Another Edgware Stalemate

Oxhey Jets 0 Edgware Town 0
Spartan South Midlands Premier
18th January 2020

Jets v Edgware seem always to draw and now both meeting this season have gone the same way one on 4G and one on very wet grass.

Both sides had to make changes, so there was an unusual line up for both parties.

The first decisive moments were very early, and it was young Filip Chalupniczak in goal for Jets covering for Matty Evans who made an exceptional double save just a few minutes in to keep Jets on terms.

Jets were more solid at the back today and for the first twenty minutes had the edge. Top scorer Reece Cameron shot just over, Sean Giordmaina was inches out with a glancing head attempt, and the Edgware keeper denied Louis Bircham’s snapshot.

The game was not being dominated by either team. The match edged a little the visitors’ way, but jets were solid, and a Jude Bell returning, and Skipper Tom Gibson made some incredible well-timed tackles under challenging conditions that were the catalyst to save Jets on the day.

Jets lacked severely in the middle today, missing Kerley and Brennan badly and were further hurt losing Leigh Stevens with Hami problems, which gave the visitors the edge on imagination and left the front two very isolated. It was close, competitive and very sensible officials made it an exciting encounter edged just by the visitors.

The second half was similar. Scott Bonner steadied the midfield down a bit defensively, and it stayed a battle with Jets edging on top. The last fifteen minutes were Jets best period, and both Giordmaina and Cameron were denied by excellent saves, and the visitors would have been more pleased to hear the whistle than the hosts.

It was hard, fair and a struggle, two yellows for Jets both from frustrated players chasing back after sloppy give always leaving the official no option but a card, so no complaints.

The Carlsberg man of the match was shared by Skipper Tom Gibson and Jude Bell, but a special mention for a safe and excellent game in goal for Filip.

Jets Reserves had a difficult trip to Hoddesdon reserves and found themselves 2-1 down at half time, Matt Goodman netting. A strong second half performance forced a point thanks to a Tom Kahill penalty, but his joy was short lived getting a second yellow card and sent off.
Jets held out for 2-2 draw

The Vets tasted a rare defeat going down convincingly 4-1 to Stanmore Jefferies at Oxhey playing fields, Paul Danslow getting Jets only goal.

 

Heath Gain Their Revenge

Colney Heath 4 Oxhey Jets 1
Spartan South Midlands Premier
11th January 2020

It was a big ask and five minutes of madness cost Jets at league leaders Colney Heath on Saturday. The leaders would never take this one lightly as Jets inflicted their first defeat of the season on them at the Boundary stadium, but poor defending made sure this one was out of reach quite early.

Jets failed again defending set-pieces, and it took just two minutes to go behind as Heath headed an excellent goal from a half-hearted defended line virtually grounded static.

The response though was superb and instant when Sean Giordmaina hit a magnificent cross pitch ball that was just as exquisitely controlled and played into the box by Jamie Speer which resulted in the keeper flattening Leigh Stevens, and Reece Cameron slotted from the spot 1-1 (4mins)

Let’s settle and contain, nope a minute later 2-1 Colney in what looked a really soft goal, BUT on watching the video, it was a wicked deflection that took it away from Matty so much so it should be an Ash Lewis OG, although I’m sure he won’t fight for that.

Jets within minutes should have had another penalty as under this season’s “laws” it’s handball.

It was strange because possession and attacks were much the same but Jets defending was dreadful at times as they badly missed the presence and organisation of Jude Bell in the centre.

Colney Heath finished them off with two more goals, the fourth being an absolute stunner worthy of any match.
HT 4-1

Tim O’Sullivan was furious and demanding, and in fairness, Jets rallied and played far better up the hill.

No luck though as injuries struck and Nick Kerley was injured and carried off within a minute of going on, a blow for the Jets squad.

Jets had two glorious chances to pull back in the last ten minutes. Top scorer Reece Cameron went through on the keeper, then Sean Giordmaina with a header he would usually bury.

Jets were well beaten today, and they have the consolation of knowing that in a battle of the budgets league they are performing miracles. Also, if anybody does finish above Colney Heath this season, then they will be the champions !!

We said to the Heath committee after the match let’s book a pre-season friendly in now because they are definitely going up.

Out of tune for most defeats in football, let’s make clear the referee was superb, in charge, up with the play, calm and (pen aside 😜) missed nothing.

Jets man of the match was Reece Cameron, as always a serious threat up front for Jets.