It’s hard to pick a shortlist of Jets biggest games over the 50 years. There are so many more that could have been included, including two Herts Senior Cup wins over National South St Albans (both times the Saints manager lost his job after these defeats), a Herts Senior Cup tie home win over Hemel Town, and an extra time Herts Senior Cup semi-final defeat to Bishop Stortford. We will cover these and more during the season in our match programmes and on the website.
The following list of ten though includes matches from different time periods, and are some of the most memorable that Jets have played.
Oxhey Jets 2 Barnet 1 20 Dec 2005
AFC Wimbledon 3 Oxhey Jets 0 30 Sept 2006
It’s hard to believe that it is way back in 2006 that we played at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup in front of a packed Kingsmeadow, as the game still lives so strongly in our memories. Jets, in only their 2nd season in the F.A. Cup, had done amazingly well to get this far in the competition winning tough games against Concord Rangers, Aveley and Ruislip Manor. We were delighted to get the plum tie of the round, away to the 1988 F.A Cup winners who were battling their way back up from the grass roots levels after the fiasco of the Milton Keynes move/takeover.
Wimbledon were in great form, still unbeaten that season, and they were to go on and get another promotion on their way back to the league.
Wimbledon blogger ‘The Big Tissue’ previewed the game against the Jets: –
Since the draw was made Dons fans have been exercised themselves trying to select suitable musical accompaniment. Bit of Macca, bit of West Side Story and surely Elton’s classic Josh Lennie and the Jets.
Jets sound a bit Americanised but there’s nothing Franchised about the boys from behind the Bushey. Within minutes of the draw their website was saying what a fantastic opportunity it was for the club to be playing the Real Wimbledon, the team that won the FA Cup in 88.
And let’s just say that it is fantastic opportunity playing a team that still approaches the FA Cup with the limitless glee and expectation on Christmas Day. The Jets were founded in 1972 and have worked their way up from their beginnings as Under12’s team. They only played their first ever FA Cup tie last season. It always makes me cringe when we talk about a game with us being the other team’s Cup Final but this time the analogy may hold.
This is already their fourth game in this year’s competition and so far they’ve yet to concede a goal. Their league season has barely got going with just three games so far giving them 1 in each of the W,D,L columns but they are doing well enough in the knock out competitions. Apart from the FA Cup they are progressing in the Vase and the Herts Senior Cup.
The danger man could be Jamie Arthur who’s managed four goals so far this season. The last match report on their website, a 2-1 win in the Vase over Raunds Town, sternly rebukes the team for having their minds on another game and suggest that there will be “severe consequences” if they repeat that performance against the “Real Dons .“
Wimbledon had no problem in winning the game, but that didn’t take away from Jets the achievement of getting to this stage and the unforgettable experience of the day. This was the Jets match report: –
For most of the players it will be a “Once in a lifetime Experience”, Oxhey Jets went to the 1988 F A Cup Winners home ground and were shown, on and off the pitch, what to aim for.
AFC Wimbledon were an example in everything they did on Saturday, and showed Jets the utmost of respect by going full strength at the Jets from the off. It was the worst thing that could have happened for Jets whose only real chance was an off day by the high pedigree team.
Wimbledon’s manager was in a defiant mood and left no ground uncovered to ensure that did not happen, and Jets were behind after only 7 minutes, and then 2-0 down at half time.
Jets reshuffled and were much improved in the second half, and Kevin Paul in goal and Marc Ayres were outstanding. Jets were battered, bruised but out and at them in the second half.
Jets had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside and the Dons keeper made two good saves from Stratford, and just for a while Jets dreamed that just a little luck could see them back in the game.
Any hope disappeared when captain Chris Harding got a silly second yellow and left Jets with ten men to do the impossible. Still Jets rallied, but Garry Beadle after controlling a beautiful ball collapsed in pain and was stretchered off, to a fantastic sporting ovation from the thousands watching, with a recurrence of his knee operation problems.
Jets still rallied, but cruel fate followed a good Jets attack, Jamie Arthur tried to pass one too many defenders when a simple lay off to Wayne Gladdy would surely have given that prize consolation goal that would have been so deserved for endeavour, BUT the move broke down and Wimbledon swept forward with full thrust and deep into stoppage time got the third that made the score look so different. In honesty it could and should have been more before half time, But Jets battled and overcame so much adversity it was a cruel blow.
