Hertford's finishing clinches title

Jets 1 Hertford Town 3

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
5th April 2008

A last but one hurdle for the Jets to bring their campaign to a close with this home game against the league leaders Hertford Town, who required just one point to clinch the championship spot.

Once again an early goal was to be conceded by the Jets when only in the 4th minute Hertford were to push into the midfield and on the edge of the D were given both time and space to send a powerful shot into the Jets net and open the scoring at 0-1.

From then on it was the Jets who were by far the better side and were looking the most likely to change the score-line, but in the 23rd minute David Maynard was to receive a strike to the head by the ball and went down just outside the Jets area. After receiving treatment he left the pitch and awaited the referee’s signal to re-enter the game. Despite many shouts from the Jets bench, this signal did not come. The game continued with the Jets now fielding ten men and within the two minutes Hertford were able to progress into the area and strike their second goal into the Jets net 0-2. It was only then that David Maynard was signalled back onto the pitch. Once again the curse of a poor official decision had struck the club.

The Jets continued to dominate and in the 44th minute were awarded a corner which was taken by David Maynard and was to fall to Ian Holdom to strike a well directed shot into the Hertford net, to give some hope at the break at 1-2.

The second half was to see the Jets start brightly and continue so through the half as chances were to come their way, but were unfortunately not to be converted into goals with the bar being struck by a shot from Jamie Arthur.

There was always the feeling that a draw could be obtained, but as the match end was in sight in the 87th minute the final nail was to be driven into all hopes as Hertford made a last gasp break on the right and the cross was to see the ball enter the Jets net again and give Hertford the win and the championship at 1-3.

 

Jets break their Colney jinx

Colney Heath 1 Jets 4

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
29th March 2008

A comparatively short distance to travel as the Jets came up against their jinx opponents once again, Colney Heath.

Was that jinx to be broken? It appeared not as from the kick off Colney broke loose on the right and a well placed cross was to find a player to slot the ball passed the Jets keeper and open the score to 1-0 with a time on the watch of thirty seconds, the fastest goal conceded by the Jets this season. Once again those familiar shock waves were felt in the Jets dugout.

The Jets reply was swift as they immediately pushed forward and put the Colney defence on the back foot. In the 8th minute a cross from the right was to make contact with a waiting Ian Holdom who was to find time and space to add yet another goal to his already illustrious goal tally and bring the Jets level at 1-1.

The game settled down to some normality with both sides making runs into the opponent’s areas, but not forcing either of the keepers into making outstanding saves. With just ten minutes left before the break it was the Jets who were to stride ahead when in the 35th minute they were awarded a corner which was delivered by David Maynard and was latched onto by Steve Noonan in the box, who expressed the ball into the Colney net 1-2, which was to hold to the break.

The second half was to find the Jets taking control and giving very little away in any department, and as the half ticked away it was just a matter of time before their lead would be extended as the Jets made attack after attack on the Colney goal. It was on one such push in the 76th minute that the Colney keeper was to fumble a low shot at the foot of his left hand post, only to find an advancing Adam Lowton only too pleased to push the ball past the dazed keeper and extend the Jets score now to 1-3.

Still the Jets continued to make runs at the Colney goal, but once more poor finishing was to stop them adding more goals to the sheet and it appeared that the score was to remain as it was. In the 80th minute it was to be proved not so, as the Jets were awarded a free kick just outside the Colney area, but well over to the right of the play area. The kick was dispatched by KARL BULL and players in the box could only stand and stare as the ball made a direct route into the top left corner of the Colney net and give the Jets a emphatic win at 1-4 and the jinx had been well and truly put to rest with a fine display.

Jets bogged down

Leverstock Green 2 Jets 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
22nd March 2008

A bitter cold day with sleet showers blowing in every few minutes was the scene set as the Jets made the journey to Leverstock Green to enter the last stage of the campaign.

Before the game started the ground was swept by fierce sleet showers and was already looking like a none starter, but the official in charge decided that the game would be staged.

With just a few minutes gone the ground started to break up with the centre circle taking on the resemblance of a First World War battlefield with thick mud, which gave players little chance to play anything but long, high balls to gain any distance with passes travelling no more than six feet in the mud and puddles which had now appeared.

Both sides struggled to perform in such conditions, which, worsened with every minute. Both sides created chances, but finishing was difficult in what was developing into a quagmire. Half time was reached with no score being made and the only decision that could be made was for the official to abandon the game, and with the score at 0-0 nothing would have been lost to either side, but this was not done as still the sleet continued.

The second half now started in atrocious conditions with the weather changing for the better, but the ground continued to disintegrate. Changes had been made to the Jets squad with the introduction of Tim O’Mara and it was he who broke through the score sheet in the 52nd minute when a Jets free kick was pounced on by him and slotted into the Leverstock net 0-1.

The Jets lead was to be short lived as just eight minutes later in the 60th minute Leverstock pushed forward on the right wing, being the only clear ground to be found, and the ensuing cross was called for by the Jets keeper who failed to collect and allowed a free header to the Leverstock player found lurking on the rear post 1-1.

