Jets Fall To Late Goal
Harefield Utd 1 Oxhey Jets 0
Cherry Red Combined Counties Premier North
19th November 2022
Jets need a break, but not the sort that keeps ripping into them. Having lost five players to the hospital since September the last thing Jets needed was another one, but a returning strong player added to Jets squad just a week ago, Darryl Samuels Brown was withdrawn after just fifteen minutes.
More bad news! Darryl sent to hospital and found to have a fractured fibula.
A hospital visit confirmed a broken fibula, another massive blow to Jets and the lad also.
Jets who were leaking multiple goals are getting tighter in defence as things change but unfortunately suffered single-goal defeats in the last two matches.
Jets made changes looking for that formula and although a decent first half they were totally grateful to Lewis Lavin in goal for staying on terms with their most local rivals.
Lewis Lavin on top form in the Jets goal.
Lewis made save after save to hold Harefield at bay, one an incredible save whilst seemingly going the wrong way, a man-of-the-match game for the youngster.
Early chance for Jets
Sam Wood made his Jets debut, but had to work hard alone up front as the solitary striker.
It was not all one way and a golden chance in the first half fell to debutant Sam Wood who went and weaved a way through but could not get the ball out from his feet to get that lead and debut goal every striker dreams of.
Another good save from Lewis
In honesty Jets let themselves down in the second half, and it was one-way traffic, seemingly a two seconds delay in reaction time to everything Hares did. Only the solid defending and the goal-keeping display held things firm ,and with twelve to go it looked like a 0-0 and an excellent point.
Jets have the habit of shooting themselves in the foot, and they did it again with a suicidal back pass straight to the grateful Harefield forward who gleefully took the golden goal gift and points.
16 years old Henry Dudley was a big positive for Jets today.
Jets actually came to life and came out to play whilst not looking dangerous. Young Henry Dudley was, at just sixteen, showing his worth in midfield, but it was another 16-year-old Jack Thompson who laid on Jets’ best chance of the match, incredibly returning from his hospital visits last weekend. Jack’s cross minutes from time looked destined for the net via Sam Wood’s head, but the striker headed over and for Jets today it was game over.
Late chance to grab a point but Sam’s header goes over the bar.
This is a skilful young side. The fact we can talk about an 18yr old keeper and two 16yr old standing out is a pointer to the young side’s potential but right now some experience and fast learning are needed, stop looking for glory balls and play simply then the match-costing errors will stop.
Dave Barnes and Tom Inch made clear today that chances are running out and changes will need to be made in various ways, but they won’t shirk the decisions, but also just a bit of luck on the hospital news for a few weeks would be good. It’s so bad I’m surprised we’re not getting the blame for the NHS pressures. ?
Man of the match today only warrants one nomination, goalkeeper Lewis Lavin, but a special mention for Henry Dudley as the best pitch player.
Match Photo Gallery :-
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