Jets Strong Again Against Playoff Contenders
Oxhey Jets 2 Westside 2
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
5th April 2025
Jets’ good form and tests against the playoff sides continued with a credible 2-2 Draw against second-placed Westside at the boundary on a sunny but blustery Saturday.
A stunning early goal from Michael Kelly.
Jets were off to a flyer with a superb strike high into the net by Michael Kelly that put the high-flying visitors on Jets alert that today would not be a stroll as the Jets restored some pride after the nightmare March.
Out of contention, Jets role now is helping decide the playoff places with the away win at Yately ending their challenge and last week’s draw with third-place Penn and now testing ourselves against second-placed Westside.
Good finish from George Rice for 2-0
Jets were buzzing, and a tremendous ball from David Lopes sent George Rice clear and the nippy winger cut in and converted calmly 2-0 on the stroke of halftime (2-0 42 mins). Jets had looked dangerous but had some good defending to do with Luke “Nugs” Nugent again having a top game against a very good forward, and when Jets were breached, Lewis Lavin was right on tee.
So many goal-saving interventions from Nugs today.
The second half was end-to-end and an excellent game for the spectators, with the visitors upping their game. Jets were really competing and proving themselves against an outstanding team.
Danny Fowler suffered season-ending torn ankle ligaments.
There was a big loss for Jets as Danny Fowler was taken to Hospital in what was confirmed as triple torn ligaments, sadly ending his season early.
Owen Ayres hits the post with the keeper beaten.
George Rice again was played in on goal but taken down, and Owen Ayres was a coat of paint away from taking the game out of reach, hitting the inside of the post from the free kick.
In the second half, the visitors came back strongly at Jets.
Westside score their first.
The swing was then started with a sound slot by Trevor Webster (73 min) to put the favourites back in the match.
The Jets held firm, and chances at both ends threatened the scoreline. Then, there was heartbreak for the Jets as seven minutes into stoppage, the ball was tamely lost on the halfway line and lumped forward. The bounce was unbelievable, and Kai George sent the bouncing ball towards the net. Despite defenders trying everything, they could not leap high enough to prevent the goal, and the referee blew full time at the restart. 2-2
Disappointing, but a good display again.
The man of the match was easy and unanimous, Nugs, who has been outstanding since his recall to the side.