From that point on it was the Jets who appeared second best in every tackle and failing to make any in roads into the Leverstock area. The game was put out of their reach in the 68th minute when Leverstock were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Jets area and once again produced a header on the far post as the Jets once more failed to mark their men 2-1.

The only blessing that could be found was that no player sustained an injury with conditions as they were, and in a fixture that really should not have taken place.

Jets blitz Town

Jets 5 Harpenden Town 3

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
15th March 2008

At home with the pitch still holding up to a very high standard the Jets play hosts to Harpenden Town who are settled in the mid table position.

As so many times in the past those shock waves were felt in the Jets dugout when in the 3rd minute Harpenden launched an attack on the Jets goal that found the keeper calling for the ball, but was not able to lay hands on it as it entered the net to give the Jets work to do so very early 0-1.

The Jets did get to work as they showed determination not to let the lead grow. They played some close ball football and soon were level when in the 7th minute Adam Lowton took on several players in the centre and was soon confronted with the advancing Harpenden keeper who he took on one to one, but the keeper was no opponent for Adam as he slotted the ball into the net 1-1.

The Jets were now in command with runs being made on a regular basis by Gary Page and Adam Lowton and it was Gary Page who was to collect the ball on the edge of the centre circle and advance on goal to find it was he who was one to one on the Harpenden keeper, who once again was to fail in stopping the ball entering his net and see the Jets take the lead at 2-1.

The Jets continued to dominate and were unlucky, when in the 29th minute they were awarded a corner, which was well struck by Mitchell Murphy and found Steve Noonan waiting on the back post with a header which struck the bar, then the rebound was again to provide a second header for Steve Noonan only to see it pass the left post by a whisker.

Harpenden began to work hard and their attacks increased, but the Jets defence held tight, but a simple throw in the 31st minute by Harpenden on the right was allowed to be collected in the centre and time was available for a low drive to be sent towards the Jets keeper. It appeared to be covered as the keeper went down to collect, but as it struck his body, sliced over the top and into the net, once again the game was level at 2-2. Unknown at the time that the Jets keeper had received a bad shoulder strain in this encounter.

The Jets were still pressing forward with the time entering the forty-five minute mark when once again it was Adam Lowton who was to obtain his brace and give the Jets the lead at the break at 3-2.

The second half was to start with the Jets continuing their determination and outgunned the Harpenden squad in all departments. Not to be outdone it was Gary Page who was to strike his brace in the 55th minute with a run into the right corner, then into the goal area before finding the net and extend the Jets lead to 4-2.

In the 61st minute Adam Lowton was to bag his hat trick when taking on several players, which has become his way, gave the keeper little chance to make a save and extend the Jets score to 5-2.

Harpenden were to close the gap to 5-3 in the 67th minute when a well-struck shot entered the Jets goal area, and in a cluster of players found it’s way into the corner of the Jets goal. In the scramble the Jets keeper inflicted more injury to his shoulder and could not continue. Having now used all three of their substitutes John Danslow was to take up the role of keeper and the outfield was reduced to ten men, who not only held out to finish at 5-3, but came close on many occasions to extending the lead.

Wayward Jets

London Colney 1 Jets 0

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
11th March 2008

Away to London Colney on an evening with winds so strong that they would qualify to be mentioned in any shipping forecast. Before the arrival of the referee doubts were cast as to whether this fixture would start, or not, but start it did.

It was clear from the whistle that conditions were going to play a huge part in the evenings proceedings as both sides found moving the ball an effort indeed. The Jets although playing with the pitch slope were against the strong, blustery wind which could have some bearing on their lack of finishing, as has been shown in recent games as once again chances came and went with more consistency than the referee’s whistle.

In the 34th minute it appeared that the Jets were to get on the score sheet when a shot from the Jets attack struck the London Colney keeper, rebounded onto the post, but was cleared away with some urgency by the defence. Another shot was to see the ball just clear the post and strike the side netting, but still no goals were to be had for the Jets, now finding life very difficult on this gloomy evening.

The only goal of the fixture was to arrive in the 40th minute when London Colney took possession in the centre circle and a high lob towards the Jets goal was to find the keeper well off his line. It was also when the high wind played its part, as it helped to propel the ball over the keeper’s head and into the net and give London Colney the lead at 1-0, which was held for the remaining five minutes to the break.

The second half brought no change neither in the score or conditions and still the Jets continued to demonstrate their poor finishing. The nearest that they came to a leveller was in the 60th minute when a powerful drive from Gary Page was to strike the bar, with the rebound was cleared to safety. The last period was to see the Jets gaining momentum, but it was too little, to late and once again their lack of finish was to let them down and ended a game to be buried in the back of the memory bank.

A Clean Sheet in the wind

Tring Athletic 0 Jets 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
8th March 2008

Off on the travels again as the Jets go away to Tring Athletic and hoping to keep some momentum going after the 0-2 defeat to Cockfosters.

The Jets started the game in good form as they created many chances, but as so many times failed to capitalize on them, but surely it was just a matter of time before they found the net!!

