First Half Dominance, Second Half Collapse

Holmer Green 5 Oxhey Jets 2
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
4th October 2025

Jets didn’t just lose at Holmer Green on Saturday, they completely capitulated in the second half to continue the dreadful run the team is on after a good start to the season.

Jets are badly missing top scorer James Barnett, sidelined with a back injury, and absolutely no one else in the side seems able to step up on the scoring front. Jets are absolutely dominating proceedings, but miss after miss after miss is costing the team dearly, now a constant problem.

Jets got the dream start, scoring in the first minute directly from a corner delivered by Olly Pope. For the next fifteen minutes, multiple players squandered multiple chances to take the game out of the hosts’ reach, but the constant misses were later to pay a heavy price on Jets’ now-rare quest for points. For most of the first half, though, Jets were in total dominance.

The warnings were there; Holmer’s nippy winger was time and time again a free man around the goal, as defenders seemed unable to learn from and heed the warnings. Still, the big turning point was to come just before the break when the match referee it seemed guided by an assistant saw something nobody else did as Jets were awarded a free kick Lopes was already clearing the ball as the whistle went and somehow the two of them concocted a red card from the incident and a free kick for Jets, the man in the middle happily saying he hadn’t seen it then saying he only sent him off because it hit the players head !! It was a clearance man, you know, thump and chase, as they would understand had they played football.

It was a match-changing decision that cruelly led to a penalty in the added time, causing the match to be tied at 1-1 at the break.

Now, just being a man down should not lead to the full capitulation we witnessed. However, the inexperienced Jets clearly showed that we’re not ready. But that’s not the fault of the players out there; it’s the multiple excuses from the pull-outs, who are not committed to regular Saturday football.

Jets went 5-1 behind before a consolation goal by another U18 player, Harvey Hoyte, and almost added another when the returning from long injury, Patrick Brander, forced the keeper into a rare top save.

There is currently a lack of commitment and form, and it needs to change.

Man of the match was again deserved, and the only man to escape the blunt match summary was Liam Osborne.

Jets Denied By Ex Sutton & Jets Keeper

Jets 0 PFC Victoria 1
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
30th September 2025

Jets fell to a home defeat against league leaders PFC Victoria, but had to look no further than ex-goalkeeper Filip Chalupniczak, who denied attempt after attempt from luckless Jets to hold them at bay. Filip progressed with Sutton United to the sky bet football league and now plays for tonight’s much fancied visitors and what a difference unfortunately he made.

Jets fell behind after just two minutes when the defence was caught asleep, a ball through sending Serhii Hura clear to run the ball past Jets’ returning keeper Lewis Lavin into the empty net, with everyone just waiting for the offside flag that was never to be raised, a dreadful blow and start for Jets.

For the next twenty minutes, Jets looked visibly shaken by the goal, and the now league leaders had them pinned, and a heavy defeat looked inevitable.

In fairness Jets after that period really rallied and by the break we’re contesting the game and an open goal miss by Schuster and a really good chance by Mosca denied by the GK was the only reason Jets were behind once they had rallied.

Danny Fowler was replaced with what turned out to be confirmed as broken toes and some full on words by the staff sent a different framed Jets side out for the second half, it was all Jets but the price to pay was with top scorer James Barnett missing injured Jets were despite multi chances unable to convert the chances to goals.

George Rice was denied at least three times by Filip and an incredible save late on by him from a brilliant long range shot by Lucio had Jets faithful holding there heads in disbelief.

Jets were then given a big chance when Victoria went down to ten men with a single bin, but that massive advantage was blown completely when they went down to ten for chirping a minute later, a significant advantage lost.

Jets threw everything, but the hosts held firm and denied Jets a share of the points. On this occasion, Filip in PFC Victoria’s goal, using up all his football league experience, held Jets at bay.

The Carlsberg man of the match was really a big two-man battle. David Lopes was excellent, as was the running and sheer determination by Paulie Portes-Schuster, and it was Pauli who took the award.

Jets’ poor start cost them, but the conversion of chances must improve, along with a more settled side.

Disappointed Jets Lose To Late Strike

Woodley United 2 Oxhey Jets 1
Cherry Red Combined Counties Divsion One
27th September 2025

Jets fell to another defeat this time at high-flying Woodley, but with nine of the squad unavailable for the trip to Reading, the score was far more respectable than last season’s thumping. Unavailable players are hurting the squad, and a significant improvement is needed.

