Despite taking the lead via a wonderful goal from Freddie Brunt, things continue to go from bad to worse for the OHAFC 1st XI, with a fourth consecutive League defeat and fifth in six games suffered on Saturday, the Old Malvernians coming from behind to win their fourth game in a row and gain revenge for the 6-0 mauling suffered earlier in the season at the hands of the OHAFC.

With numerous players either unavailable or injured, skipper Yunus Sert, as has so often been the case this season, was forced to make further changes in a bid to arrest the alarming slump in form that has seen his side fall from top spot in Division One to a lowly fifth prior to kick-off. Indeed, such was the shortage of manpower that goalkeeper Fraser McGuinness was named as the only substitute, even though he was struggling with injury. Harry Hoffen played as the lone striker, James Breeden’s continued absence owing to his upcoming exams a severe handicap for the team. And Hamish MacIntyre was forced into an unfamiliar role as centre-half alongside his captain, that position remaining a headache to fill.

Spells of rain have gradually restored the Phil pitches to their former excellence and conditions could hardly have been better as the game kicked off on the stroke of midday. Disappointingly, the fayre on offer in the opening quarter of the game was of low quality with the hosts unable to find any rhythm to their play. As is so often the case with OHAFC sides, too many touches were the principal hindrance, wide players Robinson and Acar very much on the periphery of the action.

With neither keeper having been called into action, the opening goal midway through the half arrived like a bolt from the Blue – almost literally, as Freddie Brunt chested down a long Alex Breeden free-kick and caught the ball perfectly on the half-volley to rifle into the far corner.

The Blues failed to capitalise on their opener however, and with wide men Robinson and Acar continuing to struggle making any headway, the hosts were limited to a few hopeful shots in a bid to double their lead. Despite this, Emre Sert had been rarely troubled in the Harrow goal and as time ticked down it appeared as if the lead would remain into the interval. That was before a calamitous error from right-back Ade Omisore, who gifted away a cast-iron penalty, barging through the back of the Malvern striker following a long free-kick into the box. There was no mistake from the spot and from nowhere Malvern had levelled.

With just an injured McGuinness on the bench there was little skipper Sert could do to shuffle his pack for the second half. And, unsurprisingly perhaps, Harrow’s football continued lacking in precision and confidence. The game became even scrappier, with the front three starved of service, veteran Hoffen barely managing a shot in anger before he was withdrawn for McGuinness with twenty minutes remaining.

By this time the visitors had taken the lead courtesy of a fine goal from right-winger Onabowale, who somehow nutmegged two defenders in quick succession before beating Sert inside his near post to spark wild celebrations. The hosts were kept at arms’ length for the remainder of the game, Brunt coming closest to recovering the situation with another fine effort, but this time his 25 yard shot flew just over the bar. One final chance fell to Dan Firoozan following an Alex Breeden cross, but once that had passed, the game was up.

It was a disappointing result and performance from the side, in keeping with recent form. Somehow the squad must rally round and offer more support to the skipper, with the lack of availability clearly hindering performances. The side have no time to feel sorry for themselves however, with back-to-back fixtures against the Old Berkhamstedians due up next. At this stage, any sort of win would be greatly received.

*Thanks to Freddie Brunt for his help with this match report