A disastrous second half display saw the OHAFC 1st XI ship seven goals at home to the Old Marlburians on Saturday afternoon, in the process relinquishing their short-lived stay atop the Arthurian League Division One. Despite going in level at 1-1 at the break, there had been evidence aplenty in the first half that the hosts were more than capable of securing a vital win. But the Marlburians proved much the stronger side as the game wore on, taking full advantage of a cobbled together Harrow side to dish out a thorough beating and take their opponents’ place at the top of the table.

The Blues actually started well against a Marlburian side whom they had beaten comfortably in a pre-season friendly a month or so ago. Reinvigorated with personnel who had clearly missed that game, the visitors crowded the midfield areas from the offset, but Macintyre and Trower broke up play well, preventing the opposition from finding any sort of rhythm.

Strong build-up play from deep allowed youngsters Toby Gould, younger brother of George and making his OHAFC debut, and Ollie Acar to showcase their ability and put the Marlborough back four under early pressure. A chance fell to veteran striker Harry Hoffen early on in the half but it was saved and bundled clear. Fifteen minutes in and the OHAFC were well on top. Further pressure saw Harrow force a corner which Toby Gould delivered straight into the path of the onrushing Hugo Trower to nod home. The goal should have proved a catalyst for Yunus Sert’s men to push on in search of a second prior to the break. Instead, it was the visitors who struck back.

As half-time approached, a bouncing ball fell to the Marlborough right winger on the corner of the penalty area and he smashed a half volley across McGuinness's outstretched hand and into the far corner of the net. A wonderful strike that would make anyone’s Goal of the Season shortlist.

Slightly deflated, the Blues’ half-time chat revolved around recovering the early energy and continuing to chip away at the visitors’ midfield trio who had gradually worked their way into the game the longer the half wore on.

But Marlburians started the half considerably the sharper team and were rewarded with a goal that, disappointingly, sent Harrow heads down and, consequently, their football into disarray. Failed clearances, wayward passing and unnecessary fouls heaped pressure onto the hosts and gave the visitors a confidence that showed in the quality of their play. They doubled their lead and Harrow’s task verged on the impossible.

Between Marlburians’ third and fourth goals, Harrow did at least string together several passages of attacking play that created a few half-chances but the visitors always remained a threat on the counter and McGuinness was required to make a couple of fine saves to keep the score respectable. Following Marlburians’ fourth goal, Omisore managed to pull one back with a well-placed finish from just inside the area, but Harrow’s joy was short-lived as the visitors hit back almost immediately. In a shocking ten-minute spell, they added three more goals to their tally, two of which were expertly-placed shots into the far corner of the OHAFC net. Another couple of McGuinness saves at least prevented the threat of double figures being conceded. Nevertheless, the seven goals against is the most the OHAFC 1st XI have conceded in a Division One fixture this century.

All in all, a day to forget for the boys in blue. Despite some creative dribbling from the two youngsters, Gould and Acar, and some commendable defensive efforts across the team, the lack of attacking penetration meant that an organised Marlburian side had little to worry about. Poor availability, yet again, saw the OHAFC lose a top of the table clash against a side they will be competing with for promotion come the end of the season – a familiar tale, unfortunately.

Next week the pressure is off somewhat as the Blues begin their 2018/19 Arthur Dunn Cup campaign with, probably, the hardest tie possible: a trip to Godalming to take on holders the Old Carthusians – a club who have won the competition on no less than nine of the previous thirteen occasions. The Blues are going to have to play the game of their lives if they are to stand any chance of progressing.

*Thanks to Dan Firoozan for this match report