The OHAFC 1st and 2nd XIs both enjoyed productive pre-season friendly run-outs over the past ten days, the 1s recording an encouraging 4-1 win over Division One side the Old Marlburians, whilst the 2s fought back to secure an excellent 2-2 draw against Division Two rivals the Old Radleians on Wednesday night.

Last Tuesday the 1s took to the field at Colliers Wood, their now traditional pre-season venue, with a strong lineup including several new faces, to take on a Marlburian side that had finished fourth in Division One when play was suspended last season. There were four debutants named among the squad of fifteen, with Musty Akhtar starting in defence and Josh Davies, George Taylor and John Koutalides all among the substitutes.

A fast start to the game saw the OHAFC score twice inside the opening half-hour, Ciaran Jordan grabbing both goals with a pair of excellent finishes. The Marlburians made the hosts work for their next two goals, coming as they did towards the end of the match. Youngster Arthur Leney scored the third, with substitute Josh Davies, who showed plenty of pace and aggression when he came on, nabbing the fourth. All four substitutes played at least an hour of the game.

Meanwhile, the OHAFC 2s recovered well from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against the Old Radleians on the Harrow School astroturf last night.

The home side were forced to make a late switch in goal when regular keeper David Griffiths was called away for work duties, 3s skipper Ed Nicholson kindly donning the gloves. Otherwise there was a familiar feel to the twelve-man squad, with the likes of Alexi Pittalis, Max Curry, Will Monroe and Jack Dolbey all involved. Arthur Leney ensured he was the only man to play in both the club’s pre-season fixtures this year.

The game was split into three thirty-minute thirds and following some typically frantic football the opening spell finished goalless. An unfortunate collision between Alexi Pittalis and Michael Brooks allowed Radley to open the scoring in the second period and they soon added a second.

However, a change in formation in the final half-hour saw the hosts level things up, Max Curry converting a through-ball from the impressive Calum Butler, before Jack Dolbey made the most of some good work by Leney down the left to score the second and ensure the spoils were shared.

The 2s begin their season at home to the Old Etonians on September 18th, the 1s welcome KCS Wimbledon Old Boys a fortnight earlier.