Oxhey Jets Presentation Night

23rd June 2007

After what seems to have been months , and actually turned out to be months, the big night finally arrived for the three Jets youth teams …presentation night .

With boys from the under 13’s , under 11’s and our boys , the under 8’s in attendance , with proud mums and dads ,grandparents , managers and supporters waiting for 9.00pm .

The under 8’s started the proceedings with the appearance medals for the boys presented by Andy Dibble and Dave Warwick and compered by the club secretary Dave Green. The under 11’s continued who finished a respectable mid table in yellow division, followed by the under 13’s who finished an excellent 4th in blue division only 6 points from second place.

Individual awards for the under 8’s went to top scorer Alfie Dibble , Star award went to Matthew Pearce , managers player to Joe Baldwin and players player to Harry Warwick.

After the awards ceremony the party started and a great time was had by all especially the bare chested compere who started and finished the dancing for the evening.

All in all a superb night and everyone is now looking forward to the new season ahead, and what it holds in store for all three teams.

 

Jets edged out by league leaders

Oxhey Jets 1 Omonia 2

23rd January

A sunny and fresh morning with a crisp breeze was the setting for what turned out to be a cracking game. Omonia got the game under way and showed why they are top with some smart pass and moves which led to several early shots which keeper Luke was more than equal to. Lukes distribution was from hands was cutting swathes through Omonia and Harvey was showing his strength in midfield holding off challenges and setting "tight boots" Alfie away on 2 occasions who was showing his form of early season again whilst firing an early warning across Omonia's bows. Unfortunately, it was Omonia who broke the deadlock only five minutes in when some hesitant defending let in the home teams striker to slide the ball past the onrushing Luke who, unusually, held his usual bawling back only to unleash it on his defenders.

A massive blow to the Jets was soon to come when a limping Harry Warwick had to be replaced after only ten minutes with an unusable left peg. However Jets galvanised themselves and started to turn it on but could not find their way past a resolute away defence. Oliver and Harvey seemed to have the midfield battle sewn up with some great tackling and passing and Joe and the returning Jason stood up to whatever Omonia threw at them defending as if their lives depended on it. Alas the quick passing and bullish play from the away team led to them stretching the lead on half time to lead 2-0 at the break.

The re-start saw Jai replace Oliver and Matty for Jason. Jai was using his pace to good effect and this seemed to worry Omonia. Harvey carried on where he left off in the first half throwing himself into every challenge with no regard for his own well being, this was mirrored by all around him and soon led to a great goal, Connell took the ball on his own and ghosted past 4 Omonia players before his shot was blocked by the keeper ,but the rebound only fell right onto man of the match Harvey’s right boot who gleefully tucked the ball into the gaping net, 2-1 but with only 2 minutes left.

These minutes seemed to fly by with surge after surge from the Jets with Alfie going close with one shot and Jai with another, but the whistle did eventually blow and it is now 5 games without a win .However Omonia will have nothing but respect in the reverse fixture at their home ground next week and will not be looking forward to another tough game with the mighty Jets…until next week …

Come on you Jets!!!

 

Jets And Dave Snipped at Enfield

Enfield Rangers 2 Oxhey Jets 1

14th January

An uncomfortable trip for Dave and Jets to junction 25 ended in a "seedless" performance, and with Jets being "black balled" in the second half.

With Enfield putting together a few results of late this was always going to be a tough second away trip in a row. Jets started brightly looking to improve and find the "onion bag" after being goalless the previous week. Some good early passing between Joe and Harry set Connell away twice which led to 2 consecutive corners, Alfie latching onto one and Connell the other, both gathered well by the home keeper.

However, a third corner swung in beautifully by Harry fell to Joe 15 yards out after a half clearance, Joe being Joe had no other thoughts but to hammer the ball goal wards with his trusty right peg, the "bruised ball" took a slight deflection on the way and wrong footed the keeper to give the Jets an early and well deserved lead.

Enfield took control for the final 5 minutes of the half and only stout defending from Matty and Joe kept the scores level. when the ref told us two minutes till half time Jets thought a half time lead would follow, however after five of those two minutes Enfield were level, the ball was not cleared well enough and the ball fell to an Enfield player who gleefully stoked the ball home, from the re-start ..guess what ..Yep the whistle blew. half time 1-1.no water for refreshment so it was "Jaffas" all round.

Buoyed by the late goal Enfield took control in the second half and Jets sat back soaking up pressure, not even the oncoming Jai and Liam could turn the tide and with five to go Enfield scored what was to be the eventual the winner and Jets returned south with no points. Thanks must go to the warm welcome the Enfield parents gave us and we look forward to a cup game against them or ,if they stay up another league double next season, we look forward to it…."new balls please"

Come on you Jets !!!

