With some regulars missing, the captaincy trio drafted in some 3rd XI season debutants to boost the ranks for this Division Five South fixture against the Old King's Scholars. The OHAFC were bidding to extend their winning run to a remarkable nine games and in the process tighten their grip on the title.

Tom Mitchell, last seen playing as a schoolboy in the 2nd XI’s JLC semi-final win over Old Haberdashers in 2012, filled the gap between the Harrow posts, regular 'keeper Chuka Ilogu deciding he was better off on the bench.

Woolley, Stirrat, Richards and Frimpong steadied the defence and Alhadeff and Ollie Curry (the latter fresh off the boat from Down Under) provided some extra attacking options for a squad already rich in goals and high on confidence after an 8-1 mauling of their opponents in the away leg. This game, however, would turn out to be very different.

Having just about recovered from the hilarity of a Frimpong pre-match shower and an admission from Charlie Bick that he had managed just three minutes sleep, Harrow started positively and got Smith and Callander into some threatening positions. Both Bicks and Alhadeff pushed forward in support and the home side were awarded a penalty after Charlie Bick was bundled over by the Kings’ centre back, or, in his own words, “performed a Messi-like drop of the shoulder to deceive him”. Following ‘a discussion’ between Bick and leading scorer Smith, the former fired to the ‘keeper’s left who got down well to save and keep the score goalless.

Harrow continued to push forward and five minutes later Harry Bick was scythed down after a mazy run. There was no doubt about who was taking it this time - Smith grabbed the ball, strode up purposefully, but could only strike the crossbar with his effort. “You’re on the next one Woolley”, shouted Ilogu from the touchline, causing the veteran to fantasise wildly.

There was a feeling it might not be Harrow’s day and this was compounded after the home side found themselves 1-0 down against the run of play at the 20-minute mark. Kings were awarded a free-kick by referee Tini Kaja inside the Harrow half which was floated into the box. The wet ball caused a fumble by the frozen Mitchell which fell kindly for the Kings winger to fire home left-footed into the bottom corner. Harrow could scarcely believe it.

Blue heads didn’t drop and they drove forward once more. 25-yards out, Harry Bick latched onto a loose ball, the youngster catching the volley superbly only to see his effort cannon agonisingly off the inside of the post. Although the side was not gelling like they had done in previous weeks, some individuals were nevertheless blossoming: Richards and Janmo were dynamic at full-back and Kapoor, unlucky to have picked up a booking, was dogged in the middle of midfield. The introduction of Ollie Curry after half an hour added further mobility to the midfield but Harrow struggled to put any meaningful passing movements together on an increasingly slippery surface.

The second half followed in much the same vein as the first. Harrow dominated possession and created multiple chances. The back four and Mitchell, with the help of the defensively-minded Curry and Frimpong, dealt with a handful of opposition breakaways. Although it was clear luck wasn't on their side, Harrow showed excellent persistence and character but a combination of poor quality finishing and an increasingly boggy pitch thwarted their equaliser until the 78th minute.

When a corner was half cleared, the resulting cross found Callander unmarked at the back post who showed great composure to keep his volley down and score. The home side’s relief was all too evident and there was real belief they could go on and steal a much deserved winner.

But it wasn't to be. Chances were squandered late on by firstly Alhadeff (who had been kept surprisingly quiet for most of the game) and then Stirrat, who headed over from close range after a delightful turn and cross from the elder Bick.

A point felt like a loss for a side that had notched up eight straight wins. Realistically, the momentum continues and the side find themselves three points clear at the top of the division with a game in hand on second placed Shirbirnians.

Next week sees the side travel to Essex to do battle against the Old Bancroftians in the 1st Round of the David Woolcott Trophy. Whispers of a Friday night booking at Sugar Hut nightclub are yet to be confirmed...