Oxhey Jets let their standards drop and suffered a third straight defeat on Saturday as Harpenden Town won 1-0 in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

While there were positives to take from the previous losses to Hadley and Arlesey Town, Jets’ desire and attitude was found wanting as a third-minute goal ultimately proved enough to give the visitors the points.

To make matters worse for the home side, they once again passed up a fine chance to get something out of the game from a first-half penalty.

Oxhey were given the opportunity to level from the spot when Sean Giordmaina was taken down in the area. But having spurned the chance to secure an injury-time point against Hadley two weeks previously when he fired over from 12 yards, Nick Kerley this time missed softly down the centre to the grateful keeper.

The home side did improve after the break, but their finishing was wayward until the closing stages when Giordmaina almost salvaged a point when he curled an effort inches wide.

To compound Jets’ misery, Kyle Johnson was shown a straight red card for dissent after receiving a yellow card in stoppage time.

There was no such frustration for Bovingdon though, as they continued their march to the Division Two title with a 5-0 triumph at Totternhoe.

Matthew Standen led the way with a brace, with Ben Davis, Jordan Thurgood and Ryan Laville also on target to leave the table toppers 12 points clear of second-placed Berkhamsted Raiders.