 

Hemel and Jets stuck in the mud

Hemel Athletic 0 Oxhey Jets 0

7th January

After "warming" up for an hour and waiting for a cup game that went to extra time and penalties to finish, the game came very close to being called off during a pitch inspection that us adults could hardly walk in, let alone 7 year olds play any type of decent football in, however both sets of coaches decided it was the same for both teams and we would persevere.

Hemel had been on a bit of a roll recently and would be looking for revenge for the 1-0 reverse last November. In sometimes driving rain the boys from both teams put in all their pent up frustrations of not having kicked a ball in anger for what seemed like 28 days, which in fact was exactly 28 days, and put on quite an entertaining game all things considered, well one thing considered…the pitch.

Hemel did all the early running with their left winger causing our back 2 of Joe and Matty all sorts of problems with his sweet left foot. They had to rely on the help and boundless energy of Harry Warwick to backtrack and dig out several close situations. It seemed right that Dave was concerned that the pitch would affect our passing game ,and so it came to pass …or not as the case may be .Hemel were swarming all over the hapless and leg weary jets and the post came to the Jets rescue twice in the first half with Luke resembling one of the black and white minstrels in goal, he seemed to be camouflaged by the thick layer of mud all over him ,which would have looked a scary sight for any oncoming striker ,which may have helped as the Hemel strikers ran in on goal. Half time approached and Dave made a couple of switches with the “rock”, Jason coming on for Joe and Jai for Liam.

Despite being 2 of the smaller players on the pitch Oli and Harry seemed to be enjoying the game and began to get amongst the Hemel midfielders and made some great energy sapping runs down the flanks ,alas however hard they seemed to cross the ball it just stopped in the mud ,along with the game itself. The match drew to its inevitable conclusion ….a goalless draw but the Jets were the more relieved but would be happy with 4 points out of six from the 2 games especially as Hemel had recently beaten some of the early pacesetters. Both sets of coaches agreed that the boys from both teams gave their all on a very difficult pitch and it made for a quite good game to watch. Next week sees the Jets travel round the north circular to pay a visit to Enfield Rangers who have also hit a bit of form of late, but our boys legs would have muscles on top of muscles after today’s workout and the Rangers should be wary of 7 year olds with legs like Stuart Pearce …..

Come on you Jets

 

Hard fought draw against table toppers A.C

Oxhey Jets 1 AC Finchley 1

10th December

Firstly may I apologise to all my readers, especially Deb Baldwin and the avid readers at Arco, at the lack of reports due to a major breakdown, firstly the computer, then me after weeks of waiting for restore discs, but we are now up and running again as were the Jets after a 2 week break due to the poxy weather.

After the sickening defeat away to Croxley it was back to the boundary stadium to host the unbeaten league leaders A.C Finchley.

Jets kicked off the last game before the xmas break and it seemed like this would be the last time we would have the ball the way A.C started.

Only some timely interventions by back 2 Matty and Jason kept the scores on an even keel. But it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken by the visitors when a very slick passing move led to the A.C striker rippling the net to give the away side a deserved lead.

Jets seemed a little shell shocked from the away defeat to Croxley the fortnight before, plus this early setback today. However Alfie settling into his central midfield role started to get his toe to a few second balls which gave Jets the impetus to get back into the game. Harry and Oli started getting the ball wide and running at the defenders and some telling crosses were taken off the toe of striker Connell several times. Alas all to no avail as the half time whistle blew.

The second half started much the same apart from a few personnel changes with Joe on for Jason and Liam and Jai on for Oli and Alfie.Liam started to do his usual hip swaying shoulder dropping moves which bamboozled some of the A.C midfield.Jai was also getting his winged feet going and made some timely challenges.Jets were starting to motor and A.C were on the back foot all we needed was a goal to finish the good football, but with ten to go it was looking a forlorn effort. However Dave(wenger) Warwick had other ideas and with a move of such tactical genius, gave Connell a rest and brought on Alfie to return to his favourite striking position for the final 5 minutes, and what an inspired decision as Liam won the ball in midfield shimmied past 2 dizzy headed A.C players looked up and threaded the eye of a needle with Alfie the grateful recipient .Old "tight boots" didn’t hesitate and side footed the ball into the corner from all of 15 yards with the visitors keeper rooted. This sparked wild scenes of equalisation among the players and crowd which mingled with the final whistle and a good result and hard fought point.

So with 28 days until our next game, away to Hemel Athletic, it’s off to butlins for xmas and a well earned break until the New Year.

So merry xmas and a happy new year to players, parents and supporters and roll on the 7th of January

 

Come on you Jets!!!

 

Spirited fightback not enough for luckless Jets

Croxley Guild 3 Oxhey Jets 2

19th November

A game of deflections, goalmouth scrambles and free kicks decided this game and most if not all the luck went with the home side.

Jets were thirsty for revenge from a luckless defeat in the Everett tournament in the summer against Guild but were undone with no luck in front of goal and two deflected goals when all the football and attacking again was by the Jets.

