Disappointing Results But Improved Performance
Oxhey Jets 1 Ampthill Town 1
24th August 2024
FA Vase Extra Preliminary Round
Belstone 2 Oxhey Jets 0
26th August 2024
Combined Counties Division One
In the end, disappointing weekend results for Jets, but they can take hope from a strong performance in the FA Vase against a useful Ampthill Town side, unlucky not to win in the 90 minutes before losing on penalties.
Playing their best game of the season so far they matched their Spartan Guests and despite falling behind after a free kick caused a scramble in the box, Jets scored an excellent equaliser when Nugs played in Sean Giordmaina who cut back from the bye line proved undefendable. Owen Ayres was on hand at the back post for his first goal of the season. The second half was mainly Jets and the crossbar then a goal-line clearance denied Jets the deserved win in open play.
Penalties are always a different thing but goalkeeper Lewis Lavin can feel particularly deflated after excellently saving the first three kicks only to watch his teammates have two saved and on the one occasion the visiting keeper went the wrong way the inside of the post saved the day as somehow it came out not in. Lopes and Giordmaina scored but Jets failed on the sixth penalty and the visitors went through, in honesty, you can’t miss four spot kicks and expect to win despite the best efforts of MOM Lewis Lavin with the penalty saves.
The quick turnaround to Monday, a pet hate as family time is ruined by Bank Holiday Monday matches (that gain nothing on the fixture list as no other midweek games) proved costly on the discipline side as Jets looked tired !!
The first half was very even, with chances at both ends, and stronger finishing from Jets could have led to a better result. In the second half, however, Belstone were the stronger side and after Belstone’s opening goal Jets faded away. Rex was Jets star player in goal.
