The 2's started the season with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Forest. A slow start to the first half saw the side under pressure and concede in ludicrous circumstances. Stand-in 'keeper Harry Turner saved, released the ball, then picked it up again, resulting in an indirect free-kick. The long-haired Forest striker feigned a shot, then finished into the bottom corner taking a deflection off Bartlett. Turner was excellent for the remainder of the game but the tone was set.

Harrow worked hard to keep possession and looked to establish a foothold in the game. Good combinations between Maydon, Orr-Ewing, Kerry, Crawley and Amin settled the team, but there was little end product.

On 30 mins, the pony-tailed striker received the ball from a throw in on the edge of the box. Captain Orr-Ewing, skippering his first competitive fixture, confidently shouted "my man, no turn", as the striker took the ball around him in one touch and fired home to make it 2-0.

Orr-Ewing then substituted himself with a hip worry, bringing on Conti Von Hirsh for his debut. And it was another debutant, Anthony Beresford, who brought the home side back into the fixture just before the break. Von Hirsh hit a well-placed long ball which Beresford latched onto, using muscle and pace to get ahead of the defender and good technique to finish past the onrushing 'keeper.

When the second half restarted, Harrow moved Beresford to the left wing to introduce Alex Smith up front. Unfortunately, before Harrow were able to capitalise on the momentum of their goal, the game was effectively ended by a penalty decision. Conti Von Hirsh put his shoulder into a cross and was harshly (but probably correctly) judged to have handled by referee Alan Higgs. The much maligned, silly-haired striker put it away for his hat-trick.

Beresford continued to impress with his hard work and nearly scored a goal of the season with a well-executed bicycle kick. He was man of the match (for OHAFC). Galen Crawley, Kamil Amin and Ben Kerry played well in central midfield, showing signs of good combinations that will develop into chances and goals as the season progresses.

Nick Bartlett completed 90 mins, having seemingly lost a stone, his ass and about 5 years in just 1 week. A good performance from him is good news for the rest of the season.

Next up is an away trip to Winchester, where the 2's hope to open their account and get the season back on track.