Defensive errors cost 1st XI dearly against Alleynians

Old Alleynians 1st XI
5 : 1
Old Harrovians 1st XI
  • November 10th 2018, Bacon Community 3G Astro, 1:15pm
  • Division 1
  • Referee: Stuart Borman
  • Weather: Sunny, breezy
  • Pitch: Astroturf
No. Starting XI Goals Yellow & Red Cards Subs On/Off
1 Emre Sert
2 Alex Gilbert 75'
3 Fred Richardson
4 Yunus Sert (c)
5 Hamish MacIntyre
6 Alex Breeden 65'
7 Luke Berry
8 Freddie Brunt
9 Oli Acar 60'
10 Chester Robinson
11 Will Bamford
Substitutes
12 Mike Okoigun 45'

The OHAFC 1st XI fought hard and, at times, played some decent football, but defensive errors and ill discipline once more were the overriding factors as they slipped to a third straight League defeat, going down 5-1 to the Old Alleynians on the astroturf in Rotherhithe.

After the previous week's nightmare against the Reptonians on a horrible surface in west London, better things were hoped for on the wide expanses of the Bacon Community Centre artificial turf in the shadow of Canary Wharf.

Alleynians had knocked the Blues out of the Arthur Dunn Cup following two titanic encounters last season, but this was a far more one-sided affair.

The hosts took advantage of some poor positioning in the visitors' defensive ranks, with the Blues unable to preserve a solid enough defensive shape whenever possession was lost - a recurring theme over the past few weeks.

Three goals were conceded prior to the break, and it could have been more had Emre Sert not been on top form between the sticks.

The second half saw the visitors improve somewhat but they still managed to concede twice more before a thunderbolt of a free-kick from Alex Breeden at least offered a momentary respite from the suffering.

Emre Sert continued to repel everything thrown at him and the side deserve credit for sticking at their task despite the result having long been decided.

Tough times indeed then for Yunus Sert and his young side, but perhaps the opportunity to get back to winning ways will present itself on Saturday in the form of the visit of the Old Malvernians to the Hill: the sides met back in September and the Blues ran out comfortable 6-0 winners. A repeat performance is badly needed to stop the rot.