The Vets gathered for their last friendly of the season to face a Witan side who had administered a 5-2 thrashing back in September, and given the OH’s appalling record of having won only 1 game all season, the auguries were not great given the lack of any established “stars”. Still, the defence was bolstered by the presence of the always reliable and combative Bud Birdy, and we also welcomed a couple of ringers from Kew again – Fasil Shah and Jude Mifsud. Andy Burley, often a source of creativity and goals resumed his newly favoured role on the left of midfield, with new find Barrie Wilson holding the centre. The only selection surprise saw skipper John Wyn-Evans start in goal to allow Bobby Tindall some time outfield. Bobby started up front, where he was decent value for 20 minutes before reclaiming the gloves.

During this time there was little for Wyn-Evans to do in goal, with only one shot of note to parry, and even that might have been going wide, but he was taking no chances. The defence stood firm, with Bud giving a master class in coralling Witan’s forwards. James Bugden and Ed Thorn were solid on the flanks and Mark Baddeley his usual reliable self. The first goal of the game fell to the home side. The ball made its way to Burley on the left and he cut in onto his right foot, beating three players on the way. He gave the keeper the eyes, shaped to shoot to the far post and lashed the ball in at the near post. 1-0. And thus is stayed for another 25 minutes. Witan’s diminutive midfield dynamo became steadily more influential, and only a superb sliding tackle from Ed Thorn prevented him from breaking away for a free run on goal. When some of the defence disputed the verdict of “corner”, the ref responded: “It’s either that or your left back gets sent off for bringing him down...” Silence all round.

Witan’s equaliser arrived 60 seconds before the break. Their left back pinged in the last of several decent long balls, but his delivery accidently floated over Tindall’s head and rattled the crossbar. The ball rebounded to the only player to bother following up who was the Witan centre forward and he volleyed in past the stranded ‘keeper. Offside calls fell on deaf ears.

The second half saw Harrow playing into a stiffening breeze, but now Witan were somewhat handicapped by the sun which had made a timely appearance. Wyn-Evans slotted back into midfield to replace the tiring legs of Fasil Shah who went up front, and this helped to stem the flow of Witan attacks. The game flowed freely from end to end with few real chances created, although Tindall pulled off an excellent save as the ball was deflected by a Harrow defender from a weak shot. Bobby managed to stick out a paw and the covering Bugden whacked the ball out for a corner.

Following another Witan attack that ended in a goal kick, Wyn-Evans quickly retrieved the ball from behind the goal having spotted Burley lurking unmarked near the half way line (still retreating from the last Harrow attack). A quick kick freed the winger and he was well into the opposition half by the time Witan had even noticed the ball was in play. The ball made its way in two touches to Mifsud on the right and he crossed in for Jon Ingram, revelling in the centre-forward role, to glance in at the far post. A real end-to-end goal that took all of 10 seconds in its execution.

Harrow had few alarms in holding out for the remainder of the game. Barrie Wilson’s touch in midfield looked increasingly secure and skilful, and he will hopefully be able to play regularly next season. We also need Bud to abandon his parental duties on Sunday mornings!

So, a win at last. Now, just the Plate remains, with three consecutive Sunday games beckoning, starting on 12th April vs Repton at Merchant Taylor’s School.

Team – Tindall, Bugden, Baddeley, Birdy, Thorn, Mifsud, Wyn-Evans (c), Wilson, Burley, Ingram, Shah.