The OHAFC 3rd XI suffered a narrow defeat to the Old Johnians 2s in their return to Arthurian League action on Saturday morning. A hard-fought first half saw both sides go into the break level with neither goalkeeper having really been troubled. The second half saw legs tiring and the greater space afforded to players eventually saw the deadlock broken. The hosts took the lead on the hour, a well delivered cross allowing a simple header past keeper Alex Fraysse. But the visitors responded soon afterwards from the spot, skipper Joss Awdry converting a penalty he himself had won when fouled attempting a shot at goal. As time ticked on, a draw seemed the likely outcome, but the lack of any substitutes saw the visitors struggle in the closing stages and Johnians snatched the points ten minutes from time, the goal courtesy of a break that ended with a low shot from another simple cross.

For this first ever meeting between the two teams, a rather early start was required in order to meet for the 10am kick-off at Imber Court sports ground in Surrey, just south of Hampton Court. Skipper Joss Awdry was without several regulars and only able to name an eleven that included three debutants in OHAFC colours: Matthew Ede, who has enjoyed a promising pre-season, James Gibbens and Roger Litton. Sam Dunn, who helped corral the latter pair to play, was a very welcome return to the midfield, with Awdry and Litton the wide men in support of Adam Graham up front. Wilson, Whitcombe, Charlie Dunn and Liu formed a solid back four, but the lack of any replacements was a notable concern for a side that has won only once on the opening day of the season since 2015.

Johnians’ second string finished second behind Brentwoods 4s to earn promotion last season and, like their visitors on Saturday, had yet to kick a ball in anger this season. Rustiness could have been expected therefore, but the first half proved a highly competitive affair, albeit devoid of much goalmouth incident. The hosts are a physically tall, powerful side who threatened sporadically from set-pieces and on the counter, but failed to seriously trouble the experienced Alex Fraysse in the Harrow goal. Going forwards, the Blues struggled to offer much of a threat themselves, although new boys Ede and Gibbens more than held their own and the Dunn brothers provided a strong backbone down the middle. Given the lack of penetration from either side it was hardly surprising that the first half drew to a close with the score still goalless.

Unable to make any changes to personnel, skipper Joss Awdry urged his men to fight as hard as possible for as long as possible, but, even from the early exchanges of the second half, it was clear that this would prove a tough ask for the men in blue. Keeper Alex Fraysse produced a couple of notable saves and showed the same qualities he displayed when keeping for the 1s during their famous Dunn Cup triumph in 2007. But he was powerless to prevent Johnians taking the lead on the hour, a fine cross from out wide headed home from close range.

The visitors remained undeterred however and, to their great credit, fought back strongly, forcing an equaliser eight minutes later. David Liu raided down the left and his cross into the box skimmed off the head of a defender. Awdry was waiting at the far post and as he connected on the volley, was clattered into by the full-back. Referee Martin Coughlan, officiating his first ever OHAFC fixture, pointed to the spot and the skipper himself dusted himself down and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but as the clock ticked into the 80th minute it was the hosts who found the elusive quality to forge the deciding goal. A quick break from a Harrow attack saw the Blues caught short at the back and a low cross into the box was well finished past the despairing dive from Fraysse.

It was tough luck on the OHAFC, who had produced a fine effort throughout the ninety minutes, the lack of any substitutes undoubtedly contributing to the second half struggles. Much to be optimistic about heading into next weekend’s home opener against the Old Tonbridgians 2s, but hopefully the skipper will receive a bit more support from his squad going forwards.