There were positives in defeat as depleted Oxhey Jets came up short as they were beaten 5-3 at play-off contenders Eversley & California.

Jets had already beaten their in-form Combined Counties League Division One opponents twice this season but travelled light after being hit by what the club website branded “completely unacceptable late withdrawals” for Saturday’s game.

A difficult-looking afternoon got off to the worst possible start when the visitors fell behind after nine minutes, but the response was immediate as just one minute later Owen Ayres was left unmarked to stroke the ball into the empty net at the back post.

Watford Observer: Owen Ayres equalises for the visitorsOwen Ayres equalises for the visitors (Image: John Elliott)

Jets then took the lead midway through the opening half when a low cross from the impressive George Rice was put in at the back post by James Kimber following a scramble.

The end-to-end nature of the exchanges continued, with Remell Sterling and Andre Lopes unsettling the hosts, but Eversley struck next before having another goal ruled out by the assistant’s flag.

However, the visitors had no reprieve after the break when poor defending did allow the home side to score for a third time.

Despite their defensive shortcomings, Jets continued to threaten going forward and minutes later Stirling held off attempts to pull him back to play a superb through ball to Rice. The keeper came storming out of his area to meet the youngster, who beat him for a pace to run the ball into the net for his first goal for the senior side to make it 3-3.

Watford Observer: George Rice scores his first senior goal for JetsGeorge Rice scores his first senior goal for Jets (Image: John Elliott)

There was as good as it got for the visitors though, as late goals once again cost them the chance of being rewarded for their positive attacking endeavours.

The defeat leaves Jets 13th in the table ahead of tonight’s home clash with Woodley United.