Not so as the fixture soon fell into a long ball game with little action in the centre, once more a strong blustery wind making things hard for the Jets playing against it and the up slope of the pitch. The half dragged on and remained goal less through to the break which was to provide the little excitement as tempers flared between the two sides after the whistle had sounded.

The second half was still young as in the 49th minute it was Adam Lowton who was to put the Jets ahead at 0-1.

The Jets began to produce some attacking football and twice found the net, only to be controversially ruled off side, once again by the over reaction of an opponents linesman. The game spluttered to a close with the score remaining in favour of the Jets at 0-1.

Jets penalties win a thriller

Cockfosters 3 Jets 3

(Jets win on penalties)

Reserves Floodlight Cup - Quarter Final
27th February 2008

Now the Jets travel to Cockfosters for the quarter final of the Floodlight Cup, will the pressure hold again we asked?

Shock waves could be felt in the Jets dugout as the game had barely started and was just in the 5th minute when Cockfosters were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Jets area, which when entering the goal area was greeted by a call from the keeper who unfortunately completely missed his run and the ball fell to a Cockfosters player who netted to open the score at 1-0.

The Jets squad now appeared to be in shock also as once again just minutes were to pass before things were to be repeated as again Cockfosters were awarded yet another free kick in the 9th minute. This time the ball was to find its way behind the keeper and unaided found the net and within minutes the Jets were at 2-0 and faced with the usual mountain to climb, another Mursley!!.

The Jets now entered the game for real and at last began to stamp their authority on it as they put some pressure on this young Cockfosters squad. The evening appeared to be a free kick festival as this time it was the Jets who were to be awarded one in the 34th minute. It was Neil Whiting who was the elected player, with a well-drilled shot that penetrated all players in the box to lift the Jets to 1-2.

Once again the Jets resilience came to the fore and in the 35th minute a run on the right by Gary Page with a well directed cross, found by Adam Lowton who brought the score level for the Jets 2-2.

This was to hold throughout the remainder of the half and despite some fine end-to-end football by both squads throughout the second half also. The ninety minutes came to an end it was now extra time to decide the outcome, or so it was thought. The first half of extra time was drawing to a close when in the 13th minute it was Neil Whiting who was to give the Jets lead with a well struck shot from inside the area, giving the keeper little chance to save. The Jets were in the driving seat at 3-2.

The second half of extra time was in the 8th minute when a push by Cockfosters entered the Jets goal area, a Jets player went down and the remainder of the Jets players appeared to stand still as the ball almost apologetically rolled across the line to level the score once again to 3-3 and as the extra time whistle sounded the dreaded stage of any game was now to be faced PENALTIES.

The Jets manager Sean Brown now took the unusual step of detailing the players and their order of strikes. The chosen players were, in order of kicks Andrew Lomas, Adam Lowton, Ian Holdom, Neil Whiting and Gary Page.

It was Cockfosters who were to step up to the spot first. A well-taken shot out of reach of Chris Walker and open their tally at 1-0. This was to be their one and only successful attempt as Andrew Lomas, Adam Lowton, Ian Holdom and Neil Whiting put the fixture out of the Cockfosters reach with a penalty tally of 1-4. and the Jets moving into the semi final stage of this cup.

Jets leave it late

Mursley Utd 2 Jets 3

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
23rd February 2008

A touch of village life for the Jets as they travelled to Mursley United for this league clash and looking to keep their push on course with a win.

Things were not to go the Jets way from the start as Mursley started brightly, and it was as early as the 10th minute that a run by them on the left found Chris Walker in the Jets goal advancing well of his line to meet the oncoming player, this gave that player the chance to place a high lob over the keeper and into the net opening the score at 1-0.

Little changed after the goal, and it was Mursley who appeared to be in command and pushing forward seeking to increase their slender lead. Just ten minutes later in the 20th minute a right side run found a low ground shot finding its way into the Jets net and send a shock wave through the Jets bench as 2-0 was thought to be a mountain to climb. This score was to extend to the half, but chances were missed by the Jets strike force time and time again with the Mursley keeper making fine saves to keep the game in their hands.

The second half was just ten minutes old, when in the 55th Gary Page was to find the net for the Jets and bring them back in contention at 2-1.

The Jets now took command and pushed forward with regularity, but again were unable to capitalize on their runs into the Mursley area but it was on one such attack in the 88th minute that the Mursley defence found themselves under extreme pressure in the six-yard box which caused a player to slice the ball into his own net, and bring the Jets level at 2-2.

With just two minutes left it appeared to be a welcome point from a game which appeared to be out of reach at the break, but the referee’s watch continued into injury time when, in the 94th minute it was that man again who was to have the last say as Gary Page found his way to the edge of the Mursley area and sent a rocket of a shot into the net, leaving everyone else planted like statues. The strike was commented on after the game by a Mursley official as being one fit to be a Premier goal of the month, but it was one to bring a win to the Jets at 2-3.

