A Special Day of Remembrance
Report courtesy of Anthony Matthews, Watford Observer
The parents of a solider killed in Afghanistan have expressed their gratitude after taking part in an act of a Remembrance ahead of a special football match honouring two fallen heroes.
A record crowd of 515 spectators watched Oxhey Jets FC face the Royal Navy’s Under-23 side in the Combined Counties League club’s annual Remembrance match which raises money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
The game is held in memory of Private Tom Lake, a former Jets player from Northwood who was killed while serving with the 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales Regiment, in Afghanistan in November 2011.
For the first time, Saturday’s fixture also honoured late Watford serviceman Captain Tom Sawyer, of 29 Commando, who died in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan in January 2009.
Capt. Sawyer’s parents, Sue and Martyn, joined Pte. Lake’s mother, Carol, in laying the first wreaths in memory of their sons and, following the act of Remembrance, were given a moving ovation as they left the pitch.
“Our first experience of taking part in the Tom Lake memorial event was overwhelming but such an honour to be asked to represent our son Tom Sawyer too,” Sue and Martyn said. “From arriving at the ground we were treated with kindness and respect. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.
“One of the things that struck us the most was the respect and warmth of each of the players in the line up as we shook hands. And the young players laying wreaths, nodding in respect and standing straight backed before moving away. It truly showed the meaning of the occasion was felt by all of them.
“The whole service was so moving and meticulously planned. All the supporters in the stands showed the utmost respect throughout.
“Oxhey Jets truly extols the virtues of a family orientated football club where friendliness, respect and care for others is as much a part as the football itself. [Club founder] John Elliott and all of those involved in the running of the club should be very proud.”
The next wreath was laid by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster who said: “I’m tremendously honoured to be asked to come today.
“I met John in the summer, came here to talk about my theme of sport for good and he mentioned this and said perhaps you’d like to come and here I am at the most incredible event. What a club and what a family feel.”
Although the match is not about the result, this was the most competitive Remembrance fixture played so far with Jets winning 3-1 through goals from David Lopes and Archie Sykes, either side of an own goal.
“The reaction I’m getting from everyone else is they think it’s the best one we’ve ever held,” Jets founder and general manager John Elliott said. “I think one of the biggest things was the quality of the team against us. That was a real quality game of football and that was the big difference on the day.
“Obviously the whole day went well with the band on the pitch this time and I thought it was a nice touch they finished with Eye of the Tiger, which is the theme tune for The Princess of Wales regiment and was played at Tom’s funeral.”
This was the first time a band – the Royal Navy Volunteer Band from Northwood Headquarters – had performed prior to the fixture, before piper Colin MacDougal led the official party onto the Boundary Stadium pitch.
A total of 189 participants were involved in the act of Remembrance, led by master of ceremonies Paul Mimpress.
South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra, chair of Three Rivers District Council Cllr Raj Khiroya and Watford FC legend Luther Blissett joined other councillors, the police, football association and league representatives, the match officials, team management and captains and players from Oxhey Jets Youth in also laying wreaths prior to the playing of the Last Post and a two minutes’ silence.
After the Colours and guests had left the pitch, the Garry Beadle Memorial Cup, named after the Jets player who died in 2019, was paraded and entrusted to the Royal Navy in recognition of their involvement in the occasion.
Remembrance Video:
Remembrance Photo Gallery:
Oxhey Jets 3 Royal Navy 1
2nd November 2024
Jets and the Royal Navy put on a high-quality game with plenty of end-to-end action. Both sides played attractive attacking football, pushing the ball to the wings and looking to get in behind the defences.
Jets broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Andre Lopes latched on to a through ball pushed wide, cutting it back in from the goal line with a strong cross that his brother David was waiting for at the far post, who slotted home for 1-0.
The rest of the half was close, and the score remained 1-0 at half-time.
The second half continued similarly, but then Jets got the break to double their lead with an unfortunate own goal by the Navy. 2-0.
Olly Pope almost sealed the match for the Jets a few minutes later when his left-foot shot from outside the right edge of the penalty area clattered against the crossbar.
The Navy, however, then fought back hard. First, they were unlucky to get the ball in the net in a goalmouth scramble, but shortly afterwards, they won a corner, which was fired across the goal area, and in came Dom Burger to forcefully head home.
The Navy came after an equaliser, and from a free-kick floated into the area, Burger again was first to head the ball, heading it across the goalmouth into a group of players, but the Jets were able to deny a clear shot.
Jets then raised their game and put pressure on the Navy goal, finally getting their reward and sealing the win when Archie Sykes headed home from a corner.
The crowd warmly applauded an excellent match and cheered both teams. Jets man of the match was 16-year-old Jonny May, and the Royal Navy’s Man of the Match was their right-back Callum Monaghan.
Match Video:
Match Gallery:
Presentations Photos