Old Epsomians 2 OHAFC II 0

The 2s concluded their league campaign with a tough fixture - Epsom away. Geoff Taunton-Collins lead the side out having received the news that Harry Hoffen was unable to make the game after 'a night of heavy lifting'. The squad was therefore reduced from 13 to 12.

Despite the sloping, bobbly pitch Harrow started the game excellently. The two holding midfielders, Lederman and Beeley, were connecting well with the back four and spraying the ball diagonally to the wide men Taunton-Collins and Golden Boot seeker Max Curry. The away side were controlling the game and enjoyed some good spells of possession with attacks being mounted on both sides of the pitch. Alas, disaster struck after half an hour when Curry pulled up with a hamstring complaint. The winger had been performing well down the left flank with assistance from fullback Berry. Oli Walker, in good form and making his first 2s appearance in some time, slotted into midfield with James Breeden shifting to the left flank.

Experienced striker Stead, playing his "final game for OHAFC", was finding it difficult to compete with the physicality of two very large Epsomian centre halves who dominated Harrow's capable front man in the air. However, Stead was involved in the Blues' best chance of the match after shepherding a Woolley pass into the path of the on-rushing James Breeden who was unlucky to scoop over. An undeserved moment for the youngster who had been showing some excellent skill throughout the half.

The first Epsom goal came against the run of play after some poor marking gifted a tap in. Just before the break Harrow 'keeper Gallagher produced a fine stop to prevent the visitors falling further behind after a long range strike was heading at high speed into the top corner.

Epsom dominated the second half and although Harrow had the wind with them, the slope made it very difficult to make progress up the field. The visitors fought bravely - Gordon and Robinson making some tidy interceptions. However, a second Epsom goal was inevitable and before long the home side's wingers, who had troubled throughout the game, combined in a slick, pacey move resulting in another easy finish past Gallagher.

Harrow's counter attacking breaks in the second half emanated from Taunton-Collins on the right flank but were too rare and lacked any meaningful targets in the box. James Breeden continued to show flashes of brilliance but the team were tiring and at the full-time whistle it was agreed Epsom were worthy winners.

At tea, referee Hartley recited the ups and downs of his 42 years of officiating. Woolley, Taunton-Collins and Stead listened intently and probed his recollections with appropriate questions. When an eager text from absent Golden Boot leader Ben Kerry was received, Woolley played the cruellest of jokes by replying with a smiling photo of runner up Max Curry.

The team finish a respectable 6th in Division 3 and look forward to their end of season dinner on 8th May.