At the final whistle Jets showed their appreciation to the massive crowd, and they paid back the compliment with a standing ovation to the minnows that had given their all. Jets players were not down, but hung onto the moment for a long as possible. Their participation in this famous tournament is one this season that they can remember with much pride.
The Dons supporters voted Kevin Paul as Man of the Match, and Marc could not have been far behind. Wimbledon deserve to be in the hat on Monday morning, and I hope they go on to get their dream draw in the competition, as we did.
“My involvement and pride on the day stops me being able to give a good match report, the day is just a jumble of magic moments, but by links and some paste ups I hope we are able to let the pro’s say how it was. For us it was a magic day and our big thanks to Wimbledon for all their hospitality.” John Elliott
Jets team was: –
- Kevin Paul
- Ian Bywater
- Chris Ingham
- Marc Ayres
- Chris Harding
- Paul Turner
- Tim O’Mara
- Mitchell Murphy
- Jamie Arthur
- Garry Beadle
- Steve Stratford
- Greg McLaren
- Imi Ullah
- Wayne Gladdy
- Scott Simmonds
- Lee Grace
Oxhey Jets 2 Kingstonian 2 4 Sept 2021
Some people called it a ‘car-crash’ start to the season and, with manager, coaches and several players leaving for various reasons just days before the game, Jets were in crisis.
Saturday, however, was one of Jets greatest days. In what has been described my some as a match that showed the true spirit of Oxhey Jets, Jets overcame tremendous adversity, and loyal players and staff rallied around to not only first of all enable Jets to put out a team against Southern League opponents in the FA Cup, but also to get an incredible 2-2 draw against these higher league opponents.
The local South Oxhey community were phenomenal, coming out in numbers to get behind the team and roar us on.
Phe-nom-enal!!
Oxhey Jets 2 Kingstonian 2
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
4th September 2021
A draw against Kingstonian, the Isthmian Premier Division leaders who are targeting promotion to the National League South and making the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup this year, would always be a fantastic result for Jets, but given that the turmoil this week has made it one of the worst weeks in Jets history, this result can only be described as phenomenal.
The spirit of Oxhey Jets and the South Oxhey community shone through to make this such a tremendous day. The players and the management and coaches who came and gave everything for the club today were just outstanding. Also, to everyone who turned out today to support the team, create a fantastic atmosphere and to show how they felt about the Jets – all we can say is THANK YOU. It means a lot.
Officials and Captains line-up at the start, with Tom Gibson back with the Skipper’s armband.
Jets made 6 changes from the midweek loss against Arlesey Town for players who are no longer with the club. The team, however, came together superbly under manager for the day, Andy Lomas, and kept the game tight and goalless at half-time.
Outstanding header from Lewis Putman that beats the keeper to bring Jets back level.
Kingstonian, however, jumped into the lead straight straight after the break when Murrell-Williamson scored after a strong run in from the right wing, and it looked like it might be tough from then on for Jets. The management and team, though, did not falter and stuck to the gameplan, and a great header from Lewis Putman brought Jets level just 4 minutes later.
Kingstonian regained the lead on 65 minutes, a great cross setting up a simple tap-in for Murrell-Williamson to get his second.
Lewis Putman is bundled over in the penalty area.
Putman makes no mistake from the spot and it’s 2-2.
Jets levelled again though, Lewis Putman converting from the spot in the 79th minute after he had been brought down in the area.
Rob Partington just manages to scramble this close range effort away, although there were strong appeals that it had crossed the line.
Kingstonian had claims for a penalty and thought they had scored when Declan Skura’s shot was scrambled off the line. It was difficult to tell, but both the referee and his assistant thought that it hadn’t crossed the line.
Jets then held firm and the tie goes to a replay at Kingstonian on Wednesday night.
At the end everyone stayed in the ground and gave the team a massive cheer and clapped the team off with a standing ovation.
Great day, Great result, Great support!
Brilliant support
Match Gallery:
Aveley 0 Oxhey Jets 1 2 Sept 2006
Without this terrific F.A. Cup win away at Ryman League Aveley, there would have been no ‘Grand Day Out’ at AFC Wimbledon. Jets were still novices in the F.A. Cup this being only our second season in the competition.
Jets had started the season brightly having already beaten Concord Rangers 3-0 in the F.A. Cup ( in fact that was our first ever F.A Cup win and made us the only team in Three Rivers to have ever won an F.A. Cup tie) and we were still unbeaten in the league.
