Old Oundelians 3 OHAFC II 0

The 2s have a long and distinguished history in the JLC and entered this 2nd Round game with cautious optimism against Division 5 (South) opponents Oundle. Harrow knew well that Oundle were a lot better than their Division 5 status. This was re-enforced by Max Curry who knew a couple of the opposition players and vouched for their calibre.

The match started with Oundle applying pressure to the makeshift Harrow back 4 of Khan, Taunton-Collins, von Hirsch and Massey. However most problems were dealt with relatively easily and the extra pace of the skipper at centre back papered over any cracks.

Going forward Okoigun and Smith proved a handful but lacked cutting edge in the final third. Max Curry worked furiously down the right to stem counter attacks and alongside Khan performed with great application.

Towards the 25 minute mark the game grew stretched and there were flashes of hope for both teams, however Oundle ultimately opened the scoring with a rather lucky byline cut back (the ball looked out) that hit the post and rebounded kindly for the home side. Oundle threw all they had at Harrow for the remaining 15 minutes of the half but clear cut chances were at a premium.

In the 2nd half Harrow knew they would need some luck to get back in to the game and the tide definitely felt like it was turning as Chas McHardy made a magnificent trio of saves and catches to keep Oundle at bay. Von Hirsch, Massey and Spencer Crawley played with particular grit to slam the door emphatically shut as the opposition attacked with increased frequency.

Going forward Okoigun, now employed on the right, was causing consternation and the quality of Newton almost created a tap in for Smith who shot wide under tremendous pressure after a goal mouth scramble.

It was Oundle who scored the next goal, breaking down the left with the striker tapping home from a low cross. Their third, a long distance strike which aided by the swirling wind looped over the Harrow keeper added slightly fortunate gloss to an otherwise competitive game.

For Harrow the cup run ends with disappointment for 15/16, however, this performance showed the growing grit, guts and determination of Taunton-Collins' young side and no onlooker would be surprised to see this squad competing deeper in to the competition in years to come.

To view lineup and stats, click here.

It was later found that Oundle had fielded an ineligible player so Harrow progress to the next round.