The OHAFC 3rd XI bounced back immediately from last weekend’s disappointing 2-0 defeat away to the Old King’s Scholars with their own 2-0 victory on the road, this time down in Kent at the Old Tonbridgians in the first ever League meeting between the teams. Although it was debatable that the visitors were actually the better team, with the hosts enjoying much of the play, a couple of slightly fortuitous goals ensured three valuable points made their way back to London and kept the Blues in touching distance of the top two sides in Division Four.

Despite some concerns in the build-up to Saturday’s fixture that the squad may be weaker than usual, skipper Joss Awdry was eventually able to name a very respectable thirteen to travel, most of whom met at London Bridge at 8am to catch the train down. Harison Saunders was a late, but very welcome addition in goal, Will Brounger made his 3s debut at the back, but otherwise the side had a familiar feel to it, the powerful midfield of Awdry, Lupton and Luke Berry expected to provide the bedrock of a strong performance.

Fixtures down in Kent are, much like their Essex equivalent, notoriously tricky for OHAFC sides and it was perhaps fairly unsurprising when the hosts made the sharper start. Under clear blue skies and on an absolutely immaculate pitch at the school, the Tonbridgians gained early control of the ball, forcing the Blues back into their own half. The visitors were content to soak up the pressure, Berry and Adam Graham providing momentary releases with forays forwards.

Few chances of note had been created by either side in the opening half-hour and it was a moment of good fortune that saw the visitors take the lead: a free-kick over 40 yards out saw Charlie Lupton’s attempted cross to the far post sail over everyone, including the stand-in Tonbridge keeper, and fly straight into the far top corner. Unsurprisingly, this rather knocked the stuffing out of the home side and the remainder of the half saw the men in red huff and puff but fail to really threaten the Harrow goal.

Substitutes Alex Kenderdine-Davies and Hugo Morrell-Roberts introduced, the latter partnering Si Nicholson at the back, with Will Brounger, who had enjoyed a strong first half, moving into midfield for the departed Berry.

The second half proved to be remarkably similar in nature to the first, with the home side on top but struggling to break down a resolute Harrow rearguard. Nicholson and Morrell-Roberts excelled at the back, as was Michael Brooks on the right, assiduous in his defensive duties, whilst also providing support in attack.

With twenty minutes played and neither side looking particularly capable of scoring the crucial second goal, the Blues were then presented with an opportunity they couldn’t turn down. A poor back pass saw Adam Graham beat the left-back to the loose ball, he squared to Jordan Holmes and the striker’s shot took a deflection off a defender’s outstretched leg before looping up and over the stranded keeper. By now the hosts could have safely assumed this wasn’t to be their day and although they continued to press in the closing stages, the visitors held out without real cause for alarm. A few long shots sailed wide, a few crosses lacked precision. Harison Saunders remained alert between the posts.

Although clearly not at their best, this was an excellent win for the OHAFC, who understandably returned to London in high spirits. The side sit third in the Division Four table, Berkhamstedians 2s and Brentwoods 3s both remaining unbeaten so far. The Blues now enjoy a run of four home games in five weeks, with a week off in the middle. The top two sides both travel to northwest London, but first up are the Westminsters 2s this Saturday.