Our report describes Garry Beadle’s winner as a “£1,000 goal”. In fact in the end it was much more than that as we won again against Ruislip before that lucrative fixture in front of a large crowd at Wimbledon.
The Jets and Aveley match reports are reprinted in full below: –
The Wasp Stings Aveley
F.A. Cup Prelim Round
2nd September 2006
Jets faced a big challenge on Saturday when they travelled to Aveley of the Isthmian (Ryman) League Division 1 North for their F. A. Cup Preliminary Round game. Not only did Jets have to face a highly paid team from a higher league, but they also knew there was no opportunity to try and take the tie back to Oxhey as the Boundary stadium pitch is not ready for use and any replay would be back at Aveley.
The match was played in an almost gale force wind and Jets found themselves playing into the wind for the first half. For the opening 20 minutes Jets were played off their feet as Aveley started smartly, putting together a strong passing game and making good use of the wind.
Jets supporters were probably fearing the worst, but as the half went on the Jets gradually started to find their composure and were able to create a couple of chances of their own, for Wayne Gladdy and Jamie Arthur.
Still, however, Aveley looked lively and the Jets defence, with Chris Harding and Marc Ayres leading the line, needed to hold things tight, and Kevin Paul continued to do well in goal. Jets began to hold on in the view that if they could keep it to 0-0 at half time, and with the wind in their favour in the second half, an upset was definitely possible.
The game was scoreless at half time but all Jets work was nearly undone in the opening minutes of the second half when Aveley created a ‘must score’ opportunity only for the header to loop over the empty goal.
Aveley missed further chances and the belief in the Jets team started to grow. Aveley also started giving away more free kicks and, with 17 minutes to go, they were made to pay with a Garry Beadle set piece special, curling into the top corner from 25 yards out leaving the Aveley keeper with no chance.
At 1-0 ahead, Jets started to play some of their best football of the game, getting into their passing game and using the wind for throughballs for Wayne Gladdy and Jamie Arthur to latch onto. Jets had some real chances to make it 2-0 but on three occasions they tried an unselfish pass when a shot was called for, and three times the pass went wrong. It looked like Jamie Arthur, who was only playing after a late decision to play in the FA Cup instead of attending a family wedding, had sealed the game but his powerful shot was well tipped over the bar by the Aveley keeper.
Jets brought on Steve Stratford, a summer signing from Leighton Town, for the last 10 minutes in place of Colin Jenkins, his first appearance since being out with torn ligaments.
Aveley still had their chances, and Kevin Paul need to be sharp in goal to maintain Jet’s third consecutive clean sheet, but Aveley began to feel it just was not going to be their day.
The final whistle brought great celebrations from the Jets players and supporters. Jets had put together a dogged, battling performance to beat their Ryman league opponents and set up a home tie on the 16th against Ruislip Manor.
Garry Beadle’s ‘£1000 goal’ (that’s the prize money for progressing to the next round) certainly helps to pay for some of the topsoil being laid on the Boundary Stadium pitch at the moment!, and takes Jets further in the F.A. Cup than they have ever been.
Jets Sponsor’s, RW Transport Services, put up a Man of the Match prize which was won by Matt Tyas, a summer signing from Sun Postal, for his tireless work in midfield. Overall, though, this was an all round team performance, with great commitment, particularly in those difficult opening 20 minutes when the game could easily have been lost.
The Aveley FC report of the game is given below: –
Aveley 0 Oxhey Jets 1 By Colin Munford
Aveley produced a below par performance being knocked out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking by a very committed Oxhey Jets side. With the amount of chances that the Miller’s had today they would have found it hard to believe that one of them would not hit the back of the net. Gary Dixon was one of those, and although he cannot be completely blamed for the rest of the rest of the team’s inability to score, he looks a shadow of the player that banged in 11 goals in 10 games to gain the Miller’s survival.
All over the park the Miller’s looked poor and if it hadn’t been for Marc Palmer’s saves in the second half the visitors from Watford could have scored a few more. Aveley went close as soon as the first minute of the game when a ball in from Ricky Dobson was challenged by Jets Keeper Keith Paul and Miller’s Sam Adejokun with the keeper just managing to send the ball over the top for a corner. Dixon then had the first of his many chances when the ball fell to the ex Boreham Wood man but he dithered on the ball allowing Paul to gather with ease. Martin Tuohy then went close for the home side when his low 25 yard shot was well held onto by Paul.