Jets started 2 players down, with Jai and Liam struck down with illness, however new signing Harvey Stephenson was on the bench to make up the numbers.

The game started on a sodden and quite small pitch with the Jets immediately wrestling the ball from their opponents, Alfie won the ball in midfield and set Connell away whose shot was deflected for a corner after only 2 minutes, Harry swung the ball into the danger area where Connell connected but the keeper again pushed the ball away for a second consecutive corner kick, this was met on the edge of the area by a sweetly struck Oliver Leeks right foot, only for the ball to creep just wide.

However the home side took the lead when Joe Baldwin scythed down Guild's striker right on the edge of the box and was lucky not to concede a penalty. This did not matter much as the ball was struck well into Luke's domain and via a deflection, wrong footed the best keeper in the league to put the home side 1 up against the run of play.

This seemed to spur Guild into action and only a 30 yard dash from goal to slide tackle the Guild winger from keeper Luke prevented a 2 – 0 deficit.

Jets were unlucky not to level when Harry hit a high 20 yarder which beat all defenders; Connell flicked the ball with his outstretched right boot, only to see the ball spin away from its destination of the home side's net. Jets midfielders were winning most of the ball and some good passes from Alfie and Harry put Connell through several times but all to no avail.

Then the knife was twisted into the Jets belly that bit more when a speculative shot from all of 30 yards took another wicked deflection off of the luckless Joe and again wrong footed Luke, which gave way for more of Luke's histrionics and bawling which had to be shouted out of him. 2-0 down and we hadn't really put a foot wrong.

At half time Harvey made his bow replacing Oli, plus Matty for Jason at the back.

Harvey instantly made his mark with 3 telling interceptions in the space of 2 minutes, despite his head seeming to spin off his head from the "advice" he was getting from all angles from proud dad, his mate and 1 coach on the right side of midfield. So all looked good until 2 minutes into the second half when yet another massive deflection in midfield sent away Guild's striker to guide the ball into the corner to leave the Jets players, managers and supporters stunned.

Time for sleeves to be rolled up and start earning some luck we so deserved, and this is precisely what happened, Harry picked the ball up and fed Alfie who slipped in Connell, his shot was blocked and the ball ran into open space on the edge of the box, and who was there to ram it past the home keeper, yes debut boy Harvey who danced what looked like a Geordie jig. Aye he shall have the fishy….3-1.

Now sleeves were almost turned into roll necks they were so far up arms ,and a long throw from Alfie was trapped by Harry, his turn and cross was knocked out only to Joe, and it was written all over his red puffed up face, I'm gonna smash this, which he did from fully 25 yards, the luck again seemed against us as the ball seemed to cross the line after hitting the bar and post at about 150 mph bounced down were Connell and Alfie fought over poking the ball home, Nobody could decide who got the goal but most people think Joe's original shot went in, 3-2 and we were 'avvin it.

But alas all the possession, shots, and desire was not quite enough and the whistle went to end a completely luckless affair for the Jets, how we got nowt from that no one will know.

We are away to an unbeaten Omonia next Sunday which will be a hard test, but going by the heart and desire the boys showed today it;s Omonia who should worry…..

COME ON YOU JETS!!

 

Classy Jets pass their way to Victory

Oxhey Jets 1 Hemel Athletic 0

12th November

Most of these players will probably not get to play on a pitch like Arsenals or Chelsea or even Wembley (if its ever finished), but they can say they played on the Boundary Way pitch today, which had the look of a groundsmen tended pitch, lush green perfectly manicured grass with stripes, and glaring white lines, what a pitch to try and pass the ball about on, and that’s what both teams did ,but especially the Jets.

After an almost perfectly observed minutes silence, yes that's you LIAM, Hemel kicked off and the ball was immediately seized upon by Alfie starting in his new central midfield role wrestling the ball and releasing Connell whose instant shot was deflected for a corner after only 1 minute, Harry swept the ball in with a wonderfully flighted strike in at the near post which Connell just put past the post via a deflection and another corner, which had deadly delivery, with Connell again getting in first and putting the ball just wide.

Compared to last weeks postage stamp pitch our home turf encouraged our passing game to its full extent with some great interchanging between Alfie, Harry and Joe who had replaced the injured Matty after only 5 minutes with a knock to the face. This exquisite passing and equally bruising determination makes the Jets a formidable team to play and Hemel couldn't quite cope with either.

Both these qualities led to the opening, and eventually winning goal. Alfie won the ball in the middle and fed Connell whose shot was deflected for a corner, Harry again put deadly whip on the ball and there was Connell with the flick which crashed into the roof of the net, 1-0 Jets. Harry was unlucky not long after with a good shot which was blocked, Alfie picked up the rebound and delivered a teasing cross but Connell could only flick the ball off the top of his craning neck and head. The half time whistle followed soon after.

