After moving back top of the division last Saturday, the Harrow 3rd XI were looking to cement their position at the summit of Division Five South on Saturday with the visit of mid-table Old Epsomians, a potentially tricky fixture despite the points difference between the teams.

The Harrow back four of Fogarty, Janmo and the Barrett brothers controlled the game from minute one, switching the ball comfortably until openings further forwards appeared. With skipper Nick Kapoor patrolling neatly in front, the team looked solid and a clean sheet looked attainable from early on. A much more acceptable game plan for one Barrett brother in particular, after his Mertessacker-like pace had been tested to the limit in the previous game!

Early signs suggested there would be only one winner, with Harrow dominating both possession and territory. Midfielder Charlie Bick, also known as the Charlie Adam of the team, most notably for his physique but also his superb 40 yard goal in November, had a much improved game compared to last week. With what could only be described as a ‘touch like a lamppost’ seven days ago, Charlie was back on top form, linking the play nicely between defence and attack. An opportunity appeared early on when Charlie slipped younger brother Harry in on goal in the first quarter of an hour, only for Harry's effort to be parried round the post.

Ten minutes later, Harrow worked the ball well down the left, Hussein Janmo and Harry Bick combining. Bick then cut infield towards the box and with a delightful chip slipped striker Smith in on goal. The 3s leading scorer dummied his marker and finessed the ball into the bottom left corner to earn the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

The start of the second half saw Epsom adopt a new strategy, as they resorted to pumping the ball long in a bid to at least put some pressure on the Harrow defence. As a result, big Ludo ‘Ludavic’ Callender was added to the back four and, with fresh legs and continued aerial dominance, there was still no way through for an ever-willing Epsom side.

Tommy Faber replaced the box-to-box Olly Roberts on the 50 minute mark, Faber's skilful left foot immediately put to good use down the left. The move nearly paid immediate dividends when substitute Benjy Sewell found an opening down that side, he cut in on goal but with only the 'keeper to beat but was foiled at the last.

Harrow continued to bombard the Epsom box, with set-piece attempts from the Bick brothers and numerous half-chances for Smith but all to no avail.

With ten minutes to go Kapoor was re-introduced to the fray with the hope of adding some KFC bucket-sized bite to the middle of the park.

Now, take a second to imagine the legendary Diego Maradona, but the retired version. With more 'muscle' and facial hair. El Chapo's first impact was to pick up possession 25 yards out, pirouette over the ball, spin his man and with the outside of his right boot slip Harry Bick down the channel. For a brief and fleeting moment it felt like watching the great Argentine himself! Unfortunately the hard and low drilled cross from Bick eluded both Smith and Ned Callender.

This proved to be the story of the game, Harrow dominating both possession and play but missing the cutting edge in the final third. That being said, one player proved to be very clinical indeed: goakeeper Chuka Ilogu. The big man had little to do besides keep the back four entertained whilst narrating play in typical Ilogu fashion. That was until the 85th minute, when the Epsom men made their way up for only their second corner of the game. After the ball had been initially punched clear amongst a crowded box, a retreating Epsom defender looped a shot back goalwards on the half-volley. Initially appearing to be in trouble, the big man reacted superbly, scrambling back to his goal line to make a superb last-ditch save, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

The scoreline may suggest otherwise, but all in all it was a comfortable afternoon for the Harrow side. After extending their winning run to eight games, the side will look to improve in front of goal next week with the visit of King's Scholars to the Hill, before beginning their David Woolcott Trophy campaign with a tough trip to the Old Bancroftians the week after.

*Many thanks to Connor Barrett for this match report