Oxhey Jets pay price for off-colour first half as unbeaten run ends

Oxhey Jets fell to their first defeat in 11 games as they paid the price for a lacklustre first half in a 2-0 loss at Eversley & California.

The visitors made a bright enough start to the Combined Counties League Division One clash in Hampshire.

A David Lopes header went agonisingly close, while George Rice had three good chances but failed to get the shot away. One ball he swung in looked to be goalbound but it agonisingly eluded the target, with Dominic Mosca coming in at the back post.

The visitors had a bit of luck when Eversley converted a header, but it was quickly ruled out by an assistant's flag.

George Rice watches as his effort is cleared off the line (Image: Oxhey Jets FC)

Jets were not overly happy with the goal that opened the game or sealed it. Each time Eversley got in behind defenders, the first failure to clear was converted from the edge of the box by Will May with numbers there after 11 minutes, but the second goal from Charlie Oakley in first-half stoppage time was poorly defended and gave the visitors a mountain to climb.

Before the second goal, Jets were not as convincing defensively as they have been of late against very direct and lively opponents.

However, the visitors looked to have levelled when Rice went through. His delayed attempt was bundled away by the keeper and cleared off the line, Mosca was on hand but somehow the ball stayed out of the net.

Jets responded in the second half and their performance improved, but despite the domination of possession and territory, their attacking play was not as effective as their hosts held firm.

Although there were plenty of scrambles and games of head tennis in the box, there were not many close calls as the home side secured a deserved win.