FA Cup: Oxhey Jets to face Kingstonian after Didcot Town victory

A Lewis Putman goal was enough to overcome Step 4 opposition at the Boundary Stadium and Jets will again have home advantage when they take on the side currently in second place in Isthmian League Premier Division, two steps higher than their Spartan South Midlands League cup hosts in the tie to be played on the weekend of September 4.

Jets had to overcome a big hurdle to feature in this lunchtime’s draw and did it in style in a game both defences dominated.

The hosts had the first big chance when Bradley Sweeney was picked out but was denied by the keeper after being forced a little wide.

Louis Stead lets fly. Picture: Len Kerswill

Putman then went clear and an ever better save denied him, but the Didcot keeper was beaten by a superb Louis Stead curler, only for it to clip the bar and go out.

Both defences were tight with Phil Ifil impressing for the hosts, Kenny Nobrega produced a good first start alongside him, while Andy Brennan was again the powerhouse in the middle of the park.

Lewis Putman jinks his way through. Picture: Len Kerswill

The winner came early in the second half. Putman went off on a run and with a jink and swerve unleaded an unstoppable piledriver into the top of the net to start the celebrations.

The hosts celebrate what proved to be their winner. Picture: Len Kerswill

Town made three changes as they pushed for the equaliser. Although Jets found themselves pinned back, the visitors were unable to breach the solid defensive line.

Jets could have made their victory more comfortable when first Putman and then Stead chose to go it alone instead of playing in teammates, but the home side had done enough to make it through the preliminary round tie.

Elsewhere in the first qualifying round draw, Kings Langley have been drawn at home to Romford, Northwood will entertain Chichester City if they overcome Burnham in their replay, while Berkhamsted will make the trip to Walthamstow.