Aveley continued to create chance after chance but still they could not put the ball in the back of the net when Danny O’Sullivan’s whipped in cross was met by Ebow Mensah’s head but to the despair of the midfielder it fell just wide of the near post. Dixon then initially did well turning the defender but his shot was well saved by Paul. A minute later Dixon was clean through on goal, although himself and Adejokun looking suspiciously off side and released a shot past Paul but also past the post to his own despair. If this game was played last year he would have certainly scored from this situation.
After the break, Aveley were again creating chances with Martin Tuohy’s diving header going wide from a Ryan Sammons cross. Aveley then had the best chance of the half and it again fell to Dixon after a lovely cross from Ryan Sammons he was left unmarked at the back post and all he had was to head into an almost open goal but he blazed the header well over and by then Aveley fans knew it was not going to be their day.
A minute later Dixon had a chance to make up for his poor effort but the same result occurred, with the only difference being he used his foot instead of head. 62 minutes had gone when Dixon was again through on goal only to see his shot deflected behind for a corner. Martin Tuohy then decided to take over from Dixon when he rifled a shot just wide of the post.
Oxhey Jets then had their first real chance of any real note when a ball was put in to an unmarked Garry Beadle but he scooped his shot well over the bar. Aveley were then made to pay for their missed opportunities when from a dead ball situation Garry Beadle curled the ball into the top right hand corner with nothing Marc Palmer could do about it.
Aveley then tried to pressurise the Jets defence, with the closest being Ryan Sammons cross turn shot just failing to curve inside the post. Oxhey Jets could have made the result beyond doubt when Lee Grace paced past the ragged looking Millers’ defence and played the ball back to Jamie Arthur whose powerful shot was excellently pushed over the top by Palmer.
Substitute Linor Krasniqi then had Aveley’s last chance of the game when unmarked his low shot was parried and cleared by the defiant Jets defence. Jubilation was then seen by the Oxhey Jets players and supporters with Millers left to rue their missed chances and now have to concentrate on the league.
Berkhamsted 2 Oxhey Jets 4 5 May 2018
..And Vass his on hand to head home to make it 2-4 in the 87th minute
This match makes the list for very different reasons than the other games on this list. Jets were in deep trouble in the league, and their stay in the Spartan South Midlands Premier was in deep jeopardy. In fact, nothing less than a two-goal win at top of the league Berkhamsted was going to keep them up.
A superb battling performance and two late goals, the vital goal scored by Vass Mandeville in the 87th minute, saw Jets through in an amazing team performance.
Berkhamsted 2 Oxhey Jets 4
Spartan South Midlands Premier
5th May 2018
Wow, Just Wow. Jets Keep Their Hopes Alive
Wow, what a day, what a performance and two stunning headers to escape relegation. The maths were straightforward on the day. To avoid the relegation Jets had to win by two goals clear to edge above Cockfosters on goals scored, the problem was it was away to promoted Berkhamsted who are on fire.
New boss Tim O’Sullivan gave the most rallying talk and sent his new troops out to pull off the unexpected haul to safety that just five days ago looked a dream not reality.
A guard of honour from Jets for promoted Berkhamsted
A massive 171 crowd and the Berko ultras and kids teams were roaring their team on the promotion carnival day, but Jets had to respond, and the prize they were chasing was survival in the Premier division.
In the bright sunshine, the battle commenced, and both sides had periods of play, Jets at 0-0 looked more up for the day, and they had to be. Early exchanges were hopeful but they often are, and two big scrambles around the penalty area built Jets hopes but no net bulge to cheer them.
Vass raises Jets hopes with the opening goal
Then the breakthrough with Andy Amoah getting a low searcher across the box and young Vass Mandeville coolly placing the ball past the home keeper to inch perfection 0-1 (24 mins).
This was Jets best period in the draining heat, and it was end to end. Berko equalised and it was a very disputed penalty. The ref explained later that Tom Gibson had fouled the attacker outside the area, but played the advantage and he believed he fouled again putting arms around him inside. The striker held off the defenders before getting a rifle shot in, but was denied by a stunning save from 16 years old Juliusz Pazio who was thrown into action for his debut on Thursday in the 3-0 home win against Hoddesdon due to a keeper injury crisis. The referee decided that since he didn’t score he gets the penalty, not sure about this one, it’s like two bites of the cherry, but the logic is fair and explained and Adam Mead hammered home 1-1 (33 mins).