Liam, Oliver and the returning Matty replaced Connell, Jai and Jason, with Alfie slipping into the strikers' role,

The first half followed the same pattern but with Joe coming more and more into the game picking up all the scraps and playing some nice one-twos with Harry. One of these worked an opportunity for Alfie but the strikers shot was again blocked and led to Jets 7th corner of the match, Joe floated this one over but to no avail as the ball fell to Hemel who broke well and stretched the Jets defence for only the second or third time, but there was Luke still to deal with, and he dealt with anything thrown at him with consummate ease, with perfect timing, coming and smothering or with his first time kicking.

Joe started to showboat with a shimmy or two gathering confidence which was spreading through the team like wild-fire. Connell replaced the tired legs of the effervescent Alfie with ten to go who deserved his rest and these seven players saw out the final ten with no major worries. Everyone played their part in what could have been a larger scoreline, and the developing skills and maturity of all the players is there to see which is great from a coaching point of view, most importantly of all the boys look like they are enjoying every minute ,which is what it's all about.

Next week sees us travel to Croxley Guild to see if we can avenge the sickening last minute defeat they inflicted on us in the Everett 5-a-side tournament last summer, they are plum bottom of the league having only played two games losing to the top two teams who we haven't played yet, so should be interesting see you there………

COME ON YOU JETS!!!

 

 

Post denies Jets last second winner

Nascot Wood Rangers 2 Oxhey Jets 2

5th November

The width of a post denied goalkeeper Luke Marshall a goal from a kick from hands in the last second of a tight game and an even tighter pitch.

With the scores level at 2 each Luke launched a trademark long kick from hands which bounced over the home keeper, hit the post, the rebound wrong footed the advancing Alfie, the ball then partly but not wholly crossed the line, before the keeper eventually grabbed the ball into his grateful arms. Before he could kick the ball the final whistle blew bringing the curtain down on what was the classic game of 2 halves.

On what must have been a barely legal postage stamp of a pitch, Jets started well enough, though the "small" pitch hindered the slick passing that shone through so well last week, but it was the home team who took the lead when a strangely subdued Jets let the ball through to the home striker who toe poked the ball towards goal, which slipped under Lukes hands and into the net. In the process our keeper hurt his thumb but after the tears were wiped away and water applied he carried on fearlessly as usual.

This goal against the run of play woke the Jets slightly and though cramped, started to play a little.

The equaliser was astonishing and a little freaky and we are still wondering how Connell, who never gave up the lost cause as the defender tried to block the ball off and see it out for a goal kick, wrapped his leg around the defender, poked his foot at the ball which WAS on the byline, the ball then somehow ran along the line and ended up in the net ….unbelievable…1 – 1.

This was soon to be a case of 1- 0 down ,2-1 up as Connell latched on to a bouncing ball half connected with it and the ball squirmed through the keepers hands to put the Jets ahead at half time.

At the restart Alfie replaced Liam, Jason for Matty and Jai for Oliver, with Connell slipping back into central midfield and Alfie ploughing, what turned out to be a lone furrow upfront as the Jets were on the back foot for most of the second half.

Desperate defending for the first 10 mins of the 20 minute second half kept the Jets goal intact, plus some great closing down from Luke in goal, but the scores were made even in a one on one with the Hawks striker finding the bottom corner of the net with a mature finish.

Jets were reduced to chasing long kicks from Luke some of which Alfie held up well and other times was frustrated as the ball soared over his, and everyone else's heads.

One particular chase saw Alfie do well to flick the ball goalwards with the outside of his boot with not quite enough elevation to lob the keeper. The rest of the game was a scrappy affair until Luke's last second 50 yard effort on goal.

Four points from a possible six, from one away and one home game is not a bad start and the Jets will look for a home win on Sunday against Hemel Athletic who have won one and lost one…see you Sunday for an eleven o'clock kick off

Come on you Jets!!!

 

Connell double seals victory

Oxhey Jets 3 Enfield Rangers 1

29th October

What a game, what an attendance and what a performance this was.

50 plus mums, dads, grandads, grandmas, sisters and brothers turned out to watch what was probably the best performance in this teams 18 months together.

Enfield brought a large squad of around 13 players to choose from and the signs were ominous at the size of some of them, but size means nowt when you have a team that battle and play for each other like the Jets did on this fresh and sunny Sunday morning.

The match started quite evenly with both sides keeping the ball quite well for the first 5 or 10 minutes and some 50-50 balls not being held back in the tackle. Jets started to up the pressure with Connell and Harry contesting some great battles in midfield against their larger opponents ,but both usually coming out on top. Any threats to the Jets goal were dealt with superbly at the back by Jason and Matty as well as some brave keeping by Luke diving into several one on ones head first and coming up smiling and shouting at his ear bashed defenders and midfielders should they have lapsed in concentration in any way.

