Kings Wimbledon II 2 OHAFC II 1

The 2s produced a disappointing display against Old Kings Wimbledon on a blustery Saturday afternoon, taking their promotion hopes out of their control and into the hands of the benevolent footballing Gods. With a lot of movement between the 1s and 2s over the week, the 2s fielded a strong squad against a side they beat comfortably at the start of the season.

Pittalis – Callander – Orr-Ewing – Jorel Bajwa – Robinson – Kerry – Pratt – Khan – Taunton-Collins – O Curry – Newton

Bench – Dalzell – Stead

The game saw the introduction of Giles Newton to the club, a player that Orr-Ewing has been tracking since being made aware of the player’s interest via his North-East England chief Scout Max Curry. Newton has two good feet and a good footballing brain, and will be an asset to the club going forwards.

Harrow started strongly, battling to play some decent football in the opening 30 minutes despite a wet, bobbly pitch and some inclement weather. OKWs fielded an enormous team, with 4 players over 6 ft 4”, which suited the type of football on offer. However, once Harrow managed to work the ball through the sasquatch in attacking midfield, Khan found himself in plenty of space and able to cause concern for the opposition defence.

Indeed it was Khan who played an important role in the build up to Harrow’s opener – taking the ball just inside the opposition half, the self-styled trequarista bore down on goal; deeming the threat unlikely to yield genuine danger, the OKWs allowed him to advance to within shooting distance. Not requiring a second invitation, Khan played a hopeful ball into the danger area and was rewarded when the defender conspired to make a mess of his header and plant it into his own net. 1-0

Khan continued to threaten after his useful assist, and was the main source of attacking verve during the first half. A skilful volley from a corner was turned around the post by the well bearded King’s stopper, and a number of other opportunities went close to extending Harrow’s lead.

Dalzell and Stead came on after 30 mins and Harrow decided to largely stop playing football at this point. A couple of jittery touches at the back, and having little space in which to play comfortable possession football combined to knock the visitor’s confidence, resorting largely to hopeful balls to the isolated Dave Stead.

Harrow continued to fashion a couple of chances which would have won the game – Olly Curry controlled a magnificent Dalzell pass, and having made some space for himself was unlucky not to score. Kerry got on the end of a corner and headed over the bar when anything on target would have bagged the points.

Down the other end, Pittalis had a few saves to make, but none that really tested him; however, as long as the score remained 1-0, Harrow were vulnerable to conceding. And indeed, from an innocuous clearance, Harrow were opened up and made to pay for their poor performance in the second half. The fleet-footed left winger picked the ball up wide on the half way line and advanced down the left flank – pursued by Callander, he was always goalside of the right back and cut inside dangerously – Orr-Ewing committed too late to was unable to stop the pass into the middle, where the OKWs striker was able to tap in from a few yards out.

Harrow knew that a draw would not help their promotion chances, but rather than relaxing for the final 20 mins and trusting the goal to come as a result of good football, Harrow continued with panicked, uncultured long balls and some plaintive cries to one another to calm down and keep the ball on the floor. Sure enough, OKWs continued to seek their first win over Harrow for many years, and were rewarded for playing sensibly given their strengths and the conditions. A good ball in from the left flank found the centre backs too far apart, and the diminutive 5 ft 6” striker made a good run onto the ball and headed home from 10 yards out.

Some of the 2s joined the 1s squad for the late premier League kick off and continued their night into the wee small hours. Taunton-Collins successfully completed an atomic wedgie on 2s veteran Harry Woolley, sending a message to the injured full-back that his position is by no means guaranteed on his return. Breedon then tried to wedgie a girl, and was told that he was “a shell” and needed to respect the girlfriends of 6:2s.

Next week provides a new challenge as the 2s play their first round of the Junior League Cup – Merchant Taylors, who lost in their Div 5 fixture to the Harrow 3s a few weeks ago, will provide a stern test. Harrow will hope to build a foundation and a blueprint for winning games that will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.