OHAFC III 0 Old Merchants Taylor 6

The visit of Merchants Taylor to the hill was a top of the table clash, with the 3s having put together a strong start to the season. However, as with even the best balls of twine, things began to unravel.

Consternation during the week over the last minute poaching of the 3s 'keeper marred preparations for the game but little excuse was needed as the boys in blue were well off the pace in the early exchanges. A woeful Peter Enckelman-esque blunder by the skipper who was deputising in goal set the precedent for a tough afternoon.

Two further goals before half time put the visitors comfortably in front although the scoreline had already started to flatter with Harrow dominating possession for the latter part of the half.

A change of keeper at the break brought a new shape to the side, with Turner joining Tommy Faber and Ed Page in the midfield to try to dominate possessions and put some pressure on the opposition. Unfortunately the loss of Page to injury and the lack of a recognised gloveman continued to undermine Harrow's significant efforts. In truth, the home side created about as much as Derby County in their ill-fated 2007/8 Premier League campaign.

There was just enough time for Fogarty to challenge his skipper for the Blunder of the Month competition, ducking under an in-swinging corner when positioned on the post, only to watch it sail into the net where his head had been to provide the final nail in the coffin.

A much-needed week off for reflection will be taken this weekend before the games start ramping up again in earnest. The side should take confidence from the way in which they kept going to the final whistle and this blip will hopefully be consigned to history next time out.

View lineup and stats here.