Two goals early on in extra-time deflated a tiring OHAFC Veterans side on Sunday morning allowing a strong Forest side to claim the Derrick Moore Veterans Cup with a 4-1 win over the holders.

Despite looking the fitter side for the majority of the game, the side from Essex were forced to the extra thirty minutes by a gutsy effort from a Harrow side who were determined not to let their grasp on the silverware go without a fight.

Harrow were pegged back for long spells of the first half but had a glorious chance to open the scoring when a poor Forest clearance fell at the feet of David Lederman and he played in Quentin Baker who unselfishly squared for Harry Hoffen to finish. Sadly, a poor first touch took the striker away from goal and his effort was subsequently smothered by the Forest 'keeper.

Forest, despite enjoying plenty of the ball, rarely managed to pierce the Harrow rearguard but a quick break down their right supplied the opener, a one-two forcing centre-half Mark Baddeley into an unwanted one-on-one race with the Forest striker who comfortably ran on to finish past Andy Butler.

The second half saw Harrow threaten more however, despite again being starved of possession. Again, it was a quick break that provided the equaliser, with an almost carbon copy of the goal that won the semi-final against Lancing. Baker again initiated the attack, driving through midfield before releasing Ru Hoffen down the left and he in turn provided a perfect low cross for brother Harry to poke in at the second attempt - somewhat fortuitously after his first effort had stuck under his boot with several Forest defenders closing in!

Forest had several chances to force a winner in the ninety minutes with Harrow having to defend numerous corners and watch several shots fly just wide and over their goal. Andy Butler was a calming presence in goal however and made one excellent stop to ensure the sides finished normal time on level terms.

With limbs wearying in the strength-sapping heat, all tension was taken from the game in the opening spell of extra-time when two quick Forest goals earned them a cushion they never looked like relinquishing. Harrow had a late chance to force a nervous few closing minutes when Molloy headed inches wide from a free-kick but, with men pushed forwards in desperation, a final Forest break with a minute remaining saw a fourth fired past Butler and the tie settled convincingly.

It was a brave effort from all fourteen Harrow players who couldn't have given any more on the day. Perhaps for only the second time since the side's run of success began five seasons ago (the first being the 6-1 drubbing courtesy of Lancing in 2014), they were outplayed by a fitter, stronger and better footballing side. If Harrow are to enjoy further success in the coming seasons, Forest appear to be the benchmark to measure themselves against.

Many thanks to all the supporters who came along on the day and to skipper John Wyn-Evans for his efforts both in the Cup and with the friendlies throughout the season.

THE OHAFC VETERANS WILL RETURN