9^th October 2004 – Old Harrovian 2^nd XI Vs Highgate 4^th XI (A)

An early Saturday morning start for the 2^nd XI, away to the league leaders Highgate, did not bode well for a successful day. After the communal change with all teams playing that day, Harrow took to a large, well presented pitch that was sheltered from the strong breeze beneath the warm October sun. There was even a throng of three supporters to wish the Harrow team on – thanks to Dom’s girlfriend living just down the road.

Playing to their new 3-4-1-2 formation Harrow started strongly, keeping the ball well, putting in hard challenges and attacking their weaker full backs. The Old Cholmeleian's showed sharp footwork and plenty of movement, particularly from their skilful right winger, however they failed to make any impact on the defence and test Harrow's ‘keeper.

New striker Mike Paps worked frantically to chase down the Cholmeleian defence, forcing them into silly passes from which our midfield could begin their attacks. From here the ball was spread into the space that JC was finding in behind the Cholmeleian's right back. It was from one of these similar attacks with Harrow camped near the Cholmeleian's corner flag that the breakthrough finally came.

Integral play between JC and Ed Arg found the ball played into Dave Mutter 25 yards out with his back to goal. With one touch sending the defender the wrong way he turned and unleashed a Rooneyesque shot into the top corner passing the scrambling keeper on his right hand which couldn't keep the ball out. A stunning strike reflected well in the stunned look on Mutter's face! 1-0.

The lead allowed Harrow to settle on the ball, which was made easier from the composure shown at the back, particularly from Ed Thorn and Carlton Nelson who were reading situations in good time to allow them the opportunity to bring the ball down and spread the play.

Gazza was proving to have his best game for the OH's yet. He was effortless in marking his giant of an opposite number, battling in the air and putting in hard tackles on the ground (even if some were a little ill timed!)

Harrow pressure was beginning to tell on the Old Cholmeleian defence, most noticeably when Nick Maytum found himself put through an enormous gap between the Cholmeleian's centre backs. Showing close control (and a return to speed?) he almost rounded the ‘keeper, but a combination of the ‘keepers left hand and a tracking defender thwarted Nick’s goal scoring opportunity!

However, this did not deter Nick and just before the close of the 1^st half, from a throw in by the corner flag and quick passing between Danos and Gazza, Nick cut into the penalty area from the right hand side and from an impossible angle buried the ball with his left foot passing the goalie on his near post. 2-0 - Nick with 2 from 2!

The second half was most forgettable. With most players becoming weary and apparently resting on the 2-0 cushion, Harrow began to take a back seat to the attacking motion of the Old Cholmeleian drive to win.

Having misjudged the ten minute ride from his house Ravi Tulsiani was too late to start the game, but he was keen to add some urgency to the second half and Arj made the timely decision to bring him on. However, the Cholmeleian’s were building in confidence and if it wasn’t for the impossibly long fingers of James Harper keeping the sheet clean, then the introduction of Al Gray into central defence may have been redundant.

As it was Harrow seemed to pick itself together for the last 15 minutes or so. Of particular note is the tactical awareness of the captain - whose timely intervention saved Harrow from the embarrassment of defeat to a team which showed up with all the bravado of a league leader, but with the squad depth of a children’s swimming pool.

Overall, the defence was lucky against a team that imploded from critical self analysis – but a clean sheet nevertheless. The midfield had an outstanding first half, and is hopefully becoming more aware of their individual roles in the 3-4-1-2 formation. The strike force, however, is looking more and more deadly with a great understanding developing between Mike, Nick and their providers.

Highgate had an off day and Harrow capitalised on it. However, the signs are promising for an interesting rematch against the Old Berkh’s next week.

AG, DM