Jets already short of Ethan G (Injured) and Josh (With Ashington), were further hampered when Kyle had to pull out on the morning of the game due to sickness. So emeregency call went out to Luke, and thankfully he could make it so we could put seven on to the pitch. Our opponents Forest Hall looked similarly up against it as they only had seven players as well.
Started then with Kieran in goal, Joe B playing on his own at the back, Dylan holding midfield, Ben Left midfield, Ipswich on right, Ethan B attacking midfield and Luke as striker. Attacking formation suited the Jets today, as we played some lovely passing football in the first half, and the stats must have shown about 15 shots to jets compared with a couple to Forest Hall. Joe B helped by a disciplined Dylan snuffed out the danger well at the back, while going forward, Luke went close on lots of occasions, while Ethan B, Ipswich and Ben all had attempts on goal. Either the excellent keeper kept us out or the ball just kept going wide. Really good first half display, ended scores even 0-0.
Half Time and their was drama, Kieran wanting to come outfield, while Ipswich not wanting to go in goal. After a mini walk out, Ipswich finally did the right thing and went in goal for the benefit of the team. Our rythym was soon to be hampered when Forest Hall went down to 6 players, this seemed to bring the opposition more into the game, and they were more of an attacking threat in the second period. A couple of counter attacks from them led to good opportunites, which thanfully for the Jets went wide, while Ipswich did make a couple of good stops. Jets though still had a lot of the game, and the keeper made some stunning saves to keep them in the game. Jets looked to have made the breakthrough when a penalty was awarded. With two penalty takers for their sunday sides in Dylan and Ben on the field, responsibility was given to Ben who struck the ball really well, but unfortunately just to the left of the post.
Jets though continued to press and after some good teamwork there was a scramble in the box and the ball fell nicely for Luke to smash the ball home, and to give the impressive keeper no chance. No panics on the Jets goal in last few minutes as we played it safe putting Kieran at the back alongside Joe B.
Kieran - Quiet first half, but looked assured when called upon, second half lots of good battling in midfield.
Joe B - Been very consistent for the Jets, and this was a typically good performance.
Dylan - Another very strong performance, played the defensive midfielder role very well first half, and was a threat on the right.
Ben - A threat on Forest Hall defence, heading just over, and going close with a few shots even though not at his very best.
Ipswcih - Went close to scoring in the first half, thankfully saw the light at half time eventually, good distribution from keeper position..
Ethan B - Again another consistent performer for the Jets, shows a excellent attitdue, played in unfamiliar positions today but did well linked nicely with Luke.
Luke - Was awarded the Man of the Match by John, led the line really well, lots of pressure on Forest Hall defenders, very stong in the tackle linked up the play bringing midfielders into the game. Took his goal really well. Many thanks for helping us once again.
No man of the match was given by the opposition coach.
A good opening win in the league considering players missing, so well done to all the boys! No game next Saturday as its our turn to miss out as there are 9 teams in the new division.
