It’s honours even between Tring Athletic and Oxhey Jets

Athletic made several changes to last week’s starting lineup as Greg Deer was suspended for the game and Trevor Gibbs was still unavailable.

New signing Kieron Turner started his first game and Paul Jeffreys came back into the side and was captain for the day on his 100th first team appearance.

From the kick-off Athletic could easily have scored a couple of goals; firstly Kieron Turner shot tamely wide following a good move down the left.

Then twice Athletic found themselves in excellent positions, however the final pass let them down.

Ironically Athletic then could easily have found themselves behind as a stray back pass by Lee Benning eluded keeper Matt Evans, however he managed to get back and desperately clear the danger.

In the eighth minute Athletic conceded a penalty. Keeper Matt Evans dashed from his line and clattered into an Oxhey Jets player for an obvious foul.

Luckily for Tring the keeper was only shown a yellow card as there were several players in and around the goal.

Evans, however, redeemed himself by diving to his left and saving Joe Kelly’s spot kick.

Athletic had plenty of possession without testing visiting keeper Will Baker and were fortunate in the 32nd minute when Adam Lowton’s header hit the bar.

Athletic were slow into their stride at the start of the second half as Oxhey Jets took the initiative and pushed forward.

Eoin Casey found himself completely through on goal and unopposed but fortunately for Athletic he lacked the composure and missed the chance.

Athletic were finding things frustrating and both Taylor Collins and Chris Salmon were booked for late challenges.

In the 56th minute Athletic took the lead; the impressive Adam Toone heading in following a corner by Jeffreys.

Benning became the fourth Athletic player to be booked as Athletic were conceding too many free-kicks in dangerous areas, however Oxhey Jets were unable to make the most of them.

In the 68th minute, though, Jets deservedly equalised when Simeon Armstrong found himself unmarked on the edge of the area where he had time and space to pick his spot.

Athletic could not break down Oxhey Jets’ hard working defenders and keeper Will Baker hardly had a save to make.

Jets’ Jordan Gutteridge was cautioned following a trip on Olllie Butler as Athletic tried to build some momentum by forcing two corners in succession.

With just three minutes left Benning received his second yellow card for a late challenge and was subsequently sent off.

With 10 players Athletic persisted in pushing forward and again won two corners in quick succession but Jets had pulled all 11 players back and defended tightly.

Athletic will be disappointed with the result as this is the second week running where they have only drawn at home; it has to said however that Jets had the clearest chances and should have taken the points.