The Old Harrovian 1st XI arrived on the Hill on Saturday with a somewhat depleted team. For the second week in a row the side has been unfortunate to have key players missing due to the blight of the wedding season. This crippling period has seen more casualties than Diaby’s Arsenal career.

Nevertheless, a team brimming with youthful exuberance, including club debutants Felix Orchard and Jamie McKee, took to the field to face the might of the reigning champions Tonbridge, skippered in the absence of Ed Poulter and the injured Fred Milln by Alex Breeden.

Harrow began the game with an intensity and fire that belied their lowly position at the foot of the premier Division. This, in combination with some very calm and collected possession, orchestrated at the back by the budding partnership of Yunus Sert and Alex Ellis, immediately put Tonbridge under pressure and they struggled to get hold of the ball to their immense frustration.

Harrow created numerous chances early on with debutant Doug Morrison and Alex Gilbert tearing down the wings and terrorising the full-backs. But against the run of play, which often seems to have been the case in recent games, Harrow conceded. A ball crossed into the box wasn't cleared properly, it sailed straight up in the air and the ensuing confusion between goalkeeper Griffiths and the centre-halves led to a fumble and Tonbridge capitalising on the error. Griffths appealed to referee Peter Dace in a vain attempt at an obstruction but the protests were waved away.

Nevertheless, Harrow came back strongly and again began creating chances as the visitors struggled to keep the ball under the immense pressure of Pratt and McKee, both playing like men possessed in central midfield, covering almost every blade of grass.

Stebbings came close with a ball crossed in from Trower and then some lovely chest control from Breeden sent him through once more, forcing the 'keeper into a tidy save. Harrow continued to pressure Tonbridge but were unable to convert the chances created.

The potential turning point of the match arrived when a ball over the Tonbridge rearguard put Stebbings through down the right-hand edge of the box, the 'keeper came flying out and collided with Stebbings, causing the pair to hurtle to the floor: penalty to Harrow. Stebbings was given the responsibility of taking the spot kick but, still dazed from the collision, scuffed his effort and enabled the 'keeper to save comfortably.

Harrow continued to play football from the back with confidence despite the setback but Yunus Sert, having done some excellent defensive work, brought the ball out of defence and was stripped of possession. Tonbridge made the most of the opportunity, sliding in the winger who subsequently crossed across the face of goal allowing a simple finish and gifting the visitors an undeserved 2-0 half-time lead.

Harrow regrouped at the break in disbelief at the scoreline, having dominated the half for long spells. The side came out for the second period with much the same intensity and vigour displayed for most of the first half, Mckee getting stuck in and irritating their central midfielders.

On the hour mark some intricate passing on the right flank led to Trower sending Gilbert through on goal. The striker used his pace to race clear and fired a shot in as the goalkeeper narrowed the angle. The keeper got a hand to it but the ferocity of the shot saw the ball continue past him and roll into the net.

Now Harrow were almost completely in the ascendancy, Tonbridge barely managing to string three passes together. Chance after chance came and went with Harrow still unable to find the equaliser due to a combination of near misses from the hosts and some safe hands from the opposition goalkeeper.

As time ran down, Harrow were caught on the break and found themselves outnumbered at the back, leading to the ball being crossed across the face of the box and Alex Ellis unluckily turning it into his own net as his feet became tangled up.

Harrow nonetheless continued to fight right until the final whistle to their great credit. Many of the Tonbridge side were clearly relieved to have obtained a flattering victory when Harrow were clearly the better side. 'But this is football,' as Jose would say.

There were notable debuts from Doug Morrison and Felix Orchard who were both outstanding down the left throughout. There were many encouraging signs from Harrow, who not only dominated for long spells but also created plenty of chances.

Nevertheless, there remains plenty of room for improvement in the upcoming games: the side needs to work at being harder to beat and to really capitalise on any chances created. Despite many of the Harrovians departing frustrated and annoyed after the game, there were plenty of positives to take in defeat.

*Many thanks to skipper Alex Breeden for this match report