The deadlock was broken when a throw from Harry soared straight over 2 static defenders into the path of Alfie whose first swipe at the ball endangered heads more than balls, but he composed himself to be first to the ball and bury the ball into the Enfield net, 1-0 Jets.

This gave the Jets confidence to start using the ball well, working the ball out wide to Liam and Harry on the flanks whose crosses and passes into the danger zone were causing all sorts of problems for the away defence.

Some excellent corners from Harry and Joe were also unsettling Enfield, one of which curled in beautifully to Alfie whose slight connection saw the ball fizz just past the post. However Enfield were always in the game and a second offence by Luke bringing the ball outside the box in his hands led to an unstoppable free kick levelling the scores right on half time.

With the sun behind, Jets keeper Luke could now see the line of the penalty area and his long kicks were being sublimely brought down under control by the half time replacements for Alfie and Liam, Jai and Oliver. Joe also gave Jason a well earned rest in the back 2. Connell slipped into Alfies position up front and looked at home immediately hustling and bustling the ball away from the Enfield players, one of these instances saw him win the ball on the left, looking up he spotted Oliver in space, and laid off a great ball in between 2 of Enfield's midfielders, Oliver returned the ball for Connell to collect on the run, his cross was met by the perfectly timed run of Oliver whose shot first time was well saved, "just like watching Brazil".

Jets went ahead after a typically strong tackle from Harry ,winning the ball and feeding Connell whose shot was gathered but then spilt by the keeper, Connell slid in to flick the ball home whilst prone on the floor, brilliant, 2-1 Jets.

Five minutes later and Connell had his fifth of the season, relieving a defender of the ball, surging into the box and sending an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net, 3-1, this was to be Enfield's final nail in the coffin and full time brought cheers and applause from both supporters for what was a brilliant and highly entertaining game. Once again the immaculate defending and superbly timed tackles of Matty won him another man of the match award, but in truth if we had ten trophies, all the boys would have got one each for their endeavours.

Next week sees us travel to Woodside for a ten o ’clock kick off against Nascot Wood Hawks, lets see if the Jets can soar higher than the Hawks…

Come on you Jets !!!

 

Jets cut through Wood

Oxhey Jets Yellows 5 Hadley Rangers 0

22nd October

Two goals from m.o.m midfielder Connell Russell and one each from Alfie Dibble, Oliver Leeks and Liam Crawford saw off Hadley in a one sided game at an overcast, grey Boundary Way Stadium.

Jets shuffled their starting line up in the knowledge they had already finished third in the qualifying table, with Jai Lafferty coming in for his first start, replacing Oliver Leeks and Liam replacing Harry Warwick.

Hadley kicked off but soon lost the ball to an uncompromising tackle from Connell. Jets kept the ball well until the ball popped up to Liam 25 yards out and on the half volley hit what seemed an easy gather for the away keeper until unfortunately the ball squirmed between the keepers hands first then legs and trickled over the line. Liam typically exuberant with his celebration just turned and walked back to his position for the restart until he was mobbed by his team mates, 1 – 0 Jets.

From then on it was all pretty much one way traffic with attack after attack on the worried looking Rangers keepers' goal. It wasn’t long before the ball was in the back of the onion bag again, speedster Jai knocked the ball past 2 Hadley players, used his pace to fly past them, he then calmly looked up and saw Alfie free on the left and with a slide rule pass set the striker on goal who cracked in a superb right foot shot across the keeper and into the top left hand corner and 2 – 0 after 10 minutes.

Not long after, a long throw from centre back Joe Baldwin found Connell in the box who finished with aplomb from 5 yards with no defenders within sight, 3 – 0.

Just before half time and the Duracell powered legs of Connell got him into the box where he was picked out by Alfie, Connells first shot was blocked by the keeper only for it to fall again at Connell’s feet who buried the gift hard and low into the corner, 4 – 0 and half time.

Three changes ensued for the restart Harry,Matty and Oli replacing Alfie,Jai and the under worked but still commanding Jason.

Hadley came out looking refreshed and hungry to score in particular their number 6 who was probably their best player on the day.

Luke in goal was probably wishing for a few shots to warm his hands on and Hadley duly obliged with some decent breaks and some on target shots, one in particular Luke had to scramble to his left to beat out a shot for Hadley's first corner, which was dealt with well by good awareness from Joe and Matty. Harry was starting to make his mark with trademark tackles and mazy runs, one of these snake like runs set Connell away down the left side of the box, he evaded 1 tackle looked up and spotted the unmarked Oliver on the penalty spot, whose first time shot nearly took Liam's head off before rocketing into the top left hand corner and 5 – 0 to the Jets. Alfie,Jai and Jason returned for the 3 amigos of Connell, Liam and Joe. These seven players saw out the remaining 10 minutes with little trouble and a good solid performance from the Jets.

