Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Colney Heath 2 Oxhey Jets 3 COLNEY Heath suffered a late blow as Oxhey Jets took the points at the Recreation Ground in the Premier Division on Saturday. The Magpies showed excellent spirit to come f

Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Colney Heath 2

Oxhey Jets 3

COLNEY Heath suffered a late blow as Oxhey Jets took the points at the Recreation Ground in the Premier Division on Saturday.

The Magpies showed excellent spirit to come from 2-0 down, only to lose to a sucker punch late on.

Lee Gorrell stepped in to add to experience to the Colney Heath defence and Mark Blackburne earned a start in attack alongside Jake Parratt.

Midfielder Greg Deacon came close inside the first 30 seconds for the Magpies after a measured forward pass from Neil Jordan. Talented forward Parratt then missed the ball from six yards out.

Wayne Gladdy put the Jets ahead in the first half and Heath manager Craig Johnstone was disappointed his side were down at the break. He said: "Jake missed when it looked easier to score and Oxhey scored after some disastrous defending from us. Wayne Gladdy was left completely unmarked."

After the restart, Oxhey Jets capitalised on confusion in the home defence to go 2-0 up when a back pass evaded centre back Lee Gorrell and goalkeeper Tom Blackman, allowing Paul Danslow to run the ball in the empty net.

Johnstone made changes, with Sam Margerrisson off the bench to make his return after a year away from the club, on the left side of midfield. Tom Dickie came into midfield to add bite and powerful defender Amadou Gerber was thrust into the attack. Parratt struck the crossbar from 25 yards as the switches paid off and the Magpies dominated. Margerrisson delivered a fine cross and Gerber challenged with the goalkeeper. The ball came back to midfield star Deacon who lashed it home.

Dickie bolstered the Colney Heath midfield with some strong tackles and he set up the equaliser for Parratt to tap in and make it 2-2.

Johnstone expected his side to claim at least a draw from there and they continued to attack, only to get caught out late on when Danslow got clear in the box and converted a fine cross for 3-2. The Colney Heath boss was not happy. He said: "They got the ball out wide right and we were slow in closing down. They put in a good cross but it should never have come in. We had chances in the second half but showed a little bit of naivety. We could have held on and got the draw."

Johnstone is searching to bolster his attacking options with Phil Jackman out of the country and Jamie Hazel injured. The Magpies face a tough clash away to Cockfosters on Saturday in the Premier Division.