Oxhey Jets saw a confident all-round display rewarded with a fully deserved 3-0 victory over Woodley United on Tuesday night.
Following Saturday’s 5-3 defeat at Eversley & California, Dave Barnes and Tom Inch sent their side out with clear instructions and a desire to end the season well, and it showed as Jets quickly took charge of the match.
Unfortunately for the hosts, George Rice, who has been in excellent form since he moved up from the County League, was forced off after 12 minutes after taking a knock that tightened up a hamstring.
However, Cameron Sharpe, another youngster from Jets’ County League sides and another son of one of the club’s Vets players, was making the most of his senior team debut start and put in a fine performance.
Jets finally took the lead on 27 minutes with a superb goal. Remell Sterling provided a peach of a defence-splitting ball across the penalty area where Archie Sykes glided past the Woodley defence to strike it home at the far post.
The home side should have increased their lead before half-time but didn't take advantage of their opportunities.
The Jets’ management team warned about the expected pushback from Woodley and that it was important to stay on the front foot and get the job done.
They did precisely that and extended their lead on 52 minutes when Stirling closed down the keeper whose forced clearance rebounded off Stirling and into the goal.
Jets remained well organised to keep control of the game and they made sure of the points after 84 minutes.
Andre Lopes, who was right back to his early-season form tonight, started a move on the touchline by the dugouts, sending a crossfield ball to the other wing where Danny Fowler sped down to the byline, crossed to the penalty area and, after a failed clearance, Lopes pounced to fire into the bottom corner.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here