Rising Ballers

Handsome Win For Jets

Rising Ballers Kensington 1 Oxhey Jets 2 Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One 17th September 2024 Jets came out on top in a critical early-season clash that took no prisoners on either side. With both sides pushing hard, it was a challenging game for the referee. Rising Ballers had the edge on possession in the first half in a nose-to-nose game that often flared up. In one particular scramble, three clearances off the line and one shot against the post with Jets beaten denied Ballers the lead. No doubt, Jets were more pleased to finish the half level. In fairness to the management, it was clear that things had to change, and they made substitutions and changed the formation. The introduction of George Rice and Patrick Brander added more pace to the Jets attack. And with the early exchanges in the second half, Jets were now in the ascendancy.

In the 56th minute Jets took the lead. A cutting ball went through to Patrick Brander, who coolly slotted past the keeper. 1-0. A few minutes later, Brander nearly had a second – he went through and slotted home, but the flag was up for offside. Jets were causing problems for the hosts. On 70 minutes, Malachi burst down the left and got taken out, getting a free kick out wide that enabled a perfectly placed cross by Olly Pope. Pope’s dangerous ball was met in the area by Joe Reade, who planted the ball past the keeper and handed Jets a two-goal lead.

Jets looked comfortable with the lead until a spectacular goal from the Ballers in the 86th minute. Malik Nyanin ran across the edge of the penalty area and hit a beautiful right-foot shot, bending it away from Lewis Lavin in goal and giving him no chance. The late goal created panic in the Jets ranks, reminding us that we have conceded in stoppage times and lost games in the last three matches.

Jets, though, managed to run the clock down and hold onto the win. Jets gave a joint man of the match to their two fullbacks, Luke Nugent and Malachi Bailey, because of their defence against Baller’s strong wingers. A special mention, too, for Lewis Lavin in goal, who made essential saves and gathers, especially in the first half when the Jets were up against it.