Old Brentwoods III 1 OHAFC III 2

A quick glance at the weather forecast forewarned that this was never going to be anything other than a gritty day in the rain at Brentwood – Stoke away if you will. In a week where the squad had eight dropouts there was also growing concern about arriving with the full complement of players.

Despite heavy traffic, and with the help of some leniency with the KO time from the ref, Harrow managed to field 10 players for the start of the game. In Chuka Ilogu’s excitement about his first appearance of the season, however, he had failed to take into account the “terrible traffic” at Farnham Common, which was later revealed to be one of the smallest Hamlets in the Home Counties…

The first half got off to a terrible start as Harry Turner attempted to cut out a wicked ball into the box at full stretch, succeeding only in diverting it into the far corner of the Harrow goal. A fine finish and the skipper’s first of the season.

Frantic and frequent looks to the changing room were to no avail as it soon became apparent that Ilogu’s “10 minutes” had become an hour, leaving the visitors to play out the first half without him. This gave way to probably the best 45 minutes of the season, with everyone working tirelessly to keep a solid shape and limit Brentwood’s possession. Alec Fogarty and Adam Graham provided a good outlet out wide for Pom Beeley and Tommy Faber who were immense in the middle.

Harrow’s equaliser was well deserved, with Alex Smith picking up the ball on half way and taking on the defence. A speculative, swerving shot was sent up into the gale-force wind and instantly the Brentwood ‘keeper looked beaten, the ball sailing over him and into the net. If you don’t buy a ticket and all that.

Half time was met with high spirits as well as the arrival of the elusive Chuka. His influence was instantly noticeable, dominating the aerial battle in swirling conditions. The full backs Max Smith and Luke Faber also helped to keep the defence water-tight on a sodden day. It also allowed Ludo Callander to step up into midfield, bringing some much-needed energy.

Both sides had chances but in the early exchanges of the second half it was Brentwood who should have re-taken the lead. Their striker found himself with the goal at his mercy no more than three yards out but failed to control the ball, watching it balloon over the bar in disbelief. In truth it wasn’t his best day. Chas McHardy also made a brace of fine saves, the second of which came cannoning off his face to keep his side in the game.

The champagne moment, however, came at the other end. Tommy Faber, who had been kicked around the park all day long, shifted this way and that to evade the close attention of two defenders before rifling a left-footed pile-driver into the corner, a cloud of dark blue swamping him in celebration.

The final 20 minutes seemed like an eternity as Brentwood pushed for the equaliser but somehow Harrow held firm. A monumental effort meant that the team deserved their baked potato and beans in the clubhouse. Some members of the squad also made it a day to remember, taking a moment to get a selfie with our very own member of the Life of Marbs cast. If Carlsberg made away days…

View lineup and stats here.