Jets get season back on track

Jets 2 Leverstock Green 0

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
16th February 2008

The Jets seeking to put their season back on track after their 2-1 defeat at the hands of St Margaretsbury while playing hosts to Leverstock Green at the Boundary Stadium on a fine sunny afternoon.

The first reaction of the opening twenty minutes was that this was not to be an easy game to win as Leverstock pressed forward from the whistle, putting the Jets defence under extreme pressure, but failing to make their chances count when in the area. It was mid way through the half that the Jets were to break the deadlock when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Leverstock area, which was well placed to give the club captain Colin Jenkins the opportunity to subscribe to the Jets goal tally by putting a shot well out of reach of the keeper 1-0.

As on so many occasions the goal was to bring the Jets squad alive and it was they who administered the pressure with Gary Page creating problems for the Leverstock defence with his pace on the wings, but the score line was to remain the same to the break.

The second half was to produce a similar format as the first with Leverstock taking the game to the Jets, but as time past the Jets held on to their slim lead. Things were to change, when in the 66th minute substitute Chris Witter was to arrive on the scene and wasted no time in making his mark, when in the 67th minute yet another run by Gary Page on the right was to produce a cross which was to find Chris Witter ready and waiting to stroke the ball into the Leverstock net and extend the lead to 2-0.

Although chances were to be created by both sides, some fine saves by Chris Walker in the Jets goal were to keep the Jets on target for a fine win.

Jets get back to winning ways

Jets 3 Harpenden 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
6thFebruary 2008

Yet another home fixture for the Jets seeking to put behind them the disappointing display against Sawbridgeworth with this mid week fixture with Harpenden Town.

All looked well for the Jets when in the 24th minute a run on the right by Gary Page was left free to send a fine cross into the box which was collected by Jamie Arthur who drove the ball into the Harpenden net 1-0 which was to hold until the break.

The Jets lead was to double in the 58th minute when Michael Courtney was to add his name to the score sheet 2-0.

A jolt was provided to the Jets when in the 72nd minute Harpenden were awarded a dubious penalty which Chris Walker in the Jets goal was only able to get a hand to, but was not able to stop. The score now moving into dangerous territory at 2-1.

Time was moving into the final minute when the Jets were awarded a corner. The ball entering a crowded box and it was Stephen Noonan that was able to guide it passed the keeper to complete a score of 3-1 for the Jets, and once more move them into winning ways.

Sawbridgeworth leave Jets red faced

Jets 2 Sawbridgeworth Town 2

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
2nd February 2008

The Jets continue to have the comfort of another home fixture and the pitch holding up to first class condition as they played hosts to Sawbridgeworth Town rooted firmly at the foot of the table with not one win to their credit. The afternoon was to develop into one of red faces for the Jets.

It was plain to see from the start that the Jets were going to have their work cut out in containing Sawbridgeworth who were clearly not to be under estimated in any way. They pushed forward and were to open the scoring in the 14th minute when an attack was to find the Jets keeper advancing off his line, only to be passed, and the ball rolled almost sympathetically across the line 0-1.

The first half was to see the Jets miss goal-scoring opportunities almost as regular as a timetable while Sawbridgeworth continued to make life difficult for them. Nothing was to be added to the score before the break.

The second half was to find both squads in much the same vain with the JETS looking more like First World War bi planes rather than Jets. A severe embarrassment look on the cards as in the 56th minute Sawbridgeworth were to double their score with a long lob which found its way over the Jets keeper’s head and in to the net 0-2.

A lifeline was to arrive for the Jets in the form of a 67th minute penalty which was converted with ease by Adam Lowton bringing the score to 1-2.

Time was running out for the Jets as the game entered the last ten minutes and a huge blow to moral appeared to be looming, but once again it was Adam Lowton who was to achieve his brace in the 85th minute and bring up a final score of 2-2 and what was to be Sawbridgeworths first point of the season.

Jets in confident mood

Jets 4 Cockfosters 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
26th January 2008

They say that home is where the heart is; well for the Jets playing hosts to Cockfosters in the league it was home is where the goals are.

From the whistle it was the Jets who appeared to be in command and it took just a short spell for this to show, as in the 12th minute Jamie Arthur was to make a fine run into the Cockfosters area, cross which was collected by Stephen Noonan with space to slot the ball behind the keeper and register the Jets opener at 1-0.

Cockfosters responded with some attacking football and keeping the Jets defence on their toes, with the Jets command being taken away from them. It was in the 23rd minute that the score was to be levelled as a run from the centre by Cockfosters was to see Chris Walker in the Jets goal beaten with a powerful shot and bring the score to 1-1. Although both squads were to find several opportunities squandered the level score was to remain to the break.

The second half was to find the Jets in fine form as they gradually took control of the game and in the 62nd minute Adam Lowton was to strike and not only give the Jets the lead once more to 2-1, but was to start a Jets plunder.

Although the Jets remained well in control the half was passing with what appeared to be the score line remaining the same, but in the 84th minute Hussain Ali was to add his name to the sheet and advance the Jets lead to 3-1.

