Rock Bottom
Wallingford and Crowmarsh 3 Oxhey Jets 1
Cherry Red Combined Counties Premier North
8th October 2022
Just seven days after watching the best Jets performance for a long time, gaining a point against the league leaders Burnham, we had to watch the worst performance I have seen for years. Even at our lowest point last season, with a broken side, the effort was better than today. Only a few starting players came off with much on the day credit, and one of the most senior players on the pitch walked our Man of the Match by a country mile, Tom Inch.
Jets went a goal down in the first minute. That was such bad luck with three lousy deflections from clearances presenting the chance. That’s football, no luck at the bottom.
Jets pushed back and did well on a poor pitch ( same for both sides, no excuses) and deservedly drew level with a superb headed goal by Elijah Sawyers on his first Jets start.
Jets then fell apart and fell behind when four players failed to track a defender’s run and his shot, from an acute angle, then somehow slotted past the keeper.
The turning point was the most incredible penalty I think I have ever seen given at step 5 football. Vass challenged and a Wallingford attacker climbed over him for a header. The attacker fell heavily from the angle of his own attempt and was clearly hurt, but initially play on calls and signals from the referee and no flag from the ultra-busy assistant. Both teams were concerned about the attacker on the ground and play stops. After a long treatment, the game restarts with a penalty to the amazement of all.
The referee explains that, after consulting his assistant, they might have both been wrong, and he was concerned for safety !! Why a penalty? ‘I mixed my words up’ !!
Wallingford converted the spot-kick to make it 3-1 and from that point on Jets were woeful and the official worse, baffling and an understatement on both counts, but no more to say on that except via my MOAS report to the FA which explains everything in detail. Our players have been told loud and clear about their performances.
The oncoming players from the bench did add energy, and the bright spot was 16-year-old Jack Thompson on his debut, who had the only on-target attempt of the second period.
Man of the match Tom Inch – the only nomination.
This is not acceptable.
Match photo gallery: –
Match Highlights Video: –
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