Brilliant point blank save but the ref calls it back for a penalty
Berkhamsted level from a hotly disputed penalty
The match was highly competitive and a couple of yellows followed in the end to end game. Vass then picked up a well deserved yellow for a late and clumsy one, but Berko found themselves down to ten men when a coming together on Vass got out of hand, a mad decision that will cost the player his St Marys cup final place next week due to this suspension.
Jets also suffered a significant blow losing skipper Jude Bell, injured and playing well, but the 1:1 bench cover having Jack Halcomb coming on meant no change in the team formation and Jack carried on perfectly.
Halftime 1-1. Jets still have the same job to do but half the time to do it.
The heat was another worry for Jets. We usually fade so today was hot and draining, but we can’t ease off. Pat Fallon, Tims assistant, warned, “keep something in the tank for the last ten” words that were to come so true !!
Blunden pounces to put Jets back in front 1-2
Andy Amoah again provided the cross box ball for Chris Blunden to latch onto to slot against one of his former clubs this season 1-2 (58 mins) and the dream is back on.
Berko responded, throwing on some big guns from the bench, the sort of subs that, if you are the opposition, makes your heart sink. Still, though, Jets kept at the gameplan, but then disaster as slack play turned a Jets attack into a Berko goal. With Jets caught upfield because they had to get the all-important +2 goals margin, Berko sprung, and Ollie Cox (64 mins) levelled it.
Would this melt Jets? Scott Pugsley came off having given his all and another teenager Issac Ebelebe came on, and the move was to be highly prosperous.
Superb header from Tom Gibson puts Jets in front for the third time 2-3
Tom Gibson celebrates as Jets look to gain a sensational win
In the last ten now and Jets think it’s still possible. Time is running out then Isaac crossed a pinpoint cross to Jets Mister workaholic Tom Gibson who rose like a salmon and headed brilliantly past the arms stretched keeper into the top corner 2-3 (84 min).
As Jets look for the crucial 4th goal, Olawale Salami sends in a fantastic cross
..And Vass his on hand to head home to make it 2-4 in the 87th minute
Was it possible? Jets attacked again from the kick-off and debut from reserves kid Olawale Salami on his first start in the first team dropped a pinpoint cross for the young centre-half, Vass Mandeville, to head home 2-4 (86 mins). The crowd erupted as it became clear Jets had a good few supporters in the mass crowd. It was scenes of joy as the escape was on.
Jets play to the corner flag to see out time
The corner flag became Jets best friend because every time they got the ball that’s where they went with it. As they battled and battled to run the clock down and hold that lead, the win looked secure, but Jets had to have the two-goal lead to jump Cockfosters in the table who had completed their fixtures.
Skipper’s happy!
Chairman’s happy!
Tim’s happy!
The kids are alright!
Job done. Jets players deliver on the day.
Four minutes of added time and finally the whistle and the celebrations. Had you not known the teams you would have thought that Jets were promoted. Today pride was restored, the team gave all and they presented Tim with some thinking as he rebuilds the Jets team that has been in free fall since Xmas. Now they have shown that with the right motivation and commitment they can and did live with one of the best in the league.
Congratulations to Berkhamsted
Congratulations to Berko. Their achievement to step 4 is fantastic, and they deserved the medals they were presented with post-match. Every Jets player stayed to applaud them. This result means there is a one-step gap between us in the new season, where defeat would have meant two !!
An individual Man of the match was impossible to give, so many had given their all. The crowd said young Vass but to be fair Jets had players who could hardly walk afterwards, so drained having done everything for the club. Tim O’Sullivan had the last word on the subject; the award was to the team, they have brought Jets back to life and made us smile again.
Well, it has been a testing season, not much pleasure after October but thanks to all the staff and players we are here to start again. A big thank you to Tim for stepping in and providing the lift, and I must say how nice it was that the first text Tim got congratulating him on the result was from former manager Lee Stedman, a class gesture that.
Summer and the Thames boat presentation night awaits.
Thank you everyone; players, supporters, staff and those all-important backroom workers that keep the club working every day not just the 90 min match play.
Brave keeping
So confident at 16 Juliusz Pazio- Now played 2, won 2!
John Smith
Degi
Andy Amoah – laid on two goals
Hemel Town 0 Oxhey Jets 1 7 May 2012
Andy Lomas is about to be mobbed as he celebrates his goal
Between 2010 and 2014 Jets had a really strong side and won no less than 6 cups and achieved their best ever league position, 3rd in 2013. Perhaps the biggest result was this 1-0 win in the 2012 St Marys Cup final against Hemel Town. Not only were Hemel much higher up the league pyramid than Jets, the final was being played at Hemel’s ground.