With all waiting for the final sounding whistle, there was just one more nail to be added by the Jets. In the 87th minute substitute Chris Witter found his sky shot pass over the keeper to complete the afternoon at 4-1.

Jets fight back for a draw

Jets 2 Colney Heath 2

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
5th January 2008

Saturday December 1 was the last time the Jets had kicked a ball in anger before this home fixture playing hosts to Colney Heath. Would this be the day to lift the jinx of latter defeats by them?

All looked bright as from the start the Jets took command and pushed forward at regular intervals and only some fine saves by the Colney keeper were to keep the score sheet clean. A run by Andrew Lomas was to see his volley strike the Colney post, but the break arrived with all even at 0-0.

The second half was started with a shock to the system for the Jets as in the 46th minute a break in the centre by Colney was to give them space to release a low grub hunter of a shot which found it’s way through several Jets players and into the net to open the score line at 0-1.

The Jets appeared to lose their momentum as Colney moved into the driving seat and pressed forward putting the Jets defence under pressure. This pressure was soon to be rewarded when in the 54th minute a cross from the right was to give a free header on the far post to give Stephen Duce in the Jets goal little chance to save. The Colney lead extended to 0-2.

Once again the Jets strength and resilience came to the fore and they began to command the game, and it was they who made the running. Substitutions were made by the Jets manager Sean Brown which gave them fresh momentum to spearhead the runs into the Colney area. One substitute being Jamie Arthur was, in the 72nd minute to take on several defenders and drive the ball behind the Colney keeper and give the Jets yet more determination at 1-2.

The Jets continued to attack time and time again and it was yet another substitute Adam Lowton who, in the 82nd minute levelled the score to 2-2 with a volley into the corner of the Colney net. Jets hopes were dashed when a goal was disallowed as off side and they settled for the single point.

Jets get bogged down at league leaders

Hertford Town 3 Jets 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
1st December 2007

A wet, miserable and extremely muddy visit to the league leaders Hertford Town, which saw a fantastic run of eight wins brought to an end.

This top of the table clash with just four points between the teams was to start with the Jets making the running and took just the 13th minute to see Adam Lowton make another run from the corner flag area and slot the ball behind the keeper and posts. 0-1

Play was difficult for both sides as the centre circle and goal areas were heavy and resembled a paddy field rather than a football pitch and restricted the movement of the ball immensely. Conditions appeared to suit the home side as they broke through the Jets defence in the 29th minute and levelled the score to 1-1 with a well-struck volley from the edge of the area.

Little time was to pass before Hertford extended their lead in the 35th minute as they pushed forward into the Jets area and gave Chris Walker little chance of stopping the score changing to 2-1 which was to hold until the break.

The second half saw the Jets dig deep into their resources as they have in so many fixtures this season, but it was Hertford who were to add to their lead, when in the 82nd minute they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Jets area which found its target as it entered the Jets net and bring a thoroughly miserable afternoon to a close at 3-1

Sawbridgeworth make Jets work hard

Jets 4 Sawbridgeworth 0

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
24th November 2007

A cold afternoon at the Boundary Stadium playing hosts to Sawbridgeworth in the league. Was this to be the Jets heartbreak against a side rooted to the foot of the table?

It would appear that things were not going to be easy as both sides took time to settle and both making chances, but as so many times in recent fixtures, the net proved to be invincible. Once again the half passed with no entries on the score sheet 0-0.

At the start of the second half it was Sawbridgeworth that had the edge. Were they to embarrass the Jets by being the first team to beat them in eight games? The reply was to come in the 57th minute when Leon Stewart was to collect the ball on the edge of the centre circle and take on the advancing defenders before sending the ball into the Sawbridgeworth net, well out of reach of the keeper 1-0

The Jets score was to double in a very short time, when in the 61st minute they were awarded a corner, which entered a crowded box, but it was Adam Lowton whose superior power found him able to get a head to the ball and see it enter the net once again 2-0

The Jets struck again within a short space of time, in the 66th minute it was Adam Lowton again who this time made a run on the wing to the area of the corner flag, then working his way into the Sawbridgeworth area against all odds found a narrow space to slot the ball home 3-0

Three goals in ten minutes was devastation to the Sawbridgeworth squad and although they continued to make brief runs into the Jets area nothing was to bring their hopes back alive. The final nail was driven in by Gary Page when, in the 74th minute he found the net from the edge of the area and to bring the final score to 4-0

 

Lowton volley breaks the deadlock

London Colney 0 Jets 1 (aet)

Herts Intermediate Cup
17th November 2007

If ever there was a game to get you on the edge of your seat and biting your fingernails, this was the one. A Herts Intermediate Cup game away to London Colney.

From the start both squads were equally matched as they both made chances, but failed to capitalize on them. Play was end to end and some fine saves from

Chris Walker in the Jets goal, kept them in contention right through to the break with the game still locked at 0-0.

The second half brought no changes, only in substitutes, but still both teams continued with their attacking play in a gloomy and badly lit ground, which could very easily have encouraged mistakes from both sides, but yet again the ninety minutes came to an end with the score still at 0-0.

