Just a week after a superb win away to second-placed Berkhamstedians, the OHAFC 1st XI one again jeopardised their hopes of promotion back into the Premier Division of the Arthurian League with a disappointing display at home to the Old Brentwoods on Saturday afternoon, losing 4-1 on the Hill on a day when little went right for the Blues.

With skipper Yunus Sert still away, vice-captain Fred Richardson took charge for the crunch encounter, but he was dealt a cruel blow on the eve of the game with the withdrawal through illness of former captain Ed Poulter. This meant Reg pairing himself with Jonny Lalude at the back, at least until the arrival of Kyle Barrett at half-time. Nevertheless, with Cyprian Owen-Edmunds and Chester Robinson joining the likes of James Breeden, Harry Hoffen, Alec Gilbert and Dan Firoozan, there was still plenty of attacking talent on display.

The spate of recent fixtures played in the cold and rain continued, with another depressingly dull day in north London. The OHAFC had emerged with a closely-fought 3-2 win in the away fixture back in November and once again there was little to choose between the teams.

Both sides had chances before the visitors opened the scoring on the half-hour. Last week's standout performer James Breeden was kept relatively quiet in the opening period, one half-chance aside, the physically powerful Brentwood side providing substantially greater resistance than they did in their home fixture in Essex.

At half-time the switch was made with Kyle Barrett coming into the centre of defence and Harry Hoffen withdrawing to the sidelines. Barely had the referee blown to restart the game when the visitors doubled their lead, some poor defending from the home side allowing a simple finish past Fraser McGuinness.

Harrow fought on, but as the rain drove down it was clear this was not to be their day. Some hope arrived with twenty minutes remaining when Cyprian Owen-Edmunds pulled a goal back, collecting James Breeden's pass on the edge of the box before calmly side-footing home.

But Brentwoods remained resolute and in the closing stages actually looked the more likely side to score on the break. James Breeden tried one final run, driving past two players buhe leant back as he shot, the ball searing over the bar.

And in the final few minutes the visitors took advantage of some more generous defending to put the result beyond doubt, scoring twice as Harrow's hopes of victory were sunk without trace.

It was a decent enough performance from the OHAFC but the manner of the defending for some of the goal was concerning. Going forwards it turned out to be one of those days, in stark contrast to the week before, when nothing seemed to go right.

All is not lost however. Four games remain and, although it is now out of their hands, promotion may still be in reach should other results go the team's way. Next up is a home game with bottom side Wellington on Saturday and an immediate chance to restore confidence.