The 2s restored confidence and their defensive solidarity in a competitive 1-0 win over the Harrow School 2nd XI. With a number of regulars missing, skipper Orr-Ewing gave 2s debuts to Ludo Callander and Ed Page, and a club debut for Edmund Massey.

Starting line up: McHardy - Gordon - Orr-Ewing - Maydon - Bajwa - Page - L. Callander - Kerry - Massey - Khan - Elwell

Bench: Chopra - M Curry

Preparation for the game was terrible, with a road closure and an accident in South Harrow causing a gridlock that ensured only 3 players were pitchside for the 2.30 KO. As the team dripped into the changing room, Orr-Ewing hurriedly shuffled his deck to get the first XI players out onto the pitch for KO 20 mins late.

This came after Khan and Orr-Ewing, on their usual Friday night patrol of some Fulham hotspots, caught debutants Callander and Page enjoying themselves at 2am. Chastening them for their unprofessionalism had little impact on the young lads, with Page opting to rugby tackle Khan to the floor rather than heed his advice to head home.

Despite no warm up, the old boys started very strongly. Clearly a step slower than their younger opponents, the old boys made up for it with strong tackling, using their strength and power to win the ball back and stop the boys from playing their game. Ben Kerry, enjoying the freedom permitted by playing in a more advanced role, unleashed a number of weedy long shots that didn't trouble the Harrow stopper. His suggestion at half time that the ball was flat did little to convince his team mates.

Page and Callander worked well in central midfield, clattering into challenges and getting the better of the two best players on the boys team. The pitch, hard and flat and slicked from the rain, was perfect for a slide tackle, with Bajwa and Orr-Ewing making a number of well timed slides to win the ball.

Khan, playing as a striker, used his chest well to bring the ball down and hold the ball up. It was nothing "like Giroud", contrary to his half time suggestion.

At half time, Harrow were confident they could keep it right at the back, with Mchardy only called into action a couple of times. The keeper looked comfortable all game, coming out to sweep up well and distributing to the full backs to launch counter attacks.

The second half played out similarly to the first, with OHAFC using the ball well and finding their groove in passing. Communication was again poor, and needs to be improved for the next competitive fixture. Jorel Bajwa, taking after his elder brother, has developed good communication skills recently, mainly directing his chatter at Elwell and Khan, who often need a nudge in the right direction.

Elwell did well on the wing, scurrying up and down the flanks and making some good challenges. Similarly Edmund Massey equipped himself well, showing good fitness levels and an attacking intent. Both wide men found themselves in a number of good positions, and will want to turn them into goal scoring chances in future weeks.

But it was Khan, playing on the left wing at the time, who made the difference and scored what proved to be the only goal of the game. Max Curry latched onto a ball down the right and dribbled into the box, firing a good shot across the keeper. Getting a strong hand to the shot, the ball cannoned up into the air, and hung perfectly for the advanced Khan, who headed home with aplomb. A good header that belied his captains programme notes that he needed to show more aerial prowess.

The outstanding performances was from Maydon, the oldest player on the pitch, who cut out balls and made impressive tackles all game. His positioning nullified the threat of the Harrow attack, and his performance won him MOM. Chopra and Gordon were also solid all game, working hard to protect their clean sheet.

Next week sees the 2s back on Phil 1 in Div 3 with points to play for. They should be confident of picking up all 3 of them based on this performance.