Oxhey Jets couldn’t overcome ten-man Hoddesdon Town as they were defeated 3-1 at home on the opening day of their Spartan South Midlands Premier Division campaign.

The Jets got off to the worst possible start – finding themselves one down after just 45 seconds as a defensive mix-up allowed Louis Bowen to net.

Adam Lowton had the chance to level the game for the hosts but blazed a sweet Alfie Hatch pass way over the bar. 

And, in the 17th minute, the visiting side doubled their advantage when an efficient counter-attack was finished by Ben Andreos. 

Wayne Gladdy’s side were given a way back into the game before the break when Andy Brennan was hauled down in the box by Bowen and the Hoddlesdon man was shown a straight red.

However, Joseph Kelly’s limp penalty was easily stopped and that left Jets trailing by two goals at the interval. 

Despite being a man short, Hoddesdon maintained their discipline in the opening stages of the second half and constantly troubled the home side’s defence on the counter attack.

However, Jets found themselves back in the game just before the hour mark when Lowton slotted into the net. 

Hoddlesdon had the final say though and Ross Angelini punished some poor defending to convert a cross to seal victory for the visitors.