In-form Oxhey Jets made it four wins in a row with a 1-0 win at Chalfont St Peter but the victors struggled to contain their anger at a decision that could have changed the outcome of the game.

Patrick Brander scored what proved to be the winner in the first half but the big talking point came after the break when Jets were not awarded an obvious penalty for a handball.

Instead of awarding the spot-kick and sending off the Chalfont player, it was Jets who were reduced to ten men following a sin-bin, but they managed to hold out to secure all three points which moved them up to 16th in Division One of the Combined Counties League.

The moment of controversyThe moment of controversy (Image: Oxhey Jets)

The visitors dominated the first half and had two good chances in the first four minutes, both of which were put over the crossbar.

However, Jets’ inability to convert their chances into goals almost cost them when they were caught on a breakaway and it took some brave goalkeeping from Lewis Lavin to prevent the home side from going in front.

The South Oxhey side attacked immediately and after some good work on the left by Elliot Harris, Brander took control of the ball, cut in across the box and unleashed a fine shot for what proved to be the winner.

Jets remained on top for the remainder of the first half but were left pondering how they only led by one goal at the break.

Patrick Brander looks on as his shot hits the netPatrick Brander looks on as his shot hits the net (Image: Oxhey Jets)

As often happens, Chalfont changed formation at the interval and got on top as their opponents once again made a slow start to the second half.

Substitutions restored some balance but Jets were unable to reach the levels of their first-half performance.

Then came the moment of controversy as Owen Ayres was denied by the keeper in a scramble but the ball was going into the net until it was stopped by a defender’s outstretched arm. A penalty and a red card should have been the result but the referee had other ideas.