PFC Victoria 2 Oxhey Jets 1

Jets put on a really good display away at PFC Victoria, who sit comfortably near the top of the table, seeking a consecutive promotion.

Victoria are an excellent, strong team, and again Jets’ quest for points in this game was thwarted by their former goalkeeper, Filip Chalupniczak, who was again faultless and held Jets at bay during their strong periods in this evenly balanced match.

Jets were disappointed with the defending on the opener when Adam Dougi prodded home in a scramble after a tremendous shot had clattered the crossbar, and the defence froze and failed to respond to clear the danger. 1-0 (16 mins)

Jets changed the tactics and responded superbly and took the game to the hosts on the brand new Astro, and it was quite a battle with David Lopes continually winning the midfield battle and playing Jets forward, and the massive chance fell to Owen Ayres, centre of goal and to the horror of all, he slotted wide of the post.

The threat from Jets came from Paulie Portes-Schuster, who was running at the defender and supplying the cross balls, pushing Victoria’s defence. But Jets stayed one down at the break.

The second half started superbly when, just two minutes after the restart, Mr Reliable in the goal-scoring Jamie Doolan deftly headed the ball past the former football league keeper and levelled the game. 1-1 (47 min)

It was an excellent match end to end, and the young Jets side, who are now starting to look better and better, were in it all the way.

The losing goal was sloppy and costly. In what was ultimately the winner for Victoria, Jets had a throw-in in the opponent’s half, and with Jets players upfield, the throw went straight to an opponent who instantly played forward. Jets were caught off guard, were wide open and were punished fully by Adam Dougi for his brace. A sloppy way to go down. 2-1 (68 min)

Jets again raised their game, and every clock run-down tactic was used by Victoria as Jets streamed forward.

Joseph Brown was now causing problems for them on the opposite wing to Paulie, and Jets were doing everything except level. Twice Brown was denied clear breaks by dreadful assistant’s flags, caught watching the game, not the line !!

Two massive stoppage-time chances came, and somehow passed one: a header from Liam Osborne had Jets supporters up, yelling yee-es, but it was just wide with the keeper beaten, and it was just not to be today.

Players gave their best today, and the feeling was disappointment at points lost, not the disputed goal or bad decision, just Lady Luck and not quite finishing chances. The bottom line was that Jets got punished for their mistakes twice, and it cost them the game. It was a hard lesson when Jets deserved more from their efforts.

Man of the match went to Olly Pope; both his defensive and attacking play were imaginative and effective.