The OHAFC 1st XI arrived at Eton with a strong squad of 13 having had their originally scheduled 1st round tie of the Arthur Dunn Cup called off due to the Old Wellingburians not being able to raise a side. The side again had a good blend of youth and experience and were in confident mood before kick-off having picked up their first point of the season two weeks ago at Brentwood.

Ed Poulter named Emre Sert in goal, Fred Richardson and Hamish Macintyre as full backs with Alex Ellis and Yunus Sert as the two centre halves. In midfield, Alex Breeden started on the right, Doug Morrison on the left with Paul Molloy and Ed Poulter in the middle of the park. James Breeden played just behind Harry Hoffen with Cyprian Owen-Edmunds and Nick Scarborough on the bench.

After a thorough warm up in rather blustery conditions the OHAFC started the game very brightly, playing some attractive football, getting the ball down and knocking it around with confidence. Despite being on top for much of the first half the visitors struggled to create much and rarely tested the Eton 'keeper.

However, the high pressing tactic of putting the Eton back four under pressure worked well as they lost possession numerous times trying to play out from the back. The best chance of the half came when Alex Breeden whipped in a delightful ball across the six yard box begging for someone to attack it but the Eton full-back got there first to clear just before Morrison could get on the end of it.

Eton’ s only real attacking threat came from corners which were being assisted by the strong breeze behind them, but Emre Sert in goal and the defence dealt with them well. As the referee blew for half time Harrow were disappointed not to have been in front having been by far the better side.

It was the same story at the beginning of the second half with Harrow having a lot of the ball but again rarely managing to test the opponent’s keeper - a common theme this season.

The game really kicked into life on the hour mark when James Breeden was clearly fouled running at the Eton back four. The linesman flagged for a foul but for some unknown reason the referee overruled him and seconds later Eton broke with upfield and a cross from the left was turned into an unguarded net, leading to most of the Harrow side to go straight to the referee demanding why he hadn't blown for a foul.

Eton clearly were clearly galvanised having taken the lead, albeit undeservedly, and they started playing some good football for the first time in the game.

The half continued to be a fairly even affair until Molloy gave the ball away very cheaply in midfield and the Eton midfielder played in their striker who tucked the ball away to make it 2-0 - a very harsh scoreline on the visitors.

Shortly afterwards, with Cyprian Owen-Edmunds now on in Harry Hoffen's place, Harrow were awarded a penalty when Morrison delivered a pin-point corner only for the referee to spot a foul in the box and point to the spot. James Breeden stepped up confidently and sent the 'keeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.

Harrow tails were up and the game became far more open than in the first half, the visitors pushing forwards at every opportunity and testing the Etonian 'keeper on several occasions.

With about fifteen minutes remaining the visitors scored the equaliser their play had thoroughly deserved with a superb goal, substitute Nick Scarborough crossing perfectly for Doug Morrison to smash home on the volley from ten yards out - his first goal for the OHAFC 1st XI.

Inside the last ten minutes Harrow looked like the team to win it despite a brilliant goal line clearance from Scarborough and a brilliant reflex save from 'keeper Sert but neither side could force a winner and the game ended 2-2.

It was an enthralling game with Harrow by far the better team throughout and the side will be very disappointed not to have picked up their first win of the season. With games against teams around them in the League in the next few weeks, momentum seems to be building and surely the first win of the season can't be long in coming provided availability remains strong.

*Many thanks to the watching Fred Milln for this match report