Slow Start Made It Mission Impossible
Oxhey Jets 0 London Lions 4
Cherry Red Combined Counties Premier North
22nd November 2022
Another defeat to London Lions was not totally unexpected as Jets new management start to rebuild a new identity for the team. The two big disappointments, though, will be the continuing goal drought and the costly inexplainable mistakes that shoot Jets in the foot.
Jets due to unavailability had to make changes and the debuts have now started as the new staff start to bring in their new additions, but tonight the task was almost made impossible in just three minutes as two horrific mistakes put them 0-2 in the blink of an eye.
Now remembering two hidings taken early season it looked like worse was to come, but in total credit to the team, they pulled together and responded in all but goals to their high-flying visitors and as disappointing as it is to lose, it was actually our better result against Lions.
Jets suffered a loss when young Henry Dudley was lost to injury early on and such is his personal improvement we talk about a 16yr old in his first season in men’s football being a loss to the team on the night, and it was another 16yr old Jack Thompson looking most likely particularly in the first forty-five to open the door back into the match.
Speaking honestly with the balance of the game I fully expected Jets to pull a goal back and, if not win the game, put pressure on the visitors. New forward Sam Wood went through on goal but just needs the confidence to let rip to get that first goal to spark his arrival.
Right up to mid second half it felt the same a goal would come, but the third goal again from inexplicable errors from players who are better than this led to the slot and killed the match.
Jets staff, knowing the game was up, rotated to look at people knowing and openly admitting that time is up for the squad and surgery is needed over extra time to respond as Jets must start digging out of the hole we are in right now or it will be a mountain to climb.
A big positive was the debut of new signing Tom Kennard who impressed and took the Jets man of the match award. Archie James, an academy prospect from Warren Gladdy’s team was also getting lots of praise for his midfield contribution once introduced, as they slowly bed the youngsters into the squad.
So another defeat and the lack of goals concerning, which prompted the barrage of hints and digs, sarcasm and contacts from people wanting Jets to change the management plans by the club (and by lower league people who are not even in step 5 but feel able to judge step 5 staff and players).
John Elliott, Jets general manager, made clear that improvement was evident and rebuilding was always needed and time to do so was needed. He has no intention of being poked into making sudden or more changes soon. I’m happy with my choice of Tom Inch and Dave Barnes, both ex-players or still playing in Tom’s case and superbly too, who will add both staff and players to their team and rebuild the identity of the Jets as a pathway club within the local area.
Remember in this, our worst period, three players have still gone on to become pro players and one is a u23 international. The league change enforced by the FA has hit us badly just like it did Biggleswade last season, but look at the bounce back and rebuild they have achieved, that is a real boost to Jets to follow the example. Dust ourselves down and start all over again !!
We’ve been there before and, in sport, things change but we’ve picked two Jets people to draw Jets back into Herts and hearts of the community we are part of.
There is no job open or available at Jets. The appointments are done.