The nervous tension continued as extra time was started, but even this was to see no change in the score line, until once again the Jets dug deep and the tide turned in their favour as the first half of extra time came to a close.

The second half saw the Jets attacking the London Colney goal time after time but as the minutes passed with no goals being scored all thoughts were on penalties. However, one such attack in the ninth minute of the half saw a cross into the London Colney area collected by Adam Lowton who found space to drive a volley into the back of the net and put the Jets through to the next round.        

 

Reserves continue to shine

Jets 4 Mursley Utd 0

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
10th November 2007

A home fixture for the Jets found them playing hosts to far travelling Mursley United, which was to be a fine day in the office for the Jets with a win at 4-0

It took just eighteen minutes for the Jets to open the score when an advancing Gary Page was to find the Mursley keeper off his line, and with a gentle lob over his head found the ball in the back of the net 1-0.

This score-line was to hold until the break although chances were made and missed for the Jets.

The second half entered the 46th minute when it was Leon Stewart who was to send a volley from the edge of the area into the Mursley net and advance the score to 2-0. Once again missed chances were to find the score holding until the 67th minute when once again it was Gary Page who obtained his brace with a strong shot from just inside the Mursley area and extend the Jets lead to 3-0.

The fourth goal of the afternoon was provided by courtesy of the Mursley defence who, under pressure guided the ball into their own net and turn the final score for the Jets to 4-0

Determined Jets hold off the Saints

St Margaretsbury 1 Jets 2

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
3rd November 2007

The Jets band wagon rolls on with a weekend outing to St Margaretsbury in the league.

This fixture is always expected to produce a hard fought game, and this was to be no different as from the start it was St Margaretsbury who appeared to be on top early, but not for long as in the 13th minute the Jets were awarded a corner and a well directed ball was picked up near the far post by Stephen Noonan who rose above all other players and sent a strong header into the net to give the Jets the lead that they wanted at 0-1.

The St Margaretsbury squad were now impressive as they pushed forward and move the ball around the Jets third with regular ease as they put the Jets defence under pressure. This was to tell as a run down the left was crossed into the box and aided by a mix up by Jets players was to see the ball enter the net and bring the score level at 1-1.

As is often seen, the goal against them brought the Jets alive and for the remainder of the half it was they who now appeared to be in command, although they were to be denied on several attempts by some fine saves by the St Margaretsbury keeper, but the score remained level to the break.

The second half was hardly started when in the 48th minute the Jets were awarded yet another corner, and as in the first half a well directed ball was this time fall to the feet of Neil Whiting who produced a shot well out of reach of the keeper and return the lead to the Jets at 1-2.

Again the determination and strength of the Jets kicked in as St Margaretsbury pushed forward time and time again, but this time it was Chris Walker in the Jets goal who was to produce some outstanding saves to ensure that the 1-2 score was to remain until the final whistle sounded.

Jets make it 3 wins in a week

London Colney 1 Jets 2

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
27th October 2007

After two cup games the Jets set the action back on the league with a short trip to London Colney.

The game started at a cracking pace as the young London Colney side took the game to the Jets however the pace of Lee Taylor and Gary Page soon began to tell as they continued to make runs up both wings, but nothing was to produce a start on the score sheet until the 22nd minute when both players were to combine their work rates with a fine run by Lee Taylor into the London Colney area produced a cross to Gary Page with time and space to rocket a shot into the corner of the net and at last the Jets were not to be the first to concede 0-1.

The Jets continued to press forward and in the 38th minute were awarded a corner. The corner kick was poor and was collected by the London Colney defence who wasted no time in feeding it forward to the front men giving them a clear run down the centre, and without too much trouble were able to level the score to 1-1 which was to hold until the break.

The second half was end to end football with both teams creating chances, but nothing changed until the 64th minute when a Jets attack floated the ball into the edge of the London Colney area where it was met by Leon Stewart who took on two defenders and struck the final goal of the game and give the Jets three points at 1-2.

Jets win a thriller - again

Jets 3 Cheshunt Reserves 2

Herts Intermediate Cup
20th October 2007

Another home game, another cup, this time it was Cheshunt who were the visitors and yet another nail biting thriller.

Once again the Jets looked slow to start and once again it was they who were to concede the first goal as in the 9th minute the Cheshunt number nine was to find his way into the Jets area and push a low shot into the corner of the net 0-1.

It took just five minutes for the Jets to reply when Paul Danslow added yet another to his goal rate and level the score to 1-1.

In the 22nd minute Cheshunt were awarded a corner and as on other occasions the Jets left their far post uncovered, which gave Cheshunt a free header into the Jets net and once again took the lead at 1-2.

Both sides pushed forward looking for that extra goal to extend a lead or in the Jets case to go into the break on level terms. The half was marred by a red card being awarded to a Cheshunt player and reducing them to a ten man squad. The last few minutes of the half found the Jets trying to take advantage of the ten men, but the score remained 1-2 to the break.