So, played 5, won 3 and lost 2, with a positive goal difference left the Jets in a clear third place and into division 2 of 4 leagues and 14 games to look forward to through the cold, or supposedly cold winter, details of these games can be found in the fixtures tab, look forward to seeing all our parents and supporters for the real thing this Sunday and pit our skills against 7 reasonably equal teams…

COME ON YOU JETS !!!

 

Warwick Stunner edges out AC

A.C. Finchley 2 Oxhey Jets Yellows 3

15th October

A superb dead ball rocket by Harry Warwick set Jets on their way to what should be a third place finish in the divisional table ,barring a Hereford vs Newcastle type upset next week against whipping boys Hadley Rangers.

Jets went into this game confident of a win taking into account previous results between the other 4 teams, but it turned into a closer affair than expected.

The match started as expected with Jets instantly shooting within 1 minute of the kick off through striker Alfie Dibble, which the home keeper parried for an early corner. Harry whipped in the corner which was put behind for a second corner which was hacked clear by the home defence. A lovely triangular passing move between Alfie and Connell culminated with a shot first time from Harry which was again put behind for a corner which eventually came to nothing, but the Jets were firing on all cylinders and surely the deadlock would soon be broken. and how it was broken, a handball on the far corner of the box resulted in Harry Warwick unleashing an unstoppable left foot curler into the far corner of the net with the home keeper rooted to the spot, 1-0 Jets.

Finchley started to get their act together, but the reunited back 2 partnership of Matty Pearce and Jason Hassett saw off any threats comfortably. Luke Marshall in goal was not to be hindered by his QE2 size new boots with enough growing room to take him up to his 18th birthday, and launched a long kick from hands which was brought under control well by Oliver Leeks on the left flank, he in turn fed the ball to the constant running Connell who was half tackled by a defender, the ball ran to Harry who poked the ball through a picket of legs were the keeper tried but failed to stop the ball fully crossing the line with Harry’s and the Jets second of the game.

Jets thought this was the time to relax but were caught out by a long punt forward which bounced over all our defenders and the home striker controlled the ball well and wrong footed the keeper well with the outside of his boot to bring the score back to 2-1, almost on half time which was blown for just after.

The now legible Liam replaced Connell, Joe for Matty  and Oliver for Jai at the restart but Jets were soon on the backfoot with Finchley's number 8 making some effective runs down the left which resulted in a few shots on target well gathered by Luke in goal. The team of Dave AND Andy were slightly worried that uphill, the Jets may struggle, but in fact quite the opposite with Liam showing his excellent first touch and passing range setting Alfie off through the static home defence, his shot was hard and true but struck at the keepers legs and deflected for a corner on the right, Joe flighted one of his superb corners over which nobody could connect with until a home defender put the ball out for a throw. Harry took the throw which eluded the home back 2 and bounced up high to Liam who flicked the ball with the outside of his deft right boot and made the score 3-1 and all looked well.

But the home team were not finished and they scored 5 minutes before time to make the last throws of the game a little tense for everyone, but the lads held out for a well deserved but narrow win.

Next week sees us entertain Hadley Wood at home with an 11.00am kick off, should be a goal fest for anyone interested, and should see the Jets finish third in the table which will decide which league we enter, then the real fun starts and a long winters season ….can't wait !!!

Come on you Jets!!!

 

Scare for Wanderers but defeat for Jets

Whetstone Wanderers vs Oxhey Jets Yellows

8th October

All the build up to this game was about how many Wanderers would put past the Jets, with 25 goals for and none against in 2 games, but this was in the Wanderers camp, not the Jets, who knew we would give our all and would be a pushover for no team put in front of us.

Jets kicked off against a steep hill and immediately surprised their opponents X5  driving parents with an early attack when Harry fed Alfie ,his turn and shot was on target ,but gathered by the home keeper. Yes we weren't here just to make up the numbers.

This stirred the home side into using their good passing and excellent first touches to create several corners, one of these corners resulted in the ball pinging back along behind our defence to a Wanderer who turned to celebrate a goal after dragging the ball back from a tight angle to surely put the home side one up, but there was our keeper Luke to stick a foot out and keep the scores 0–0.

Jets then broke up field and Connell was brought down with an unfair push resulting in a direct free kick just outside the box, Joe struck the ball true and hard but just over the bar. Wanderers must have been thinking, blimey we might have to work to win this game. A few more shots from the Jets followed, one especially good half chance fell to Oliver Leeks whose shot was unconvincingly dealt with by the home keeper. Ten minutes gone and the scores were still level and the possession was pretty much the same.

Wanderers then realised they would have to use some gears they had not used in their previous 2 games and they would have to skip the low gears and go straight into the higher ones, when they did this the deadlock was broken, albeit from a deflection which sat nicely for the striker to ram home on 12 minutes.

