Old Berkhamstedians 2 OHAFC II 2

The 2s were the only team in action on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The squad was again very different from the previous weekend:

Orr-Ewing - Hill - Robinson - Harder - Berry - Lederman - Trower - Richardson - Cater - Curry - Stead Bench: Khan, Pratt

It was a strong line up, despite a late pull out from Cyprian Owen Edmunds and the unexpected retirement of Joe Bone the previous week. Despite a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of the same team 2 weeks previously, Harrow were confident going into the game.

The pitch was as bad as we've seen all season, and it was a shame given the talent available to Harrow that it served as a leveller in terms of quality and technique. It was quickly decided that a game based on quick, precise passing was not an option, and that the sensible approached was to pump the ball long into the corners and rely on Cater and Hill's long throws and set pieces to break down the Old Berks.

And the planning paid off with absurd ease, with 2 quick goals from Cater throw ins within the opening 15 minutes. The first from the right hand side, with the wind behind him, beat the whole Berkhamstead defence and hit Stead at the back post, who made no mistake with his header. A well taken goal that moved the vice captain level with his strike partner Max Curry as the team's top scorer on 6.

And 10 minutes later, Harrow were 2 ahead. Another long throw into the box was not dealt with well, and when the clearance dropped for Lederman on the edge of the box, he lashed home a powerful strike that gave the keeper no chance.

As usual, Cater bowed out after 20 minutes, being replaced by Pratt on the left wing. Berry made way for Azhar Khan. Harrow remained on top, and should have gone 3 up when Curry latched onto a defensive mix up. When the Old Berkhamstead defender tried to head the ball back to the keeper and inadvertently lobbed him, Curry seemed to have the goal at his mercy, but couldn't connect and the chance went begging.

The second half was a different affair, with Old Berks making the most of the wind and playing more of the football in the Harrow half. It was indicative of the quality of the pitch that a light breeze made so much difference to the momentum - with clearances and hopeful channel balls the main method of kicking, balls were now skewing off for throw ins rather than putting the Berks defence under pressure, and it was difficult to get the ball to stick up front. The Old Berks centre backs matched the solid display from Harder and Robinson, and dealt with the high ball very well.

Under growing pressure, the Harrow defence finanlly cracked. Another excellent headed clearance from Harder dropped to the Berkhamstead midfielder, who took a snap shot. The ball squirmed low through the defence and past Orr-Ewing at his near post where the keeper should have done better.

Harrow looked to have held on as the game ticked into the final seconds at 2-1. Then out of nowhere Old Berkhamstead found possession on the half way line, drove into a space in front of the defenders and, from 40 yards out, unleashed a howitzer that caught the wind, bent in the air, and would probably have beaten the keeper at full stretch, if he had moved at all. The final whistle went seconds later, leaving a bitter taste to the match where 3 points were there for the taking.

The points mean the table remains tight but only a very strong finish will allow the Harrow 2s to win the promotion they've hoped for. Still only 4 points off the top of the table, Harrow have played more games than most, and need results to go their way if they're to move into Div 2.

It was good to see Jack Hill performing well in the 2s, and Harrow will look forward to seeing him more regularly the season after next. Harder and Robinson were strong all afternoon, and deserve credit for assured performances under terrible football conditions. Trower did well for 60 mins before having to head to Stamford Bridge, and Richardson had a very good game playing good football at times and providing constant cover for the defence. It's good to see the goals coming from Stead and Curry, and they'll need to keep their form for the remainder of the season. Cater's fitness looks to be returning slowly, and his return is timely given the loss of Bone.

Khan and Pratt were strong from the bench, and will no doubt be required to play more in the remaining games. Phil Berry, playing in both full back positions, has played exactly as well in every game, in every position, for 1s, 2s or 3s, for over 10 years. Form does not affect him.

Match tea was held at skipper Orr-Ewing's house, with Khan providing the Millions, Oreos and Nacho Cheese Tortillas for a jolly afternoon in front of the football.