The OHAFC Veterans produced a heroic display against a Chigwell side bidding to reach their fifth Cup semi-final this season and came within nine minutes of completing an unlikely win before agonisingly conceding twice inside the final six minutes to eventually lose this classic tie 3-2 after extra-time.

Playing on a snow-covered astroturf a mile away from West Ham's London Stadium, Chigwell dominated almost from start to finish against a Harrow side missing several key players. The hosts scored after only five minutes when Bobby Tindall miscued his first touch of the game, an attempted pass out from the back that went straight to a forward who promptly clipped the ball first-time back over the top and into an unguarded net.

But the visitors, who had travelled across London in freezing conditions on Sunday morning, held on desperately and were gifted a lifeline on the half-hour when Harry Hoffen fell under a challenge on the edge of the box and, after some deliberation, referee Brian Howard pointed to the spot. Dom Danos safely tucked away the penalty and the sides went in level at the break at 1-1.

The visitors came within inches of taking the lead straight from the re-start as Paul Molloy clipped the ball over the top for Harry Hoffen to run onto and, despite having time to bring the ball down, the striker opted for a first-time lob, the ball agonisingly bouncing off the foot of the post and out for a goal kick.

Chigs then took control and for long spells were camped inside the Harrow half, the visitors unable to keep possession for any length of time. Despite the one-sided nature of the game, Harrow defended resolutely, restricting their opponents to long shots and set-pieces. Chigs were unlucky not to score from one effort that crashed off the outside of the post, a second flew well wide. Tindall made one excellent save, palming over a rising shot, and looked more assured the longer the contest went on.

Against all odds, the OHAFC managed to survive to the end of normal time without any further goals being conceded - this despite the hosts enjoying well over 70% possession.

The first half of extra-time proved uneventful as the hosts continued to dominate, the visitors continuing to defend well. Harrow nearly scored from a corner, Molloy stooping unmarked to head home but the Chigs goalkeeper produced a fine stop. As players tired in the icy conditions, it appeared as though penalties would be the only way to separate the teams. But the game suddenly sprang to life with ten minutes remaining.

Paul Molloy again teed up Harry Hoffen, carrying the ball forwards through the midfield before playing a perfectly-weighted reverse pass into the striker's path. This time there was no mistake, Harry tucking the ball inside the near post to send Harrow players into jubilant celebration.

Nine minutes remained but it was to be the goalscorer's last contribution to the game, as he limped off feeling dizzy. Skipper Wyn-Evans returned to the fray and his side had to survive the remainder of the game with Dom Danos up front on his own.

It wasn't to be. Just three minutes later the Chigwell right winger drove down the outside and fizzed a ball across goal. The first shot was scuffed wide of the far post, but fortunately for the hosts another player was on hand to tap in from barely a yard out.

And Chigs snatched a winner with just two minutes remaining in the cruellest of circumstances, Ed Thorn unfortunately sending his defensive header looping over a stranded Tindall from a Chigwell free-kick.

It was the harshest of luck on the Harrow side after a gallant performance over 120 minutes in east London. Although clearly second best on the day to a well-drilled Chigwell team, the twelve men fought valiantly and produced the one moment of class during the entire game with the second goal. Every player gave their all for the cause, with the back four especially deserving praise.

The Vets have just one friendly fixture remaining this season, with, fittingly, a game against the Bank of England at Roehampton next Sunday. It is unlikely the wounds from this Cup loss will have totally healed before then.

*Match photos courtesy of Andy Butler - many thanks for the support!