Jets got off to the perfect start, having soaked up the early kick-off pressure, they sprung the ideal counter, and it looked like George Rice must score, but he was denied and flattened, and big Joe Reade absolutely thumped home the spot kick 0-1 on Jets’ first attack.

It was a very competitive match, and the Woodley bench is very demanding of their team, vocal, and it pays off, pushing players and officials alike.

Jets conceded on twenty minutes when slack defending let in the winger, and the perfect cross converted 1-1.

The rest of the game, the Jets conducted themselves excellently against the early promotion hopefuls. Still, as the referee seemed willing to wait till midnight for a winner, fate dealt the cruel blow as the young Jets paid the price for inexperienced play. Instead of shutting down deep into stoppage time, they continued with open play, lost the ball, and on the counter, it was Woodley who shot through a crowd of players to secure all three points.

Cruel is an understatement, but football has a habit of kicking you when you’re down.

The man of the match wasn’t that difficult; it was a two-man race. George Rice, our only recognised attacker, was running, trying to attack with desire, and at the other end, with the same credentials, Liam Osborne was defending and vocally leading. The decision was made by manager Tom Inch, and he handed it to Liam with the words “a real man’s performance”

Jets Second Half Surge Downs Spelly

Oxhey Jets 3 Spelthorne Sports 1
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
20th September 2025

Jets ended a mini-dip with a home win over Spelthorne Sports at the Boundary, but it wasn’t plain sailing for reshuffled Jets.

Again, unavailability caused changes, and it’s not helping find a settled squad. Still, today Jets showed no mercy to the visitors, who have big problems with their ground closed due to a massive flock of migrating Canadian geese deciding to nest on it, and use it as a toilet !!

Jets held the upper hand, but good defending and bad luck with the post kept Jets level, then a stroke of luck for Jets as the keeper was caught in possession and the forward fluffed his lines, missing an open goal.

Then Jets were shocked back on their heels as sloppy defending was punished fully with an unstoppable shot inside the area by Jack Appleby giving the visitors the lead 0-1 (14 mins).

Jets struggled and were beating the drum without success until the faithful James Barnett converted 1-1 (33 mins).

Jets came out for the second half a different side with all levels upped. Skipper Dom Mosca started a power run deep in his own half, and he chipped up the ball and lashed an unstoppable power drive past the diving keeper, a real individual class goal. 2-1 (55 mins).

The tone of the game changed and became far more physical, and Jets man of the match Archie Henderson was getting a real battering.

Jets capitalised and James Barnett broke clear and calmly drew the keeper to slot under him 3-1 (60 mins).

Things turned very sour now, and you just wanted the game to end but, unfortunately, not before Joe Entwistle was brutally taken down that earned a red via a second yellow in stoppage time. Joe had to be helped off in the heavy rain storm and Jets finished with ten as all subs had been used.

A decent win for Jets, not on a great pitch unfortunately, but points as the weather starts to break just as the midweek games restart.

The Man of the Match was unanimous, so no summary is needed. Archie Henderson, who unfortunately now returns for his final year at York University, was a clear winner.

Jets Unluckily Downed By An Own Goal Yet Again

Oxhey Jets 2 Sandhurst Town 3
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
13th September 2025

Jets, unluckily, fell to a home defeat against relegated Sandhurst Town, no thanks again to an own goal, for the third time this season.

This was our first-ever meeting with Sandhurst, who had run away with the title the year before, having played an incredible number of fixtures – some six games a week – for three weeks following the wet winter and ground-sharing match problems, an astonishing achievement.

Sandhurst were in possession and in control of the first half, with almost constant control of possession, as Jets totally surrendered the centre pitch with only rare excursions forward.

The blow for Jets was at 45 minutes. Mackenzie Creech slotted Sandhurst into the lead with the restart being the half-time whistle, a real blow.

Ultras goal video: https://x.com/i/status/1967021840012017872

Jets came out more positive after the break and quickly pulled level when James Barnett slotted a back post shot from a good drive across the box 1-1 (51 mins)

Jets held level for just two minutes, and the leaky defence was again breached by Cesar Vasquez tapping home 1-2 (53 mins)

Jets boss Tom Inch rattled the changes and on came world traveller Archie Henderson for his debut and Liam Osborne, and almost immediately it paid dividends when a powerful, well-placed cross was headed home by Liam Osborne with his first touch of the ball and again Jets pulled level 2-2 (64 mins)

It was competitive now and Jets’ best period of the match, but Lady Luck was not to be kind today, and a defender’s outstretched leg diverted the ball under our own keeper for what turned out to be the winner 2-3 (83 mins)

Jets are unfortunately leaky at the back, and we’re scoring goals but losing. We can’t keep needing to score three plus to get a result. We again are not at our best today and surrendered the centre park, leaving the forwards cut off with little to no decent supply, and we paid the price.