Great performance from a really strong Jets team.
Jets Stun Hemel to Lift St Marys Cup
Hemel Town 0 Oxhey Jets 1
St Marys Cup Final
7th May 2012
Jets produced one of their best EVER cup results in their just a few days short of 40 years history to win the St Marys cup against Evo Stick Premier League team Hemel Hempstead Town in their own back yard to complete an amazing cup winning double ( and third final in 14 days).
Jets, smarting at being described as “Pub Cloggers” on a Hemel fans web site, needed no more motivation to take the game at Town who stand two levels higher than Jets in the FA Pyramid system.
The early pattern was tense with neither side settling down, and the first chance was a Macca header in a fairly dour opening. Jets had Ant Shepherd cautioned for a reckless tackle and the tackle was to cost the defender his shirt as he pulled his own groin and was to be replaced by Chris Killer early in the game.
Jets, with the advantage of the slope in the first half, built the edge on the game and felt a good call for a penalty was in order when the skilful Luke Beardsworth was stopped, but referee Jake Hillier, who had a good game, was not moved by the appeal,
A player from each team was cautioned for an off the ball offence but the Town striker was very lucky to stay on the pitch not long after for blasting the ball out the ground, when most other times it would have been a yellow and in this case number 2 and gone.
Jets were growing in confidence and, after a few telling balls that highlighted him as a major threat, Beardsworth was felled and the unlucky striker was to struggle to the break with a reoccurrence of a back injury and Jets second sub was on at the break. With Ingham and Macca also struggling Jets were in danger of running out of men.
The real difference was the outstanding defence of Brown and Macca, again dominant, but the star man of the match was rapidly becoming the outstanding Andy Lomas who was covering the pitch and defending one minute and setting up the goal attempts the next. Half Time 0-0
The second half was little different although the break looked on when super play fed in hot and loyal striker Lewis Putman, but the tired out striker was denied by a good save but will be disappointed with himself. A goal line scramble then denied Jets again as the pressure mounted.
Chris Ingham was withdrawn injured and young Con Keating from Jets under 18 academy came on and produced an outstanding twenty minutes far exceeding his 16 years of age.
Andy Lomas (No 3) drives home the decisive goal
Then the big moment came that felled the Evo Premier team, and how fitting it was that the best player on the day by a country mile got it with a truly outstanding goal. Good inter play involving half a dozen Jets players finally went to ANDY LOMAS and the ball sat up right as a thundering curling 30 yard volley went and curled into the roof of the net to set off wild celebrations for the “Blue Army”.
Jets played keep ball running the clock down and a rash ball from Orlando almost cost Jets, but good defending completed by, yes, Andy Lomas snuffed out the chance and Jets got their hands on the prized trophy, one of the country’s oldest cups first played for back in 1888.
Skipper Ian Bywater proudly led his historic team to the Cup and wild celebrations as Jets game count went past 65 first team games caused by outstanding runs in the FA comps and the County and League cups.
General Manager John Elliott was ecstatic and proud of his players, management and supporters. “It’s fantastic to go past our anniversary with two major cups in our hands and this fantastic cup side again proved what they can do and leaves us baffled by the poor league position. They have given their all and as tired as they are still managed to party long and hard before getting a well earned summer break. The club is very proud of them and THANK YOU does not start to sum it up!!
Oxhey Jets 4 Elliott Star 1
Oxhey Jets 7 Elliott Star 0 12 May 2001
12th May 2001, and end of season double header. This was the day that things changed for Jets. Jets had never won the Herts County League Premier Division. In fact we had never even come close. 4th place in 1994/5 was our best achievement, but most years were mid-table or below.
Having already played and won three games in the previous seven days, Jets came into this final day double header against Elliott Star, knowing that two wins would see them as champions over Kings Langley on goal difference. Jets did not disappoint and won both games in style to set off huge celebrations. In fact, although the games were played at Oxhey Playing Fields, Jets being in transition from Chilwell to the Boundary Stadium, the celebrations were held in the newly opened clubhouse in Altham Way, and the party went on until well into the night.
From the Watford Observer: –
The 4-1 and 7-0 scorelines belied the true picture – as Oxhey, playing their fifth game in a week, made hard work of it in both matches.
