Old Epsomians 4 OHAFC II 1

The 2s suffered a disappointing opening day defeat to Epsom. The hosts scored four goals during a purple patch in the first half, with the visitors scoring their only goal in a second half in which they finally found their feet, albeit far too late.

Harrow went into the game without a recognised goalkeeper - in spite of the team's hierarchy beginning the search for a stopper in early July once it became apparent that regulars Pittalis and McHardy were unavailable, it turned out not a single Old Harrovian 'keeper was available. Even Billy Fox, who was identified as a suitable candidate on the strength of being 6ft 8 (and not much else) was found to be unavailable on account of living in Congo. Up stepped big bad Edmund Massey, whose unswerving willingness to don the gloves for the good of his team has not gone unnoticed by his grateful teammates. Massey made a series of excellent saves throughout the game, particularly with his feet, but the Epsom forwards cruelly exploited his inexperience by continually targeting his near post, which sadly proved an effective strategy.

The saddest part of the day however, came 20 minutes in, from what seemed initially like an innocuous coming together of the Epsom keeper and George Sanders (pictured). Sanders came off and later discovered in A&E that he had suffered a clean break of his foot which will keep him out of action for the rest of 2016. The club wishes George as speedy as recovery as possible, he will be missed in the interim.

More widely, Harrow can be blamed for starting the game very slowly indeed, which was frustrating given all eleven starters had enjoyed nigh on full pre-season preparation. Epsom controlled the game from the middle of the park and created a series of guilt edged opportunities. Harrow only came alive late in the first half, and went on to play better than their opponents - with Yunus Sert and Tristan David having good second halves.

The sole Harrow goal was started by a clever ball from Sert between full back and centre half which Taunton-Collins ran on to. The skipper then delivered a precise cross to the back post which Hamish Morrison tapped in to an unguarded net.

Harrow returned north frustrated, but conscious that this fixture was always set to be one of, if not their most difficult of the season. They face Eastbourne in two weeks' time (n.b. both Pittalis and McHardy will be available), with the Festiphil taking place next Saturday. The sweet home pastures of the Phil await.

Lineup and stats can be viewed here.