Oxhey Jets are through to the semi-final of the St Mary’s Cup after completing a 1-0 victory against Tring Athletic on Tuesday evening.

Jets have struggled in the Premier Division throughout the season but have performed well in cup competitions and the victory against Athletic was down to a determined display.

Oxhey struggled in the opening period and the woodwork saved the home side early on. When the hosts’ backline was breached, Will Baker produced a number of impressive saves to keep his side level.

Lee Armitt and Luke Beardsworth caused Tring a number of problems when Jets did attack and, in first-half stoppage-time, the hosts went ahead.

Armitt’s clever turn helped him escape three defenders before he was brought down in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot and Beardsworth confidently converted from 12 yards.

Despite their lead, Jets manager Wayne Gladdy was not pleased at half-time and decided to introduce Harry Beaumont and Lewis Putman.

It proved the correct decision as Oxhey were much improved after the interval. Both sides netted but were denied by correct offside verdicts and the miss of the match came from a surprising source.

Putman, who scored 84 goals last season, managed to weave through the Tring defence but his usually reliable finish failed him and his shot was wayward.

Tring were reduced to ten men in the dying moments and Jets were able to see out the contest and advance.