The OHAFC 3rd XI comfortably progressed into the David Woolcott Trophy quarter-finals for the second season in succession with a routine 5-1 win over a struggling Old Haberdashers side on the Hill on Saturday afternoon. Harry Bick continued his excellent goalscoring form with two goals and Nic Blinoff also scored twice – his first goals in OHAFC colours, with Connor Barrett grabbing the fifth. The Blues must wait to find out the identity of their opponents in the next round, with the Old Shirburnians and Old King’s Scholars not meeting until March 2nd.

Unsurprisingly having enjoyed a two-week break from action, the 3s took a while to fully click into gear on Saturday, but once they did, a repeat of the 8-0 result between the sides earlier in the season looked a distinct possibility.

The opening goal came from the penalty spot a quarter of an hour in, Ned Callander’s curling effort was destined for the far corner until it was blatantly deflected away by a Habs arm, referee Tini Kaja immediately punishing the offence. Harry Bick stepped up to score his 14th 3rd XI goal of the season.

It was one-way traffic but the hosts were made to wait until just before the half-hour mark to double their lead. This time Bick was the provider with an excellent cross into the box allowing Nicolas Blinoff to head home his first ever OHAFC goal. And shortly before the break another headed goal settled the tie, Connor Barrett rising above some fairly non-existent marking to power home his second goal of the campaign.

The hosts began the second half in sloppy fashion, complacency clearly taking hold. The result was never in doubt however, and once the side regained their composure two more goals were scored. The first was an all-Bick affair, with older brother Charlie delivering a superb ball over the top for Harry to run onto and slip under the advancing keeper. And Blinoff rounded off the scoring with his second goal ten minutes from time, a fine move culminated in Ned Callander squaring for the youngster to beat the keeper with a well-placed shot.

There was still time for a spectacular late consolation effort from the visitors however, with the ball being cleared out to a midfielder some thirty yards from goal and he struck a superb shot that whistled past Tom Mitchell in the Harrow goal.

So a comfortable win, as expected, for the Blues and they now turn their attention back to the League with a fixture at home to another struggling Division Four side, the Old Eastbournians. In fact, the Blues still have three League games remaining against these two teams and must ensure they claim maximum points if they are to maintain their push for a second consecutive promotion.

*Thanks to Harry Bick for his assistance with this report