In the first match, Gary Page had tapped in an Ian Holdom cross to settle the nervs after just five minutes, but Oxhey only notched again well into the second half, when Holdom took his time after the ball came to him on the edge of the area and made it 2-0. Star, however reduced the deficit and increased the pressure on Jets.
Jets sealed the game in the final few minutes, on what was the hottest day of the year. First, a reluctant Gary Page plodded from the half way line to a ball that held up at the corner post. He steadied himself through exhaustion before whipping in a perfect cross to be tapped in by the fresh legs of Karl Bull. Bull bagged another, chasing a Page flick and doing the flagging centre-half for pace, before coolly finishing. Jets had won 4-1.
In the second game, jangling nerves and tiredness led to missed chances. The teams went in for the break at 0-0, and it looked like Kings Langley – who were 30 points ahead at one stage in the season – would clinch the title.
Within two minutes after the start of the second half, however, Eddie O’Connor, Jets long serving skipper, sent a low drive that went in at the near post, his first ever goal for the club, and from then on Oxhey coasted to the final whistle. Page, Holdom, and Sheppard made it 4-0 before Marc Ayres controlled the ball on the edge of the area, and smacked in a volley to make it 5-0. Holdom and Ayres wrapped it up with their second strikes of the game.
The final whistle saw Oxhey presented with the trophy on the pitch – and sent a proud John Elliott into rapture. Elliott added “The party went on through the night. I could not believe it, to be honest, because the little clubs like us do not win the big things. The day does not seem real. I did not think that ever we would win the County League. It was one of the best days of my life.”
Ellliott paid tribute to ex-Wealdstone and Slough’s Paul Waites for guiding the club to the title in his first year at the helm. He said “Fair play to Paul, he has installed a very strict discipline – and he has got the reward.”
Manager Paul Waites said “I think we have been the best footballing team in the league. We have tried to play football, and it shows that you do not have to be big and strong to be successful.”
Kings Langley 1 Oxhey Jets 4 7 May 2012
Jets strong 2011/12 side won two cups within a week, this 4-1 Charity Shield win over Kings Langley coming five days before the shock 1-0 St Marys Cup win over Hemel Town.
Match report courtesy of Anthony Matthews at the Watford Observer:
OXHEY JETS can celebrate their 40th anniversary with silverware after overcoming South Midlands League neighbours Kings Langley 4-1 to lift the Herts Charity Shield for the second time in three years at the County Ground, Letchworth.
The victors, founded by current general manager John Elliott in 1972, had to come from behind after Craig Lynskey fired Kings into a tenth-minute lead but having levelled shortly before the break, they lifted their game during a rain-soaked second period and were deserved winners.
Paul Hobbs’ side though, will perhaps rue a handful of key moments in what for the most part was a tightly contested game, not least when they should have established a two-goal lead in the first half.
Kings made the breakthrough against their top-flight opponents when following a spell of good possession around the area, James Armstrong found strike partner Lynskey and he beat Sam Styles with a left-foot finish.
That advantage really should have been doubled in the 19th minute when the roles were reversed and Lynskey’s fine cross from the right found Armstrong unmarked in the six-yard area, but he somehow headed wide.
Gavin Hart gets a vital equaliser just before half time
Following that escape, Jets began to build some pressure but their opponents looked set to take their one-goal lead into the interval until five minutes before half-time when Gavin Hart’s driven centre from the left was deflected past keeper Ross Hampton at his near post.
Buoyed by that equaliser, Oxhey were in front within two minutes of the restart although the manner in which the goal came about may have owed something to the deluge that arrived overhead during the break and didn’t abate for the majority of the second half.
Putman is brought down for a penalty
Hart found Lee Inch on the left and he played in a dangerous cross which Hampton, who was under some pressure, let squirm from his grasp. Lewis Putman tried to scramble home the loose ball but was tackled from behind by Luke Ladyman and referee Adrian Waters deemed the challenge worthy of a penalty.
Putman converts the penalty for 2-1
After captain Gary Connolly had been booked for protesting, Putman emphatically dispatched the spot kick to score his sixth goal in County Cup finals this season.
Lynskey headed a Nathan Pooley cross over at the other end before Putman suffered a head-in-hands moment in the 59th minute. An awful mix-up at the back allowed the prolific forward a clean run in on goal but in trying to go round Hampton, his control let him down and the relieved Kings keeper was able to grab the ball.
That was a big let off for Langley and they will consider themselves unlucky not to equalise seven minutes later when a Pooley free-kick was flicked goalwards by Armstrong, only for the ball to strike a defender en route to the net.
