For the second time this season, the OHAFC 1st XI saw a vital top-of-the-table clash with the Old Bradfieldians ruined due to awful preparations.

Two players failed to show up for the game due to confusion about the kick-off time and train issues. Jack Hill then suffered a nasty head injury in the warm-up following a clash of heads with Jonny Lalude that saw him play the game clearly under the weather. Fortunately, Pablo Hutchinson was made available from the 2s to complete a starting XI and the Blues did in fact take the lead on the half hour thanks to James Breeden's fifteenth goal of the season.

But with Hutchinson having to leave before the break to return to work, the hosts were forced to play with ten men and they couldn't hold on, Bradfield scoring twice in a ten minute spell early in the second half.

Lalude then suffered a recurrence of a groin strain that has bothered him throughout this season and with just nine fit players for the final half-hour, there was little prospect of a comeback.

Despite the setback, the side are still in contention for promotion but the margin for error has now shrunk considerably, with next week's game against unbeaten Berkhamstedians now even more vital.

Saturday's team lineup and match report are now available in the results section here.