Disruption and player unavailability are causing changes and hindering management from settling into a routine.
.
Returning from injury, Jamie Doolan took the man of the match with a solid performance, which hopefully acts as a spur for the team.

ADRIAN FLUX INSURANCE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Jets made a strong start to their 2025-26 league season with 4 wins and a draw from 6 starts, and a terrific effort in the FA Vase away at higher league Kidlington, only losing out on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

James Barnett got off to a flyer, starting in all 7 games and scoring 9 goals, providing an assist, and picking up a Man of the Match award and two further nominations, making him our clear Adrian Flux Insurance August Player of the Month.

There were also strong team performances throughout with Jets Man of the Match awards also given to Lewis Lavender, David Lopes, Joe Entwistle-Wilkinson, Olly Pope, Dylan Robert, Chase Matthew, Joe Reade and Leo Wolpert. 

Congratulations to all at Jets from Adrian Flux Insurance on such a good start to the season, and to our player of the month James Barnett.

Penn Too Strong For Jets

Oxhey Jets 0 Penn & Tylers Green 3
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
6th September 2025

Jets fell to a home defeat against Penn & Tylers Green, a side I don’t see being out of the top two, if not Champions, by the end of the season.

Jets had the opportunity to pick their squad, with only a few players unavailable due to injury, so there were no excuses; we were beaten by the better team.

Jets did really well in the first half, defending, chasing, and giving it their all, and were one down at the break, technically still in the game, but with possession against them.

The official was card happy with a court jester on one line, making the man in the middle’s job almost impossible. Hence, the staff withdrew all players on yellows to avoid further damage in the unstable situation, which even saw one Jets substitute being refused entry to the pitch because he had already come on, even though he was not yet on the pitch. But the referee got him on !!

The second half was much the same. The Jets were not at their best, to be honest, well down on their previous form, but there are no excuses for the full-time result; just acceptance that the best team on the day won the match.

Jets Storm The Moles

Molesey 1 Oxhey Jets 4
Cherry Red Combined Counties Division One
30th August 2025

Jets stormed to a convincing win on the road at much-fancied Molesey on what must be said was an absolutely stunning grass pitch, which definitely helped Jets’ style of football.

The Jets had their strongest squad of the season so far available as the holiday season drew to a close.

Jets were out of the blocks at speed today, and an absolute gem of a ball from David Lopes sent George Rice away on the wing, who tore up the defender before the perfect ball across for James Barnett to steer past the keeper 0-1 (6 minutes)

Jets dominated the game, with wave after wave of attacking supremacy, mainly sparked by David Lopes’ incredible foresight and George Rice’s ability to spray the ball around. At the same time, James Barnett was a constant threat on the wing.

For all the Jets’ possession and chances, the score was still slender then, with half-time looming. Another excellent ball forward found young Chase Matthew, who was totally taken out by the keeper, and a no-hesitation penalty that James Barnett absolutely thumped home, 0-2 at the break.

The pattern did not change today, and Jets remained dominant. Although things were more laid back and a little sloppy so the bench was activated in the 77th minute to shake things up and it paid immediate rewards as Barnett not for the first time was taken down and a caution for the defender but this time Olly Pope delivered the perfect free kick for Liam Osborne to fire into the net and effectively take Jets out of sight. 0-3 (80 min)

The whack this time finished Barnett’s match, and another youngster, Luke Finnegan, went on. Just like in his debut at Hillingdon, he was immediately put clear one on the keeper, but this time the youngster clipped it past the keeper, but wide of the post.

All the bench was now on and Jets were pounding the Molesey goal, and then a real cheeky chappie goal as George Rice jinked and weaved, and as the keeper came out, he was chipped at a tight angle for an excellent solo goal. 0-4 (84min)

Unfortunately the sloppy’s returned with the job done and Max West in goal made a superb finger tip spectacular save to keep the clean sheet, but deep into stoppage time real sloppy play on the edge of the box was costly as Jets had a goal mouth scramble that looked sorted as the keeper got to the ball but now with the pitch wet and surface slippery the spill was gratefully slotted by Olawale Graruba for no more than a consolation but one that angered the staff and denied the clean sheet.

