It may have not been Arsenal and Reading’s 7-5 thriller but Oxhey Jets and Aylesbury United still played out a pulsating 3-3 draw on Tuesday night.
The game between the South Midlands Premier title rivals ebbed and flowed and Ducks manager Tony Joyce said it was an entertaining match.
He said: “They were probably the best footballing side we played this season by a long way.
“We had to defend very well.”
Stacey Field played the hero and the villain on the night as he grabbed a hat-trick, his fifth goal in two games, but also gave away a penalty when the Ducks were leading 2-1.
The boss added: “He chased him back and slid in, in the box. It was one of those the ref had a tough one.
“It was a forward’s tackle. But it’s OK, I’ve told him to stay away from our box.
“In fairness he came back after that and scored for us again.”
While the forward made a welcome return to form, Joyce said credit had to go to his strike partner Louis Austin, who set up Field’s first two goals, won the penalty which the 24-year-old converted and was a threat throughout.
Prior to the Jets game and match at league leaguers Dunstable Town this Saturday (kick-off 3pm), the manager said he wanted four points from six.
After the draw with Oxhey Joyce said he was not about to change his mind.
“Dunstable are top and we’re second and something’s got to give.
“We are quite open and they are quite open.
“I think we have got more of a chance winning away from home there.
“If we can go there and get at least something that keeps us still in reach.”
Joyce said he was pleased with how the Ducks had fared this season.
“The top four is what we were always aiming for. That’s where we want to be.
“This season there’s been a little bit more consistency. It should put is in good stead.”