Oxhey Jets served up a storming comeback in the wind and rain to overturn a 3-1 deficit and win an eight-goal thriller as opponents Rising Ballers Kensington saw two goalkeepers sent off on Saturday.

Injuries and unavailability meant the hosts had an unusual look to them for the Combined Counties League Division One Cup tie as they gave a debut to youngster Henry Ford in goal, but they got off to a flyer as George Rice gave them a third-minute lead.

Jets had chances to increase their advantage and paid the price for not taking them when Ballers equalised after 22 minutes before scoring a second five minutes later.

The match took another twist when the visitors’ goalkeeper was shown a straight red card after taking out Rice when he was through on goal.

With an outfield player taking over between the posts, Jets immediately tried to capitalise but they were unable to get back on terms before the break despite pushing for an equaliser.

Andre Lopes converts from the penalty spotAndre Lopes converts from the penalty spot (Image: Oxhey Jets FC)

The Boundary Stadium pitch was holding up well under the pounding it was taking from Storm Bert, but within a minute of the resumption defensive hesitancy cost the hosts dear as they conceded a third to a superb curling finish.

Despite the setback, Jets kept their cool and kept attacking, but the visitors made the mistake of dropping deeper and when Rice was sent clear again he was upended by the stand-in keeper.

This time the outcome was a penalty and a yellow card, but the player had already been booked before he went in goal, so a red immediately followed, leaving Ballers down to nine men.

Andre Lopes duly converted the spot kick and Jets were back in the game.

The hosts sent on Patrick Brander and Elliot Harris to bolster their attacking options and from then on it was one-way traffic as they streamed forward with the wind at their backs, while their opponents tried their best to run the clock down.

Young winger Michael Kelly came off the bench to hammer home the equaliser on 76 minutes and six minutes later the home side got their noses in front when Joe Reade netted with a fine curling finish.

Ballers had no option but to come out and play and they almost capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, but assisted by a good save by Ford, the ball was cleared upfield.

The ball bounced, beat the defender and Harris nudged it forward to go clear and cooly slotted home to make it 5-3 and give Jets a second win in four days following their Herts Senior Centenary trophy victory over St Margaretsbury.