The OHAFC Veterans opened their 2015/16 friendly programme with an excellent 5-1 win over Witan Old Boys at the Bank of England Ground on Sunday morning.

Skipper John Wyn-Evans was able to call on a strong squad of 12 for the opening clash of the season, with Hoffen, Lederman and Warner available as well as the more than useful assistance of legendary 6'6" Old Wykehamist centre-half Gordon Baker. Former Wimbledon midfielder (from their non-League days) Alan Sellers also provided some much needed know-how (if not athletic ability) in the middle of the park.

An even first half hour of play saw surprisingly few chances created with defences generally on top - a rare occurrence indeed for Sunday morning football.

The visitors took the lead through a decent strike past stand-in 'keeper Steve Stacey but the hosts hit back shortly before the break when a Lederman through ball over the top was well controlled and then finished by Baker.

Harrow's first-half goalkeeper created the goal that gave the hosts the lead on the hour mark with a fine left-footed cross from the right wing, whipped in at pace and deftly turned in at the far post via the outstretched leg of skipper Wyn-Evans.

By this stage Gordon Baker had retreated back into goal with an achilles problem but he was rarely called upon as the hosts began to exert some control on proceedings. Late arrival Fasil Shah proved a thorn in the side for the visitors' back four and his work opened spaces for wide men Lederman and George Thorp to operate in.

Lederman scored the third after closing down an attempted clearance and delightfully chipping the 'keeper from a narrow angle. He then provided the fourth with a cross to the far post that was well headed in by Stacey. And the winger was in the process of walking in a fifth when referee Giles Paul bizarrely chose to blow the full-time whistle with Lederman standing a yard in front of an empty goal, his right foot poised ready to apply the coup de grace (Editor: I've always wanted to use that in a match report).

An excellent all-round performance to open the season with but next week's test against Tonbridge promises a sterner test.