The Carlsberg Man of the Match was a where do you start? At just sixteen, Leo Wolpert was faultless for his age. Liam Osborne was solid and high energy at both ends, and a good goal scorer. Barnett was a constant threat, as was Joe Entwistle Wilkinson, who’s like the Ever-Ready bunny with a mullet! However, the choice came down to two, both of whom were working together, causing many of the problems in the first half: David Lopes and George Rice, who scored the spectacular goal. It was a tight and disputed decision, but the final split vote went in favour of David Lopes.

Jets Taste Shootout Defeat At KFC

Kidlington 2 Oxhey Jets 2 (Kidlington win 5-4 pens)
Isuzu FA Vase
23rd August 2025

Jets unluckily crashed out of the FA Vase against tough opposition, losing the penalty shootout.

Kidlington was a tough ask for Young Jets, being a step four side last season. It was a long and big ask for Jets.

The early indications were not good, with the hosts playing some excellent football and the Jets mainly defending hard and chasing the game. Their opponents, who luckily for us had their targets a bit off, were sending their chances over the bar.

Jets suffered a blow losing Emanuel with a head injury and concussion on the half hour, leading to a reorganisation in defence.

Right on the half-time whistle, Jets fell behind to a good header from Lewis Gabbidon.
HT 1-0

Jets made two more changes and changed formation, but a big blow just three minutes after the restart when our keeper slipped and mis-kicked, and the loose ball was punished thoroughly by Kauan Oliveira. 2-0 to Kidlington.

What transpired then was a magnificent show of determination and belief as Jets went fearlessly at their opponents and well and truly forced them onto the back foot; now it was the hosts chasing the shadows in a remarkable turnabout.

Lewis Lavender, showing his experience, nipped an excellent ball wide into George Rice’s perfect run, who attacked and curled a superb goal into the net 2-1 (59 mins)

It was now all Jets, and they went wild when a ball over found James Barnett, but Dominic Mosca was walking back and in an offside position. Barnett netted superbly, but the referee immediately ran to his assistant. The referee then disallowed the goal because Mosca lifted his leg in an Eric Morecambe gesture. However, he was not even close to touching the ball, but, in the official’s opinion, he was interfering with the defenders, a decision in contrast to what we see every week on TV.

A massive blow for the Jets, but they kept going and pushed forward. Then, five minutes into stoppage, Paulie sent an excellent ball in, and Joe Reade, this time, used his magic wand to leap high and head home to spark wild scenes of celebration from Jets bench 2-2 (90+5)

Time for one last Jets attack, but the home side survived and were more pleased for the whistle than Jets.

Now, for the Lotto, dreaded penalties that I admit I hate, but extra time seems a thing of the past.

All square at 3-3, then a save by Max, but the referee orders a retake and Kidlington scores. Next time, Max saves again, but the Lino says only one foot on the line, it’s what the law says. For the second time today, the Jets were undone by the officials’ lack of knowledge of the fine details, and this time, a complete error occurred under Law 14 – The Penalty Kick. So it’s all on Jets’ last penalty, and the keeper goes the right way, and George Rice fails to level, and Jets go out.

In matches, we can always disagree with the referee about subjective decisions and accept that the referee makes the final decision, but this error by the officials wasn’t subjective; it was just wrong. The referee called for a retake because our keeper, Max, “only had one foot on the line and he has to have both feet on the line”. For a cup game with penalties after 90 minutes, you would hope the officials knew the Football Association rules!

Never, in defeat, could pride in a young team be so high against top-drawer opponents. The result hurt purely because the comeback and effort were excellent. Jets squad is forming, and with twelve squad players unavailable, a brighter future is emerging.

The Carlsberg man of the match could have gone anywhere, but the management could not split two. The four goals from three games for Joe Reade and a very young Leo Wolpert, who was incredible at just sixteen years old.

Leo has come into the team in the last week and has stepped up incredibly, and yesterday’s performance epitomises that. An absolutely monster in the back line.

Joe Reade was immense again today. The centre midfielder is in fine form and yesterday wasn’t different. Covering every blade of grass and scoring the 93rd minute equaliser.

Injuries update.
Emanuel is recovering at home from the concussion but is still experiencing some reactions and will be receiving medical assistance. Following this, the Jets will follow the FA protocols.

