Skipper Chopra fires 2s closer to safety

Old KCS Wimbledon 2nd XI
0 : 1
Old Harrovians 2nd XI
  • April 20th 2013, Civil Service Sports Centre, 2pm
  • Division 3
  • Referee: David Mann
  • Weather: Sunny, breezy
  • Pitch: Poor
No. Starting XI Goals Yellow & Red Cards Subs On/Off
1 David Griffiths
2 Arjun Chopra (c) 86'
3 Jack Orr-Ewing
4 Simon Maydon
5 Harry Woolley 45'
6 Max Curry 65'
7 Ed Arghebant 80'
8 David Stead 80'
9 Alex Cater 85'
10 Joe Bone
11 Gbeminiyi Soyinka 85'
Substitutes
12 Ben Kerry 35'
13 Phil Berry 45'

Chopra's side arrived at the Civil Service SG knowing only a win would suffice in order to give them any chance of survival. A 4-5-1 formation was decided on in order to shut out the danger from the tall OKW no.15 who had caused problems in the past, with Dave Stead given the job of man-marking him.

The first half saw some excellent saves from Dave Griffiths, who was filling in for the absent Pritchard. Two reaction stops down to his left and a close range header tipped over the bar added to OKWs frustrations as they failed to take their chances on a terribly bobbly surface. Harrow were struggling to put any decent passing moves together, with Bone and Soyinka being squeezed out on a narrow pitch. 0-0 at HT.

Harrow approached the second half with gusto. Alex Cater relentlessly launched huge throws to OKWs back post and Stead continued to excel in his new midfield role, winning headers and challenges he had no right to win. Orr-Ewing and Maydon were performing solidly in defence with some vital interceptions in dangerous areas. After some formation tinkering and a desperate push for glory, finally the break through came with 5 minutes to play. Another huge, flat Cater throw was catapulted into the Wimbledon box which found the head of captain Chopra who directed home and wheeled away screaming "It's me, it's me".

A thoroughly deserved clean sheet for the 2nd XI who have not won a league game since November. The side go to high flying Marlborough next Saturday knowing a point will secure Division 3 status.