The second half was to see the Jets back in fine form and once again showing the determination and strength which was previously evident in the Hoddesdon game but some fine saves by the Cheshunt keeper was to deny each attack from producing any further addition to the score. The game appeared to be slipping away from the Jets until once again Paul Danslow took on the role of saviour and from the edge of the area he sent a volley into the Cheshunt goal and level the score to 2-2. The minutes passed and extra time was waiting.

The first half of extra time saw some fast and urgent play from both squads as they pressed forward from end to end, but the score remained at 2-2.

The second half of extra time saw little difference and as time passed the talk was of who was going to take the penalties, but there was one man who was to change things. With just two minutes left it was Anthony Sheppard who entered the Cheshunt area and made sure that once again the Jets were to be worthy winners at 3-2.

Jets win a thriller

Jets 4 Hoddesdon Town 3

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
13th October 2007

This was probably the Jets best performance of the season so far as they played hosts to Hoddesdon Town.

Things did not look to be going the Jets way as it took Hoddesdon just three minutes to create the opening opportunity to send a volley into the Jets net from the edge of the area and the score line at 0-1.

From that moment the Jets began to show great determination throughout the squad as they pushed forward against an equally determined Hoddesdon. Both sides made fine runs into their opponents areas and it was clear that this game was to produce many more goals, and it was the Jets who were to provide the next, when in the 27th minute Paul Danslow was to level the score when taking on two defenders in the area sent the ball into the corner of the Hoddesdon net 1-1.

Hoddesdon pressed forward in numbers and just one minute later missed their chance by a fine save by Chris Walker in the Jets goal pushing the shot around his left post for a corner, which came to nothing as the ball came clear and was collected by Gary Page who made a determined run into the Hoddesdon box, after his pace leaving the defenders in his wake a low shot gave the Jets the lead 2-1.

With the break closing it appeared that the Jets were to hold the advantage at forty five, but once again it was Hoddesdon who were to change things as they made a run on the right flank and a cross was to be met by the advancing strike force and the honours even at the break 2-2.

The second half was to start with both teams showing an urgency to take the lead and in the 49th minute a Hoddesdon player was to attempt to push the ball back to his keeper, but the pass was intercepted by Paul Danslow who took on the advancing keeper and stroked the ball into the empty net, and once again it was the Jets who were on top at 3-2.

Now both front men for Jets Paul Danslow and Gary Page were in full flight and it was Gary Page who in the 54th minute once again took the Jets lead further away to 4-2.

The football became end to end and the pressure grew on both sides and became even greater for the Jets as in the 64th minute a left cross was connected in the Jets box and pushed clear into the net with the score now a close 4-3.

The 68th minute saw another run by Gary Page having a powerful shot parried onto his bar by the Hoddesdon keeper, but the score remained at 4-3 to the final whistle.

    

 

Jets Colney jinx continues

Colney Heath 2 Jets 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
6th October 2007

A short distance for the Jets to travel to this away fixture, but once again the Colney Heath jinx remains, with another meeting between these teams ending pointless for the Jets.

As always both teams began with fierce competition for honours with some end-to-end football with chances being created by both squads. And it was the Jets who were to be first on the score sheet when in the 21st minute a pinpoint cross from Anthony Sheppard was collected by Andrew Lomas who sent a stunning volley into the Colney net and give the Jets an encouraging start at 0-1.

The hopes of any points were soon dampened when in the 28th minute an identical cross from a Colney attack was met by the advancing player who was given time and space to send the ball into the Jets goal, well out of reach of Herve Soulard's reach and the score levelled at 1-1. The half continued to be played out in the same way, with some fine runs being made on the flanks by both sides, but no final finishing to change the score line.

The second half had hardly began when the jinx became apparent, as in the 50th minute, a Colney cross entered the Jets box and the keeper coming off his line to gather, but although getting hands to the ball failed to hold and pushed the ball into the path of an advancing player who took up the offer to score and give Colney the lead at 2-1.

The remainder of the half saw no change in the style of play and with every passing moment it became more and more physical with the half being littered with injuries and moments of tiredness or frustration playing a part in the play. The Jets pushed forward time and time again, but found that fine runs by several players were to fizzle out once in shooting range of the Colney goal.

Two players were to find themselves substituted through injury, but these were to have little effect on the outcome of the match as the final whistle sounded and once again points were lost at this ground.

Jets take command

Jets 3 St Margaretsbury 1

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
22nd September 2007

Expectations were high at the Boundary Stadium as the Jets faced up to St Margaretsbury who are rooted at the basement of the division.

The game set off at a lively pace from both squads, but as time passed it was clear to see that St Margaretsbury were on edge as players began to show a discord with each other. The Jets were on form as they pushed forward into the St Margaretsbury third at regular intervals and it was in the 20th minute that a volley from Hussain Ali struck the bar and the rebound was met within striking range by Chris Witter who sent another volley back into the corner of the net and open the score at 1-0.

The Jets continued to dominate the play with some excellent close football which appeared to be wearing down the opponents defence which was to tell as in the 38th minute Andrew Lomas collected the ball on the edge of the D and taking on two defenders struck once again for the Jets to extend their lead to 2-0.

