The OHAFC 1st XI returned to action for the first time in 2016 with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to promotion rivals Repton.

Once again Ed Poulter's side looked solid defensively, registering, remarkably for an Old Harrovian side, a fifth clean sheet in nine League games. Going forward the Blues continued to labour however, with few chances created on the heavy, slippery surface at Merchant Taylor's School.

Having not played since the 1-0 win at Haileybury on December 12th it was imperative that the side travelled to north London fully focussed on the task in hand. Although a healthy five-point cushion had been built up prior to Christmas there was no room for complacency with the Blues' last six League games having been decided by just a solitary goal.

Fred Milln's continued knee problems kept him sidelined for a second consecutive game and illness also deprived the captain of the services of Bemini Soyinka and Jack Hill. Fortunately, Dan Firoozan, who has scored the side's last four goals in League and Cup, was once again available and midfielder Alex Breeden's six-week break from his muay thai masters in Beijing saw him selected for the fist time this season. The club's leading goalscorer Alex Smith was chosen to start a 1st XI game for the first time in his career and he partnered a sun-tanned Harry Hoffen up front, the team using two forwards in a bid to improve a spluttering attack.

With the weather postponing a number of fixtures around the country the fixture was afforded the luxury of a full set of officials with experienced referee Kevin Lowe the man in charge.

Although there was barely a cloud in the sky conditions were far from perfect, with a low-setting sun and a heavy, slippery surface causing problems for both sets of players.

The first half was a tight affair with little to choose between the teams. Both sides attempted to get the ball down and play, Harrow switching the ball across their back four, Repton employing three central midfielders and, on occasion, outnumbering Breeden and Newton in the middle.

It quickly became apparent however that the visitors' intention to mix their play up and utilise the presence of target man Smith in attack was doomed to failure with the giant Reptonian centre-half comfortably winning every ball played forward aerially - as a consequence link-up play between the two front men was virtually non-existent.

With both sets of players struggling to keep their footing at times numerous attacks broke down before either goal could seriously be threatened. Harrow's best chance came midway through the half via a set-piece, Lederman's ball to the back post was headed goalwards by Smith and the 'keeper's parry fell right at Hoffen's feet but he was facing away from goal and his attempt on the turn was comfortably saved.

At the other end Fraser McGuiness, who had looked alert throughout, made a fine save, diving to his right to palm a well-placed shot from twenty yards past his far post.

Firoozan struck a similar effort on goal that required a smart stop from the Repton 'keeper and a brief spell of pressure just before the break saw the hosts create a couple of shooting opportunities courtesy of their speedy right winger but it was little surprise that the first half ended even and goalless.

At half-time there was some debate about how best to change the attack. The aerial dominance of the Repton centre-half creating a conundrum about how best to use Smith and Hoffen. In the end the skipper decided to remove Hoffen from the fray and switch to a 4-5-1 formation with Firoozan playing off Smith and Alex Gilbert coming onto the left wing.

The first twenty minutes of the second half saw the hosts in the ascendancy, their superior ability on the ball in the middle of the pitch allowing them to work a number of dangerous situations and force several corners, the visitors struggling at times to clear their lines. Skipper Poulter made it clear that no chances should be taken and the team listened, tightening up defensively and gradually regaining parity in terms of possession.

But the longer the game progressed the more the visitors began to find pockets of space, with Gilbert down the left and Breeden and Firoozan in the middle enjoying more of the ball. Despite changing the lineup several times with Hoffen, Smith and Lederman rotating on the sidelines, the final pass continued to prove elusive and the Repton goal remained relatively unscathed.

It was pleasing to see however that despite this being the Blues' first game in over a month, fitness levels appear to have been maintained with the last ten minutes seeing the visitors camped in the Repton half but unable to create the one chance necessary to win the game.

The 0-0 scoreline was a fair result with neither side able to create any sustained pressure on their opponents' goal and both 'keepers remaining relatively untested.

For the OHAFC, their outstanding defensive record this season continues, the workrate of all twelve players used helping to restrict chances for the opposition and McGuiness looking sound between the posts whenever called upon. Johnny Lalude enjoyed a fine game at right-back, although he was advised after the game that he needs to spend less time in the gym. His captain, who was spending the evening reading stories and monitoring the punch bowl at a 21st birthday party, clearly somewhat jealous of his superior physique.

Sympathy is also due to 2nd XI skipper Geoff Taunton-Collins, who travelled north but remained an unused substitute. In the era of rolling subs this in itself is a rare unpleasant experience but it was made worse by the fact that, courtesy of Lederman, he arrived at the ground an hour a half before kick-off and left last of all. His response to Lederman's enquiry whether he wanted to go to tea is unprintable here.

The side continues to struggle to create sufficient chances going forward but criticism on this occasion should be tempered given the tricky pitch conditions and the solid Repton rearguard.

The 1st XI's sequence of away games is prolonged for another fortnight with trips to Bradfield and Wellington slated before the visit of Salopians in the Dunn Cup quarter-final.