Joseph Brown, the hospital casualty from last week, is recovering from an unrelated operation, and his leg is healing. We hope to see him back soon.

Jets Banging In The Goals

Sport London e Benfica 0 Oxhey Jets 3
Combined Counties Division One
19th August 2025

Three points on the road, two more sixteen-year-old debuts and multiple changes. All the trials of the August fixture list.

Benfica came up as Middlesex champions and county cup winners, so it was a tough test against an unknown team to us. However, one positive aspect is the performance of the youngsters throughout August, while multiple reasons for missing games have plagued the squad.

Joe Reade goal ✈️ pic.twitter.com/GOpqxhlnBM

— Oxhey Jets – The Altham Way Ultras ✈️ (@The1972158427) August 19, 2025

The rock hard like concrete pitch like so many of us have at the moment with the rain and water shortage was a difficult surface for both sides and it lowered the skill level completely to big bang football with heads going left, right, left like a tennis match for the supporters, then with the break looming big Joe Reade waved his magic wand for the second time in two games with a power driver from the edge of the box that outfoxed the keeper 0-1 (41 mins) and immediately after with the keeper beaten the ball thumped the post and shot across goal into the keeper’s arms. Still, Jets were more than happy with the goal lead at the break.

The second half was much the same. Jets had more possession, but chances at each end were at a premium, and some of the returning players’ legs were starting to give out. As a result, more youngsters were introduced to the game, and Jets started to create more chances.

Dom Mosca Penalty pic.twitter.com/dmxf4lpLjn

— Oxhey Jets – The Altham Way Ultras ✈️ (@The1972158427) August 19, 2025

George Rice went direct and was taken down, and after what seemed an age, the referee and Lino indicated the penalty, and skipper Dominic Mosca hammered it home 0-2 (75 mins).

On balance of play so far, this felt like a job done, and it was, but the final nail came in stoppage time when Barnett chipped the keeper, ran round him to beat the defenders and scored 0-3 (94 mins)

After two opening defeats, it’s a ten-point run now and goals galore as we join league leaders Bedfont as top scorers, but the difference is that our goal difference is just +5, whereas they have +13.

Man of the match discussions. Joe Entwistle-Wilkinson was a powerhouse, and Joe Reade, with his magic wand, was excellent tonight. However, the standout Carlsberg MoM was Olly Pope, head and shoulders above today, back to his best, settling back into his home.

Jets Hard-Fought Comeback Earns A Draw

Oxhey Jets 4 Langley 4
Combined Counties Division One
16th August 2025

Jets fielding one of their youngest sides in a pyramid match fought back from 1-4 down at the break, lost midfielder Olly Pope to a red card early in the second half and pulled off one of their best comebacks against Langley FC.

One of the most significant differences for the Jets as they chased shadows in the first half was Slough Town’s forward, Wiktor Makowski, serving his FA suspension from the National League side in the lower Pyramid, a perk not afforded to thousands of lower pyramid players.

Jets were on the back foot after just two minutes when in-form Joseph Brown sustained an injury that was to see the unlucky lad needing hospital treatment, denting the already long list of missing players, which forced the club to almost on block call up half the under 18s

Jets fell behind just 16 minutes in when Amani Bowlin burned off the jersey defender to tap in at the back post.

Jets were nearly holding on, and before going behind, both Dom Mosca and Dylan Roberts had golden chances to lead, and shortly after, top scorer Barnett missed by a whisker.

Jets from nowhere levelled when young Dylan Roberts was on the line to slot after being denied by the crossbar. 1-1 (33 min)

The joy lasted a blink of the eye as within seconds of the restart, Bowlin added his second, and Wiktor Makowski increased the visitors’ lead a minute later, and Jets were on their knees, and it got worse when on the stroke of half-time, Jaye Long completed the first half rout.

I’m not sure what manager Dave Barnes said or did at the break due to a medical emergency. Still, he sparked an incredible fightback despite another significant setback, as midfielder Olly Pope saw Red for two fouls in just a few minutes, 1-4 down and with ten men.

Jets started to add some pride when Paulie Portes Schuster’s pinpoint free-kick was headed home by James Barnett (2-4 62 mins).

