Jets Determination Brings Them Safety
Jets continued their improved form on the road today and earned the 1-2 win, giving St Margaretsbury their first defeat in seven games, that confirmed and earned their Premier League Status.
Jets in the sunshine were the brighter side at the start and there were, at times, good passing movements on the difficult dry pitch.
Ian Hurst (right) puts Jets into the lead on 31 mins
Jets grabbed the lead after two good saves by the home keeper had denied Chris Blunden, when a dribbling run by Ian Hurst was finished with a low shot past the keeper, to the delight of the forward whose judgement was in doubt before that after getting engaged this week !! Seriously, congrats to both but any pre-nuptials contract must include time off and allowed out for football! 0-1 (31 mins)
Jets built on their possession but, in honesty, neither side carved chances in the must-win game for both that was excellently refereed.
Half time St Margaretsbury 0 Jets 1
The second period started much the same but then a big decision swung the match against the visitors and made for an exciting but very nervy finish.
Andy Amoah brought down from behind
Andrew Amoah who, along with skipper Scott Pugsley, only made the game with seconds to spare after breaking down in Scotts dad’s car when his water pump blew, went gushing down the pitch and into the penalty area, then while one-on-one with the keeper he was taken down, in fairness to the referee it looked some contact on the ball BUT from behind all the same and the referee called the play on (the player admitted moments later he got none of the ball).
A well worked free-kick brings St Margaretsbury level
Then, from the break upfield, Jets committed the foul that led to the equaliser. Clearly a well planned and superbly worked free-kick was played wide and the blind run met and executed perfectly 1-1 ( 54 mins).
Rob Partington made a great save from this goal bound header
Now it was ‘Bury doing all the attacking and Jets crumbled a little giving the ball away more easily. It looked as Jets were going behind when a bullet header was goal bound but a brilliant save by Jets Rob Partington denied high in the corner.
Partington again to the rescue
Moments later a double save denied the home side again before another brave save at the feet denied once more, but it must be said the rebound fell straight back to the forward who missed the goal completely.
Jets then countered and it was end to end and as the clock struck ninety and with the score coming from Colney Heath that they led London Tigers Jets knew that the draw would get them to the safety line.
It’s in the net! Jets win from a 90th minute own goal
Chris Blunden worked his socks off to win the ball back for the decisive cross
It was to finish better still for Jets. Chris Blunden worked and worked to win back a lost cause in the corner and hammered a wicked cross into the centre and the keeper just got the touch to keep it out but he pushed it back into the incoming defender and it deflected into the net. Jets went wild and the whistle ended the contest and, for Jets, the worries are over.
Jets Man of the Match Ian Hurst
Jets man of the match and the Carlsberg prize and bottle of the good stuff went to Ian Hurst who can use the bottle to celebrate or commiserate his proposal, but rumour has it he needed a few green bottles to pluck up the courage to pop the question, so in closing if Carlsberg did calendars, this was probably a good week for Ian…..
It was a very good day for Jets all round with the reserves beating Holmer Green reserves at home 3-1 (goals from Yonas, Eady and an opening OG).
The result of the day and pride of place goes to Jets Vets who beat big league rivals Harpenden Engineers 4-2 in the West Herts cup semi-final at Harpenden. The Legend goal king Gary Page scored as tradition demands and Wayne Gladdy notched two with the fourth going to Sheppy. Well done lads, great achievement. I hope you’re all able to walk in the morning!
Rob Partington- Outstanding again
Luke Wells – well enough to return to the squad today
Heads up! – Chris Blunden forced Jets winner