Brown heads home to make it 3-1
Jets though, all but wrapped up the trophy with nine minutes remaining when Brown got the better of fellow centre-half Connolly at the back post to head home Andrew Lomas’ excellent set-piece delivery from the left.
Oxhey did have to withstand a few nervous moments before the end – Styles doing well to parry over an Armstrong header while the resultant corner was haded off the line – but Langley’s disappointment was compounded in the last minute of normal time when Connolly picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Putman.
A powerful header from Luke Beardsworth from Ian Bywater’s cross seals the 4-1 win.
That ended any remote hopes of a comeback and Jets added a fine fourth in stoppage time. The winners had men over on the right when substitute Tom Inch found Ian Bywater and his cross was thumped past Hampton by the head of Luke Beardsworth.
Oxhey Jets: Styles; Rodrigues, Brown, McIntyre, Lomas; Bywater, Ingham (T Inch 90), Hart; Beardsworth, Putman (Poulton 90), L Inch (Jenkins 86). Not used: Jacks and Keating.
Kings Langley: Hampton; James (Denham 68), Ladyman, G Connolly, Wallace (Mason 78); Johnson, E Connolly (Collier 84), Noonan, Pooley; Lynskey, Armstrong. Not used: Simakovas and Rice.
Jets Review:
At last year’s Gala Dinner Roy Reyland challenged the Jets players to do something special to celebrate Jets’ 40th anniversary year. The players have risen to the challenge, making three cup finals and landing the trophy here in the Herts FA Charity Shield final.
Winning another County Cup is always a great achievement and the whole squad can feel proud of their performances in the final, and in all the earlier rounds as well. In fact, you could say that Jets have ‘retained’ the trophy. Jets won the Shield in 2010 and, as winners, were invited into the Charity Cup in 2010-11 so did not play in the Shield last season. Jets last defeat in the Shield was in 2008 against Royston!
Jets management did not award a Jets Man of the Match as they felt the award belonged to the whole team for the all round team performance. John Elliott was obviously delighted for the players, and for everyone involved with the club. A great night, and a heavy champagne bill!
Leverstock Green 2 Oxhey Jets 3 5 May 2014
After the glory years of 2010-13, Jets faced a rebuilding season in 2013-14 and this St Marys Cup final win came against the odds. Wayne Gladdy had stepped in as manager to help the team and, after a poor start, there was a resurgence in the second half of the season that culminated in this terrific 3-2 cup final win over Leverstock Green.
Watford Observer:
There was also cup success for Oxhey Jets as they defeated Leverstock Green 3-2 in the West Herts St Mary’s Cup final.
Jets, who lost 4-2 against Stotfold in the Floodlight Cup semi-final on Thursday of last week, have improved as the campaign has progressed. They went in front in Monday’s clash as Lewis Putman fired into the corner.
Liam Hinds equalised for Green and the game was level at the interval. An own goal from Chris Killer put Leverstock in front but Jets fought back and struck twice in the final 15 minutes to secure victory.
Adam Lowton finished superbly and then Putman slotted in to seal the win for Jets, who ended their campaign in style.
Oxhey Jets 2 Sun Postal 1 6 May 2002
This game has to be on the shortlist for two reasons. First of all, we always regarded the Aubrey Cup as one of the oldest and most prestigious trophy that Jets could win at the Herts County League level and we had never won it. Secondly, the rivalry between Sun and Jets had been growing and reached its peak in 2002.
Sun were one of the strongest teams in the Herts County League in the 1990’s, winning the league twice and having eight Top-5 finishes. Meanwhile Jets had been mid-table throughout the 90’s but had emerged and won the title in 2000/01 and so, for the first time, gained cross town bragging rights.
The battle was on in 2001/02 and Sun and Jets went head to head in the league. Jets won the league by a single point from second placed Sun on the 29th April, and then the two teams were set to meet once more in this end of season finale the following week.
Jets had not only won the league and , but also the Herts FA Senior Centenary Trophy. sun, despite having a very strong team, were trophy less. The battle for the Aubrey Cup was to be intense.
The Watford Observer reported it in detail, and after Scott Simmonds had given Jets the lead and Sun had equalised, the game went into extra time. Jets looked the stronger team in extra time and Wayne Gladdy slotted home a Gary Page cross with six minutes to go to take the victory.
Great joy for Jets in completing a fantastic treble, especially against such strong local rivals, and to get our name on a trophy we had always coveted.
