The OHAFC 2nd XI lost their penultimate fixture of the 2017/18 season at home to the Old Radleians on Saturday, but were in celebratory mood following the final whistle as news came through that Lancing 2s had failed to beat KCS Wimbledon 2s, ensuring the Blues were guaranteed to avoid the drop with a game remaining.

In a tetchy, physical game played on a bumpy pitch at Charterhouse School - no Harrow pitches being available - some defensive hesitation proved costly as Radley scored three times in the first half. Will Payne had levelled at 1-1 with an excellent strike but the visitors deserved their lead at the break.

The OHAFC improved in the second half and caused the powerful Radleians plenty of problems but could not stop the bleeding at the other end. Will Payne scored another excellent goal and Alexi Pitallis headed in from close range but it was all to no avail, the visitors running out 5-3 victors to prompt celebrations of their own: victory ensured they would be promoted back into Division One at the first time of asking.

Despite this first League defeat of 2018, avoiding relegation remains a tremendous achievement for Geoff Taunton-Collins and his men and the squad can look forward with optimism to their final fixture of the season, away to Forest 2s in a fortnight, and next season.

Saturday's team sheet, match report and photos are now available in the results section here.