Old Sennockians 4 OHAFC III 0

The 3’s headed into the quarter-final of the Arthurian League's answer to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with high hopes having previously given the Old Rugbians a “good seeing to” in the last round as missing skipper Turner had put it. It was to be a tough ask however, as Sevenoaks were flying high at the summit of Division 4 and were arguably the best side in the competition.

The weather was mild and the pitch was challenging*, resembling more of a Sri Lankan wicket on its final days of a test; bone dry and without blade of grass to be seen. The unpredictable wicket caused Fogarty's men trouble from the start. Sevenoaks knowing their home pitch well, played a simple long ball game.

In usual fashion the 3’s were 1-0 down within the first 10 mins. A gaping hole appeared in the right hand side of defence which the Sevenoaks winger exposed, reaching the byline and cutting back to the striker to finish with ease. Replays showed Ludo Callander was more interested in itching his “sideney” than defending.

Harrow heads didn't dip but instead grew into the game, winning the physical midfield battle, mainly through Kapoor's bulldog like approach. Some neat moves started to appear between the likes of Beeley, Feather and Smith only for the final ball to be bobble or turn in the rough, the pitch really not suiting OHAFC's passing game.

Harrow had the clearest chances of the first half, with Walker and Sewell forcing good saves from an impressive Sevenoaks 'keeper who provided them with the assist for the second goal. After a scramble in the box where Ned Callander went close, the Sevenoaks stopper hoisted a monstrous punt downfield causing another defensive lapse for the Sevenoaks' striker to score with a side foot finish.

At half time Harrow felt they were still in it, positive words were said by all and the troops were rallied… only for the home side to increase their lead within the first five minutes of the second half. 3-0.

Harrow faced an uphill battle and the long ball tactics of Sevenoaks were continuing to take its toll on a tiring back line. On several occasions the defence was left exposed, if it were not for some last ditch tackles from Kerry and both Ludos the score could have been much worse.

The final nail in the coffin came through another defensive mishap as the Sevenoaks winger finished well past debutant Orlando Compton in goal, who had performed admirably throughout the match.

After the game the 3’s enjoyed the England vs Scotland game at sloaney hot spot “The Durrell”. The team witnessed a post Man of the Match performance from Kapoor who tried relentlessly to persuade a lovely young female to cook him steak for dinner and attend to other duties appropriate for the 14th March.

*the above photo shows last season's league fixture between the two sides. The photographed pitch conveys a surface of 98% grass content