As the high winds and cold air came raging in on the morning of Saturday 8th December, thirteen young men headed to the the Hill for what was to be a landmark fixture in OHAFC history: for the first time ever, a 4th XI was to be fielded by the old boys, meaning that the club was being represented in four different competitions all on the same day.

A rousing warm-up speech from Fred Woolley was sufficient to underline the importance of the fixture, which for many was their first appearance in OHAFC colours. The debutants quickly adapted themselves to the task at hand in what proved to be a tricky contest against a well-established Old Eastbournians 1st XI - a regular in the Arthurian league for many seasons.

Early on the OHs gained a free-kick on the edge of the box after Arthur Blount, instrumental in his new role as centre forward, was hacked down, in the opinion of many, inside the box. The chance was squandered however, and the hosts were soon under the cosh. The tall, Elmfield-based defence acquitted themselves excellently, headed up by Michael Brooks & Ollie Spray, with skipper Ed Nicholson lending his considerable height to help thwart the Eastbournians' aerial bombardment. Full-backs Max Fosh and Mumtaz Habib were kept busy keeping out the pacey wingers, but the Blues were unable to prevent the visitors striking twice midway through the half, despite the sterling efforts of veteran goalkeeper David Griffiths.

The welcome return of another OHAFC star of the past, Theo Gordon, brought a solidity to the midfield and the veteran looked healthier than ever, back after a long term injury, as the remainder of the half was navigated without further goals conceded.

A rousing and passionate half-time huddle got the boys raring to go for the second half and, with the wind now behind them, the OHAFC attacked from the start. Substitute Michael Watford pounced on a loose ball inside the box so score the 4th XI's first ever goal and at 1-1 it was game on.

Left-winger Karl Perry began to exert an increasing influence on proceedings, with vice-captain James Monroe also to the fore in midfield, unlucky not to spring the Eastbournians back four with some enticing through-balls.

Some fresh pace off the bench from wing-back Barney Bartlett saw a number of balls crossed into the box and the game looked very much winnable for Harrow at this stage. With Payne causing trouble in the final third with some excellent footwork throughout, the hosts earned themselves a penalty in the 85th minute following a mis-timed, last-ditch tackle on Blount. But with high winds and heavy hearts, the ball was sent cruising over the bar by Monroe, the chance lost.

A final bid to take the game into extra-time saw players thrown forwards at will, but the Eastbournians clung on to put a dampener on the OHAFC's big day. Despite the defeat, it was a highly encouraging start to what will hopefully be a fantastic addition to the club and an excellent new draft of fit, healthy and hungry players to the OHAFC roster.

Roll on the 26th January when the side will have a second chance to record their debut win, a David Woolcott Trophy first round tie against fellow non-League outfit the Old Ardinians.

Many congratualations to Ed Nicholson and his squad for their efforts in this inagural fixture and good luck in January.

Thanks to the skipper for his help with this match report

Photos courtesy of Fred Woolley