it was a surge that did not materialize as the Jets were soon to gain control of the game and one attack after another were only to end with some unfortunate finishing which could only be expected in the prevailing conditions. On the hour they were to receive a helping hand when the Harpenden number four was to make a harsh tackle and was given the privilege of an early bath.

As the half slipped away the finishing for both sides appeared to be bringing the game down to two questions, could the Jets hang on to their one goal lead, or would Harpenden take it to extra time by finding an equaliser? Neither was the answer, as in the 81st minute Adam Lowton was to make a run on the right and making a cross into the centre found Karl Bull to see his shot out of reach of the keeper and make the game safe for the Jets at 0-2.

Substitutes used: Myles Stephenson and Tyler Connor

Man of the match: Anthony Shepherd