This gave them the initiative they wanted and scored again on fifteen minutes, none of which Luke could do anything about.

After the restart, a typical long kick from hands from Luke bounced over the home defence and was latched onto by Alfie Dibble, with still a little work to do Alfie held off his marker and struck the ball well along the ground and on target, the home keeper must have wondered what this strange spherical object was coming towards him that he had seen several times in this game, this indecision about what the white sphere was allowed him to let the ball settle comfortably in the oblong shaped netted thingy being him, yes son you have conceded what is called a goal, making the score 2–1 ,and Alfie initiated into the exclusive "I scored against Whetstone Wanderers club". In all honesty we could and maybe should have scored more, but the opposition's organisation was exceptional along with their heading ability as Luke peppered their goal with long kicks. Jai replaced Oli and Jason replaced Joe at the back, unfortunately one of Jason’s first tackles was punished inside the box with our second penalty conceded this season, the resulting spot kick was powered home into the top corner ,this led to half time with the game quite evenly poised, despite the 3-1 score line. More of the same endeavour and heart was asked for by Dave and Andy at half time as we were by no means out of this game.

Wanderers kicked off and immediately the tiger tackling of Harry and Connell thwarted several moves, anything that did get past them was tackled, cleared, shepherded, or blocked by the outstanding Matty Pearce at the back who was letting everyone know he was there and was a force to be reckoned with.

Although facing the hill, Wanderers just played the ball along the ground and worked their positions well and this led to two quick goals, as the fresh legs of the Wanderers subs danced through some tiring Jets legs. Ten minutes into the second half and the Jets still kept getting the ball forward quickly to Alfie who was working his socks off for the cause, a neat passing move between Alfie and Harry beat the static home defence and left Harry with a good shooting opportunity which just passed the post.

Again the Jets were going about their game brilliantly stopping several moves with good tackling and winning the second ball. Alas, two more of the Wanderers moves could not be stopped and the ball ended up nestling into the Jets net twice more before full time. A mention has to go to the excellent referee who was fair and made some good decisions, but most of the praise had to go to the Jets who made everyone proud with their effort and energy.

No disgrace to lose to a team who will wipe the floor with most other teams, but not the Jets ,we are made of steel and it showed today, well done….next week away to A.C Finchley Select….who will need to select a good side to get anything from a Jets side looking to bounce back…..

Come on you Jets!!!

 

Jets de-claw Cougars

Oxhey Jets Yellows vs Cassiobury Cougars

1st October

After our first games defeat at Harvesters, it was time to welcome Cassiobury Cougars to fortress Jets for our first home match in our second divisional group game.

With Liam Crawford still illeligible and our soon to be new signing Harvey Stephenson watching on, captain for the day and goalkeeper Luke Marshall won the toss and changed ends to kick with the prevailing wind. Just one change from last week with Joe stepping in at centre back for Jason and Connell starting in midfield for the first time.

Things started brightly for the home side with a long goal kick from Luke evading the Cougars midfield and defence, setting Alfie free whose first time shot was held well by the away keeper.

Alas, the next time their keeper would touch the ball he place kicked the ball upfield with a helping flick from a Cougars midfielder, the ball sat up on the bounce, centre back Joe had pushed up, and with shouts of "hit it" from the sidelines, he duly did, the moment it left his powerful right foot everyone could see where it was ending up, from fully 25 yards the ball cannoned down off the bar and behind the line. 1-0 after only 4 minutes.

The away team were stunned into….well not a lot really as wave after wave of attacks from the rejuvenated Jets swarmed the Cougars penalty area ,notably a run down the right wing by Oliver Leeks as he sent a lovely cross over, which the keeper parried well, just pushing the ball away from the onrushing Alfie.

But last years top scorer was not to be denied, on seven minutes Oliver again cut the ball across the static cougars defence for Alfie to sidefoot home his first of the season from 5 yards ,2-0 .

This was a different Jets team from last week, passing, moving, straight from the training ground, eh Dave!

Oliver, Harry and Connell were running the midfield, especially the super tackling Connell, and it was a passing combination of these three, that led to a final pass to Alfie who slipped the ball just past the post. Just before half time Harry picked up the ball ,drifted past two defenders ,then unleashed a venomous drive which just cleared the bar,half time 2-0.

At the resumption, Jason replaced the hard working Matty in defence. And soon the onslaught continued, but not until the Cougars had rallied and won a free kick on the edge of the Jets area .The ball was struck so sweetly and was arrowing towards the top corner until Luke leaped like the proverbial salmon and at full stretch, palmed the ball around the post to everyone’s amazement, especially the away teams supporters, who sportingly clapped the in-form keeper for what was a spectacular save.

This seemed to spur the Jets on even more, with three consecutive corners, the third of which was headed just over by Connell.

