Brentwood IV 2 OHAFC III 3

Harrow 3s had experienced heavy losses in their first two games and with their third one away in Essex the mood was delicate. Stand-in skipper Azhar Khan got the team doing a pass and shoot drill before the match and it served well to sharpen everyone up.

Within the first 15mins Oli Malin scored a lovely back post header from a Toby Cooper corner, the latter making a fine debut performance. The team found it hard to contain their excitement but on they went.

Harrow looked in control especially with Jaguar Bajwa and Will Pridham who were warrior like in mid field, moving the ball around neatly and directing play. Jaimie Murray and Tegjit Johar also consistently caused problems for the opposition defence.

30 mins in Malin-Hyams had the ball well outside the area in the opposition half where Khan was screaming for the easy pass. Malin thought it better to thump the ball sky high as hard as he could and whilst Khan was berating him the ball dropped top left into the goal and Harrow were 2-0 up. Wild celebrations took place.

The second half was far more scrappy and rowdy. Brentwood got an early goal to make it 2-1. Pridham later made an excellent run down the wing finishing it off with a perfect cross to a kind Brentwood head which nodded it in making it 3-1. The home side fought back to make it 3-2. Harrow playing up hill and in to the wind faced wave after wave of attacks but defended valiantly. Jaimie McKee was outstanding in defence with Alex Elwell putting in goal saving tackles and another debut player Jorel Bajwa dominating at left back.

With just 11 players Khan's men were injured and exhausted by the end and happy to hear the final whistle, only McKee looked like he could go for another 90. Every single player fought hard and earned the win. Harrow looked class when they employed the 'pass and move' style of play and will need to make more use of this against better teams.

See team lineup here