Just one minute later, Dylan Roberts, racing down the line, added his second and Jets’ third with a blistering shot (3-4 63 min)

Could the impossible happen? Yes, it could, as only minutes later, as Jets rocked the visitors again, Paulie’s deadly set pieces putting the defence under pressure, and when Langley failed to deal with one, Joe Reade, from a tight angle, was on hand to beat the Langley keeper at the post 4-4 (70 mins).

Jets were buoyant, and Roberts and Barnett came close, and Subandrio, another U18S debutant, went clear, but an excellent block by the keeper denied Jets the full three points.

Deep into stoppage time, a red card for a foul on Henry Atkinson ended the match at 4-4 and a red card each.

The Man of the Match discussion obviously had so many options. Portes was involved with the goals, but the evident pride was in the multi-under-18s, and the honour was shared, with a bottle each (alcohol-free, of course) going to the twin scorer, Dylan Roberts, and debutant Chase Matthews.

It was impossible to split the decision for who should’ve won man of the match yesterday, so it was given to both Dylan and Chase. Chase made his senior debut yesterday and had an almost faultless display in defence. A bright future ahead

Dylan was played out of position for the majority of yesterday but thanks to his non stop running and his workmanlike mentality he ended the game with a brace and the crossbar away from his first senior hat trick.

Hospital update: Joseph Brown has been released but is still suffering much pain and will be out for a few weeks.

Ballers In Control

Oxhey Jets 3 Rising Ballers 4
Combined Counties Division One
12th August 2025

Jets were brought down to earth with a bang after two good wins by a high-scoring Rising Ballers side that, in fairness to them, were in control with Jets under par and chasing most of the evening.

Ballers were quick off the mark when Jets committed another howler defensively, and Sergio Carro opened the scoring just seven minutes in.

Jets responded and took the game to the visitors, and pressure paid off when Joe Brown latched onto a wide ball and aimed for top scorer James Barnett, who finished well. (27 mins)

Jets were competing but not on top, and the speed of Ballers’ play was cutting Jets apart at times, and the hosts were riding their luck, but that luck ran out when Maxwell Ntim netted. 1-2 (35 mins)

Jets didn’t buckle and instantly responded when Danny Fowler on the dugout side played a superb one-two with Barnett, who passed cross-box for Don Mosca to slot at the back post just a minute later. 2-2 (36 min)

So all square at the break, but this season Jets have been notorious at the restart, and they did it again, going behind within minutes, as Ngundu Memba’s spectacular goal gave them the lead. 2-3 (49 min)

This time, there was no real response, and Jets were chasing and fell further behind 2-4 (64min)

Jets were now throwing on the youngsters for experience as the threadbare squad looked beaten. They added some respectability to the score with a late goal after a prolonged period of pressure, Dom Mosca adding his second well into stoppage time. However, the Jets’ time had run out, a shame as it was our best period of pressure.

It’s easy to blame the missing, but at this time of the year, all teams are suffering. The assessment on the night was not good enough tonight, and there were far too many substandard performances.

Man of the match, George Rice, worked hard all night and was well in the frame as was Joe Brown, who’s progressing by the game. Dave Barnes, managing solo tonight, picked, and the Carlsberg Man of the match went to the experienced Lewis Lavender.

Jets Score Five, Lino Denies Five!

Hillingdon Borough 2 Oxhey Jets 5
Combined Counties Division One
9th August 2025

It was goals galore on Saturday, but only half counted as Jets claimed their first points on the road in the new season after two away defeats.

Many changes, a few debuts, and although not a glossy performance, at least the points were one. As we said after Wembley, we will play worse and still win!

Jets were quick off the mark and looked to have an early lead, but were denied by the flag.

Jets finally took the lead after relentless pressure after ten minutes, as George Rice drives into the box and perfectly lays back for James Barnett to easily slot home 0-1 (10 mins)

Weirdly, with much annoyance, the game is stopped for a non-head injury as Jets go clear, but on restart, an excellently placed free kick is nodded home by James Barnett 0-2 (28 mins).

Another slot by last year’s Dom Mosca, but again the flag went up, and it stays 0-2. However, Jets’ pressure was relentless.

After no pressure at all, Jets keeper drops a howler and is caught casually on the ball and in the scramble that followed, Hillingdon pull one back, and it puts Jets on the back foot 1-2 (39 mins )

The warnings were given at half-time. Play like the last fifteen minutes, and we will be beaten from a strong lead. The warning was correct, as almost straight from kick-off, it was 2-2, as the Jets were cut wide open. (46 mins).