Jai Lafferty replaced the tiring Oliver, who had run himself into the ground, and it wasn’t long before Jai made his mark Harry worked the ball out wide, Connell drifted past a defender and shot, the ball spooned up and fell to the grateful Jai, who made no mistake from three yards, 3-0 Jets .

Confidence was high and the Jets started to move the ball even better, but this was thwarted as the Cougars started to get their game together, and several runs were stopped by the rock Jason, one of these no-nonsense tackles led to a free kick for the opposition on the corner of our box. This was struck even harder than the last, but nothing was going to get past Luke and he gathered the ball into his midriff with unerring ease for such a powerful shot.

Luke's long kicking from hands was catching the away defence out time and time again with them not reading the bounces, one of these monster kicks fed Jai who in turn fed Harry, his cross was met at the far post, where a grateful Alfie notched his second of the game from barely a yard, the hat-trick was on and a chance of getting the Dr Who Tardis that the tall striker so craved, if he did.

Alas, his dream was crushed, when Dave hauled him off for Connell for the final few minutes, where the Jets saw off these minutes to claim a very impressive 4-0 victory, and look forward to a tough clash away at Whetstone Wanderers next Sunday at 10.00am, but on this performance anything can happen

COME ON YOU JETS!!!

 

Jets battle hard against Harvesters

Harvesters vs Oxhey Jets Yellows

24th September

After 3 long months of waiting it finally arrived…yes the ryder cup…sorry, I mean after a season of friendly games the real under 8's matches start with an away trip to Harvesters in our group D divisional group.

5 games, the results of which determine which league we enter.

The early morning rain had subsided and given way to a glorious Indian summer's afternoon with a 2.00pm kick off.

Things didn't start too well, as in the warm up goalkeeper Luke Marshall sustained a finger injury, but not severe enough to keep the dogged keeper from starting after the old magic sponge and a bit of strapping was applied.

The game kicked off with a capacity crowd of around 40 on the sidelines, but things did not start well for the Jets who after some early pressure succumbed to a sucker punch with the defence drawn towards the ball, which was slipped to the Harvesters number 4, who made no mistake from inside the box tucking the ball into the far corner on 4 minutes…oh dear.

But much to manager and coaches delight Jets kicked off from the restart to force a corner, Joe Baldwin delivered the ball which fell to Oliver Leeks who gave way to Alfie Dibble whose shot was turned wide, this led to 2 more consecutive corners which eventually came to nothing, but the Jets were on the offensive.

Harvesters surprised everyone with their slick passing, and a few of these moves were broken down by 2 great blocks by Jason Hassett at the back and some equally good tackling by his defensive partner Matty Pearce.

The game was looking like a midfield battle with Joe Baldwin not leaving a blade of grass uncovered with his running and tackling, one particular tough tackle left Joe flying through the air and landing on his ribs, but the boy is made of iron and soon stood back up to re-join the fray.

Soon after, a tough tackle from Matty was penalised by the 12 year old ref with a Harvesters free kick just outside the box. Harvesters left footed midfielder had no other intention but to strike the ball straight as an arrow into the top left hand corner with unerring accuracy……and unfortunately ,that’s exactly what he did, 2-0.

Just before half time some lovely interchanging of passes between Harry Warwick and eventual man of the match Joe, led to the ball at Alfie's feet whose shot was beaten away for a corner, which eventually led to a goal kick and half time.

The resumption saw new boy Connell Russell make his bow for Oliver in the centre of midfield. Alas this could do nothing to stop the "referee" awarding the home side a dubious penalty. the afore mentioned left footed Harvesters midfielder stepped up to crash the penalty goalward, but he did not reckon on the outstanding Luke in goal parrying the penalty, this was followed up and struck towards goal again, but Luke made it a stunning double save, the ball then ping-ponged around the area until an unfortunate knee from Jason saw the ball trickle into the net. 3-0 and very bad luck on Luke in goal and Jason.

Harvesters were starting to showboat a bit and this led to a few one on ones for Alfie with their keeper ,the last just passing the outside of the far post. Harry Warwick then had to be replaced due to major blisters (more new boots Dave!) and was replaced by the fleet footed Jai.

Harvesters then peppered the Jets goal for around 5 or 6 minutes ,all resulting in fine and brave saves by the Jets keeper, but once again luck was on the side of the home team, as a full diving save from Luke popped up and landed on his back and rolled into the net. 4-0

From the restart Jets won a corner which again was executed well by Joe and led to a mêlée in the box, the ball fell to the usual deadly Alfie, who feigned to shoot but fed the ball to debutant Connell who buried the ball past the home keeper. full time was blown soon after. No disgrace because the desire and passion was there in abundance ,but we all fear for Cassiobury Cougars at Boundary Way stadium next Sunday for an 11.00am kick off when the Jets will look to shake the cobwebs off and de-claw the cougars.

Come on you Jets !