WE ARE THROUGH TO OUR 3RD FINAL

We are coming round the last bend and into the final stretch of a long and tough season but before the players can relax we have the prospect of a momentous climax with three Cup Finals and Play Off/s to contend with. Having already claimed places in the Finals of the Gladwish Challenge Trophy against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and the Herts Charity Shield against Wormley Rovers we made it a hat-trick after beating Oxhey Jets 3-0 to book our place against Harpenden Town in the Final of the St Marys Challenge Cup, a trophy we have lifted on 7 occasions.

This was our 50th contest against Oxhey Jets with the first game taking place in 1994/95. They now play in Division 1 of the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League so our paths only cross in cup matches now. We got off to a good start with Max Hercules playing Bailey Osborne through the home defence in the 10th minute but a bad bobble made it difficult for our young forward and the keeper Henry Ford was able to make a save. Six minutes later Jets forward Patrick Brander saw his shot deflected over the bar.

On the half hour mark we took the lead through Max Hercules when he picked up the ball following a fine run by Noah Butler and fired a left foot shot from the edge of the area which took a deflection on its way into the net for his 10th goal of the season. Score 0-1. Soon afterwards Max sprung the offside and hit a powerful shot which forced the keeper into a good save with Bailey Osborne firing the awkward loose ball over.

Our hosts fielded a very young side packed full of talented players who played some very good football but in the 38th minute they were dealt a big blow when their defender James Kimber was shown a straight red card for pulling back Max Hercules with the Referee obviously believing he was denying Max a goal scoring opportunity. The half ended with us holding a slim one goal lead. Score 0-1.

Five minutes into the second half we doubled our lead when Jack Harvey teed up Harry Shepherd who brilliantly volleyed the ball past the keeper from just inside the box to maintain his position as the Club’s leading scorer with 23 goals to his name with hopefully a lot more to follow. Score 0-2.

To their credit Jets didn’t let their heads drop and they kept playing some lovely football with a chance falling to Dominic Mosca in the 58th minute when he beat Dan Gould to the ball but from an acute angle sent his shot into the side netting. Later Elliot Harris smashed a long range shot just past the far post. We wrapped up the game in the 66th minute when Bailey was tripped whilst bearing down on goal with George Carbery keeping his cool to slot home the penalty. Score 0-3.

Further opportunities came our way with Greg Deer forcing the keeper into a good save from close range and Max smashing a shot against the post as we ran out 3-0 winners for the 3rd consecutive game. FT Score 0-3.

Full marks to Jets youngsters who showed a lot of spirit and undoubted skill and we wish the team all the best for the future. One disappointing outcome was the early substitution of Harry Beaumont who is a key member of the team and we hope he will be fit for the crucial games coming up.

But first we have one more League game to play with Dunstable Town the visitors on Saturday to the Michael Anthony Stadium and then the real excitement begins so look out for key dates of Cup Finals and Play Off game/s. So come along on Saturday because the Club is also hosting a Family Fun Day so plenty to look forward to.

TEAM:
TA: Dan Gould, Harry Jones, Mason Clarke, Greg Deer (Dave O’Connor 73), George Carbery (Capt), Frankie Hercules (Dylan Fitzpatrick 68), Harry Beaumont (Jack Harvey 35), Noah Butler, Harry Shepherd (Finn Role 68), Max Hercules, Bailey Osborne (Lee Stobbs 73).

Scorers:

TA: Max Hercules (30), Harry Shepherd (50), George Carbery Pen (66)

Crowd: ?