Panic did reign as St Margaretsbury began to send more attacks into the Jets half, and in the 41st minute a shot from one such attack set the Jets cross bar rattling, but the rebound was well dealt with by the defence, and so the score remained to the break.

The second half started with St Margaretsbury showing more of a determination to score while the Jets appeared to sit back on their lead. The wakeup call came in the 69th minute when the St Margaretsbury number four found time and space to send a long range shot into the Jets net with Herve Soulard in the Jets goal unable to make any progress to a save, and so the gap closed to 2-1.

Once again the Jets came alive and once more there was some fine football on display as again the short ball was used to tire the St Margaretsbury players. As the final whistle approached it was looking like a 2-1 victory for the Jets, but it was Neil Whiting who was to add to the score and extend the score line to 3-1 in the 81st minute.

 

Jets on a roll
with a fine win at Harpenden

Harpenden 0 Jets 2

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
15th September 2007

Despite a lacklustre first half the Jets recent good fortunes continued when they travelled to an away fixture with Harpenden Town.

Both sides failed to produce any chances of starting a score line in the first half as attack after attack appeared to fizzle out of steam as soon as they entered the box. The one and only chance created by the Jets was when the ball struck the underside of the Harpenden bar and rebounded downwards, which gave the question was it or wasn’t it over the line, but there were no real claims made and so the score limped to the break, which was spent with the squad taking advantage of tree cover from the sun, as the facilities were almost a coach ride away from the pitch that was chosen for the fixture.

The second half brought both sides alive and it was now that chances were being created and it was the Jets who pushed forward with the goals looking immanent and it was in the 62nd minute that the Jets were awarded a corner on the right. As the ball entered the Harpenden box several players went up for the header, but it was Anthony Sheppard who made the height and managed to open the score to 0-1.

This gave the Jets great encouragement as they pressed forward time and time again and it was now Joshua Hutchinson who in the 76th minute collected the ball just inside the Harpenden half and after taking on several players worked himself inside the box which gave him the opportunity to strike a low shot, which edged it’s way into the Harpenden net to add to the Jets score at 0-2.

The last fourteen minutes found Harpenden pressing forward in numbers, but failed to break down the Jets defence. One close call came to nothing as Chris Walker in the Jets goal made a fine save by pushing the ball over the bar to deny his clean sheet being spoilt.

 

Last season's Champs
show their form

Jets 1 Leverstock Green 3

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
23rd August 2007

A wet gloomy evening at the Boundary Stadium and playing hosts to last season’s league champions Leverstock Green was an anticipated hard fixture for the Jets.

From the whistle both teams set a blistering pace and both created chances, with the Jets showing most likely to score and it was they who made the first mark when in the 24th minute the Jets captain Neil Whiting took possession half way into the Leverstock half and with the keeper well off his line was able to lob the ball well out of reach of the wandering keeper to give the Jets a 1-0 lead.

The half continued with end-to-end football with some fine short ball play being demonstrated by the Jets with most of the threats being shown by the Leverstock number eleven who time and time again pushed down the left flank into the Jets area, but the score remained to the break.

The second half found the Leverstock attacks becoming a regular feature of the game and just nine minutes were to pass before they changed the score line when in the 54th minute the Leverstock number four was in a similar position to Neil Whiting and powered a low volley into the Jets goal, finding Stephen Duce at full stretch, but out of reach and levelling the score to 1-1

The following twenty minutes were to sink the Jets as in the 71st minute the Leverstock attack filled the Jets box with bodies and in the scramble that followed found the ball cross the Jets line, with Leverstock taking the lead at 1-2.

Stamina appeared to fail the Jets as Leverstock pushed forward and the final goal was to be added in the 78th minute with a strike from midfield once again giving Stephen Duce no chance to collect and giving the guests the 1-3 advantage on the night.

Leverstock, a better side and stamina did show in the closing stages.

 

Holdom strikes early
Jets hold on

Jets 1 Hertford Town 0

Spartan Midlands Reserves Division 1
18th August 2007

A start to the Jets season with a home fixture to Hertford Town and the first of three home games to get the season rolling. Great expectations with new young players in the squad and a hope that early fixtures do not bring the usual heavy defeats.

The game was still in a warm up stage when it produced its one and only goal. In the 5th minute a fine run on the left by Chris Witter gave him space to cross the ball to Ian Holdom who took on the defender turning him on the spot and produced a clear shot into the top left corner of the net with the keeper left out of reach. This 1-0 was to stand throughout the remaining eighty-five minutes.

In the 14th minute another left flank attack by the Jets found the Hertford Town keeper advancing out of his area and handling the ball, which produced the one and only choice to the referee the dreaded red card and an out player to take his place. With Hertford down to ten men more goals were envisaged, but none came.

The second half found both sides creating chances, but none were finished although some splendid runs in the centre by Gary Page and Ian Holdom were to find them ended by a Hertford linesman with his flag in a permanent raised position.

The Jets were put under pressure on several occasions, but some fine saves by Stephen Duce ensured that the three points were kept with the home side.