It got touchy and more physical. Then a red card for Hillingdon reduced the home side to ten, and the Jets, minutes later, had a blow when substitute Patrick Brander went down with a recurring hamstring pull shortly after coming on.

Then, more disallowed goals, and the frustration was evident on the Jets players’ faces and expressions.

The dream debut followed as young Luke Finnegan replaced him, and almost from the restart, a long throw by Lewis Lavender was pounced on by Luke to drive Jets in front and with all eyes instantly on the bionic Lino’s arm, this time it stayed down, and Jets had the lead 2-3. ( 79 mins)

That was fun, let’s do it again, and one minute later, George Rice attacks the near post and slots 2-4 (80 mins), latching onto an excellent through ball from the returning Olly Pope.

The scoring was rounded off when James Barnett completed his hat trick, driving past the keeper 2-5 (85 mins), latching onto the perfect pass from today’s hard-working skipper, Dominic Mosca.

There was still time for Rice to lob the keeper, but this time the crossbar stopped the runaway Jets from adding more.

Man of the match options. Barnett with a hat-trick, an excellent performance from debutant Joseph Brown and from Lewis Lavender, but the vote went with Joe Entwistle-Wilkinson, who covered every inch of the pitch.

Match Goals:

Match Gallery:

Jets Deliver A Community Day Win

Oxhey Jets 1 Chalfont St Peter 0
Combined Counties Division One
2nd August 2025

In front of the clubs record crowd for a league match of 260, on a fantastic community day masterminded by manager Tom Inch, Jets headed a 1-0 victory for their first points of the new season thanks to a neat header by man of the match James Barnett, which sent the crowd back to the clubhouse for the rest of the brilliantly supported community day bubbling.

The droughts did nothing for the pitch, unfortunately, but the same applied to both teams. It was the visitors who found the target with their first few attempts, but the Jets’ GK, Max West, and the new back line held water-tight to deny an early advantage.

Jets were strong on the build and very energetic, Paulie Schuster testing and teasing the visitors.

An early blow in what was to be a testing day of injuries for both sides was the loss of Jamie Doolan to a muscle pull.

The Jets had more possession, but the shots were somewhat wayward, as this new side learns to knit together, with the first couple, including the injured Doolan’s, ending up in Middlesex.

Jets were probing with George Rice having his best game of the early season, and the strength of Barnett and Mosca is a problem for any team. Still, Jets are boosted this season by a stronger balance throughout the side, and a very impressive Liam Osborne and Lewis Lavender in the defence are helping that.

Dom Mosca, last season’s top scorer, thought he was off the mark, but brilliant defending headed off the line with the keeper rooted, and the game ended all square at the break.

Jets continued after the break to hold the possession advantage, and some oohs, aahs, and multiple headers came close but not close enough. The hot, dry day took its toll on players, with both sides using their entire squad.

Jets in the last quarter upped the pressure, and skipper Lopes increased the pressure with testing throws, testing the Chalfont defence.

Twice, Jets went through, first Rice, but the appeal was turned down. Then James Barnett was put clear through by a poor defending header, and defender Sydney Woods took one for the team, taking Barnett down from behind for a straight red (71 mins).

The gamble paid off as Fowler’s free kick was deflected for a corner, but Jets now had 20 minutes against ten men to make the breakthrough.

The pressure was immense as Jets virtually set up camp in the Chalfont box. Straight from the corner, James Barnett coolly nodded the ball into the side corner of the net, sparking a roar from the players, kids behind the goal, and the Altham Way Ultras, who sensed this could be the winner.

Chalfont now had to come out, and Jets held firm. Again, a clear through ball saw defender Max Drayton bring down the Jets player, and when the red card looked certain, it went to a yellow.

The elongated half after a ten-minute stoppage ended, and Jets secured a win. The players from both teams headed with the crowd to the food and final hours of Tom’s absolutely brilliant community day, so fantastically run and supported by the Oxhey Jets Youth.

The man of the match took a long time to be announced, as there were multiple suggestions. George Rice, Paulie Schuster, and Liam Osborne were all nominated, but the critical key moments were the red card and sending off, as well as the goal. Therefore, the man involved in all of these was James Barnett, who received the Carlsberg Man of the Match award.

We also extend our thanks to Carlsberg for the impressive new kit, which continues our long and fantastic connection together.

The man of the day is definitely Tom Inch, whose idea just two weeks ago was turned into a fantastic day.

