16^th October 2004: OH 2^nd XI vs. Old Berkhamsted (H)

A difficult tie for Harrow under the scrupulous eye of a gaggle of 1st XI players, on the back of a morale boosting win against Highgate and the last minute cup defeat two weeks earlier against the same opposition still fresh in their minds - Harrow took to the field in drips and drabs (possibly due to the late arrival of the kit?)

1-0 – Dom Danos drilled a right-footed low shot from the edge of the area passed the ‘keepers right hand following a badly cleared corner. Dom had an outstanding game at the heart of the midfield acting as an extra man in defence when needed and distributing with great dexterity to start many of the Harrow attacks.

Ed Arghebant had a shot go wide and over. He is finding the form and fitness to expand his repertoire of tricks amongst the illustrious company of Dave Mutter, Nick Maytum and Mike Paps. Ed produced some fine attacking football and worked hard at closing down their defence.

Ed Thorn was confident and capable on the left as usual; unfortunately he injured his wrist and was replaced by Ravi Tulsiani early in the first half. Ravi dropped into his defensive responsibilities with ease and did well to control his desire to surge forward and held his discipline well.

Two consecutive corners from James Crown led to two consecutive chances for Dave. The first, a right-footed first-time volley went straight at the ‘keeper’s knees. The second saw his header glance wide of the far post.

JC was implicitly involved in many of the two-touch passing movements from the bowel of the Harrow defence to the mouth of the Berkh’s goal. He played his heart out in the first half and linked up effectively with Ravi in the second.

2-0 - Nick Maytum in from the left hand side right-footed past the keeper at his near post. We couldn’t ask much more of the greatly improving striker. He used his stature to shield the ball and his pace to tease the lumbering Berkh’s defence. Three goals in three games – we look forward to what else he can produce.

There was plenty of great play down the right between Dave, Ed Arg and Ben Hypolite. Dave played with continual energy and revelled in his free reign over the Berkhamsted serfs. He caused a multitude of problems for the ‘keeper, who was only saved from utter disgrace by the uprights.

2-1 – Al Gray was brought off the subs bench to cover for the injured Carlton Nelson. He had a shaky start of indecision due to it being his first time as central defender and this led to the Berkh’s scoring from their best player - sending the defence the wrong way and lobbing the stranded ‘keeper.

Luckily, this gave Al the boost he needed to take control of the back three and he spent the rest of the game putting in some vital challenges and clearances from the box. After causing a lot of problems by dropping deep and winning good ball in the air the offending Old Berkh was later subbed.

The first half contained lots of good football but the complete game was lacking with some poor control and inaccurate passing, something which was to change in the second half!

3-1 – The second half was full of sustained pressure and particular mention must go to Mike Paps for mesmerising the defence with dribbles in attack and challenging whenever they had the ball in defence. A throw in down the left hand side saw Mike control the ball and turn with one movement to volley the ball majestically into the far corner.

Ravi joined the attack and pushed forward offering a continuous threat from deep and combining well with JC. Dom and Ed Arg continued to battle in midfield – the latter winning many headers. James Harper, an outstanding last man in defence, pulled off yet more spectacular fingertip saves, including one where he somehow steered the ball round the post with his right hand after it was deflected off a defender.

James also shouted... a lot!

4-1 - After some integrate midfield passing Dave broke from half way down the right. Seeing Mike at the far post he noticed Nick at the near. Without looking up he played it into Nick's feet where he flicked the ball to Mike who volleyed home what was probably the best worked and finished goal the 2nds have ever produced!

Back in defence - Arjun Chopra threw himself around the pitch. He stuck to his formation and tactical plans to give Harrow the firepower and goals we deserved. He marshalled well from the back, putting in some vital challenges to thwart the increasingly large Berkhhamsted front line attack!

Mike had a shot hit the near post following some quick footwork in opposition’s penalty area. These were the same quick feet that brought him down on another run when there was no-one else around him for which Nick Maytum claimed a penalty kick! Idiots!

Harry Woolley replaced Ben Hypolite who worked tirelessly, surprisingly so having played 60 minutes for the 1st XI just before the 2^nd XI game started. Ben linked well with Arj and Dom, creating space for the front three to run onto.

4-2 - A strong header from an unmarked Berkh off a corner surprised the Harrow defence – resulting in silence from Mr Harper!

5-2 - Harry played through, out of defence, and lived up to his ‘impact’ status, by placing an inch perfect shot around the ‘keeper as he rushed out, finishing superbly into the roof of the net to cap off a magnificent performance and a justified score line in payback for the shock and undeserved defeat in the cup.

AG, DM