Oxhey Jets 3-2 BTFC

Well, what a mess that was last night. Instead of going to the top of the table (which initself isn't the be all and end all at this stage of the season) we're looking back and trying to analyse why lessons have not been learnt from losing a 2 goal lead. To do it once offers a chance to learn, twice points to something wrong.

Despite what someone told me (who should know better really) we didn't have such a poor first half. We contained them well and scored 2 goals - Bradley Harrison from an acute angle on 18 minutes and Jamie Steele on 41 minutes after sublime work from Dan Heron had mesmerisded all who were watching. Our starting formation gave little cause for concern in the first period, with Harrison being very effective on the left and our defence holding their positions well.

The second period was a different matter though. Oxhey shifted things about a bit and Dan Heron was constantly shadowed, often with one defender just tucked in goalward side as well. They had learned their lessons from the first half well, and now used the midfield to their advantage, supplemented by 2 astute substitutions. That wasn't to say we didn't have a couple of golden chances though to seal the match, but couldn't find the that bit of quality when it mattered. Our formation play was beginning to collapse though under pressure, with only 3 effective players now in midfield for us and one of those playing ineffectually out of position. The front two became one and he became more and more isolated as ball after ball pinged straight back to a now crumbling defence as the midfield became overrun. It was only a matter of time before the now disorganised defence went the same way.

For me the substitutions came far too late as we continued to be reactive rather than pro-active and the second sub came on only after the lead had been whittled away. The fact we had a fully loaded 'bench' made it all the more frustrating.

The writing had been on the wall and we had stoically ignored it. 3-2 was another inevitable and it came in short enough order. Oxhey celebrated like they had won the FA Cup itself, and they deserved it thoroughly. For us a shabby performance and one that was tactically strange.

So, another 2 goal lead thrown away in a match we should really have done much better in. Grinding out performances away from home on a cold midweek evening is a an absolute must if this team wants to prove it's credentials to anyone.

Hertford at home (Bedford FC) on Saturday (3pm KO) now to look forward to.