Gallery :

Match Highlights:

Luckless Jets

Wembley 1 Oxhey Jets 0
Combined Counties Division One
29th July 2025

Luckless Jets fell to their second defeat in four days to a dreaded own goal.

Jets were on the back foot against a lively Wembley side and, for the first twenty minutes, were chasing shadows and had goalkeeper Max West to thank for three saves, one stunner, to hold the scores level. Still, if falling behind was no surprise on the balance of play, the scorer was another own goal that was to cause the damage just like Saturday.

Wembley had the upper hand, although Jets did get off the ground and defensively compete, and a fine debut by the experienced Lavender was another bonus for the strengthening squad, which had been savaged by holidays. However, it is July!

A calm but firm team briefing at the break saw a complete turnaround, as Jets dominated the whole half, with Wembley hanging on and, at one stage, muscling Jets off the ball.

James Barnett went through almost straight away and beat the keeper, but just into the side netting as the first of four chances for Jets to get a spoil of the points, but tonight missed chances and an OG at the other end decided the outcome of the points.

In defeat, it’s hard to explain how good Jets’ second-half display really was. The football was at times stunning, but it just lacked the finishing touch tonight. No panic bells are ringing, as we genuinely believe it will come, and we’re playing much worse and win !!

Jamie Doolan and Max West were in contention with strong performances, but the Man of the Match went to skipper David Lopes.

Jets Downed By Last Minute Strike

Brook House 3 Oxhey Jets 2
Combined Counties Division One
26th July 2025

Jets were absolutely floored with defeat with the last kick of the match from a dreadful free kick that unfortunately settled the game.

The Jets had played really well at possibly one of their most dreadful grounds, results-wise, a hoodoo that was to continue, but I think Brookhouse will be around the promotion pack come season’s end.

Jets with multiple debuts are a much-changed side with far more experience joining the squad, meaning seven of the starting eleven were returning to the club or making their first debut, as were four of the five substitutes. So, a very new setup and six of the seven missing players, as the combined counties league decided to force a league kick-off even before some schools have broken up for the summer. Therefore, July and August team selections will be interesting to say the least.

The game considering the heat started at some pace and BH known for their superb attacking play opened three chances that were saved or blocked a big warning to Jets, but in counter with the excellent James Barnett back his strength contributed the George Rice and debutant Paulie Schuster causing the home side problems, and it was Rice who along with another returning player Liam Osborne whose strength held off the defenders from an excellent Lopes long throw for Rice to fire Jets into the lead (George Rice 10 mins).

Jets had chances, but this was a battle, and there were always going to be goals.

The hosts pulled level with a cutting through ball that was looking like the keeper’s ball, but the nippy Reece Keary got there and slotted coolly past the keeper (1-1, 27 mins)

Jets had an excellent chance that looked goal-bound when Chippy dead centre connected with a header, but just wide, and literally within a minute, Jets were punished when from a corner, David Lopes’ head diverted the ball into the net 2-1 ( OG 41 mins).

It was a knock back, but Jets rose to the occasion when James Barnett, who was the most fouled man on the pitch, was taken down as clear on goal and would have been a straight red had it not been for the double jeopardy rule. James stood up and coolly slotted in stoppage time 2-2 (45+3)

Note: The double-jeopardy law states: “Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offender is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball; in all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.) the offending player must be sent off.”

Positive talk at the break and one change as two debutants swapped in a forward for a forward move. The ongoing Nicolas Hotgebe had a glorious chance missed but dreadfully unlucky to see his lob over the keeper agonisingly tip the top of the bar and stay out.

Jets survived a close call penalty appeal when, for the only time of the match, hesitation led to the foul; however, fortunately, despite pressure, the assistant stood firm in ruling it outside the box. Jets were soaking up the pressure but were forced back, and their counters were frustratingly ended by offside time and time again. Then disaster for luckless Jets as deep into stoppage and well past the referees indicated time to be added a free kick was awarded thst could only be given as a foul by someone who has not played football, a dreadful mistake that prompted a much longer moas report, was fired home straight over the wall and into the net 3-2 ( 90 + 7) Trey Pender Brown.
The ground hoodoo continued!!

The Carlsberg man of the match was a big option. George Rice was energetic and a good goal, while James Barnett was strong and took a ruthless battering. However, the unanimous decision went to Liam Osborne on his return from his university year, where it seemed he spent more time learning football than his chosen subject.

Many positives in defeat.

Match Gallery: