The OHAFC 1st XI completed their pre-season preparations with a satisfactory 4-0 win over Old Stoics at the Philathletic Ground on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, which saw few chances created by either side, the game suddenly turned in the home side's favour shortly after the break with a five-minute hat-trick from promising young striker Charlie Stebbings. Ed Martins completed the scoring ten minutes from time, the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of new kitten 'Basil' in the Martins household.

The match served as ideal preparation for next week's opening League encounter away to Brentwood and a final chance to gain some match fitness ahead of what is sure to be a tough test in Essex.

There were several positives to take from the run-out, not least the performances at either end of the pitch from two school leavers: Stebbings up front and David Griffiths in goal. Both performed well and showed enough to suggest they will be competing for places in the 1's or 2's during the course of the season. James Mee, another newcomer to the club, also played well and will be another useful addition.

Further good news came when centre-half Fred Milln completed his first ninety minutes since his bone spur operation, although his ankle did show some swelling after the game and will need monitoring prior to next week's game.

The game also proved a useful run-out for several 2's players with Chopra, Arghebant, Berry and Ru Hoffen all getting some decent game time under their belt. The 2nd XI have a further week off before they start their League campaign with another tough test against Eton's second string.

Team v Stowe (4-4-2): David Griffiths (GK); Arjun Chopra, Nick Defty, Fred Milln, Phil Berry; James Mee, Ed Arghebant, David Lederman (c), Alex Molloy; Ed Martins, Charlie Stebbings. Subs: Piers Bourke, Ru Hoffen.