Hard-fought point keeps 3s in touch with leaders

Old Brentwoods 2nd XI
1 : 1
Old Harrovians 3rd XI
  • October 13th 2018, Old Brentwoods Club, 1:30pm
  • Division 4
  • Referee: Jason Kilby
  • Weather: Sunny, breezy
  • Pitch: Fair
No. Starting XI Goals Yellow & Red Cards Subs On/Off
1 Chuka Ilogu
2 Felix Tritton
3 Connor Barrett 60'
4 Kyle Barrett
5 Callum Barrett
6 Luke Berry 70'
7 Tom Faber 76'
8 Charlie Bick
9 Alexander Cadisch 75'
10 Ned Callander
11 Nick Kapoor (c) 45'
Substitutes
12 Will Monroe 30'
13 Nic Blinoff 40'

An excellent finish from midfielder Tommy Faber with fifteen minutes remaining earned the OHAFC 3rd XI a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to the Old Brentwoods 2s on Saturday, maintaining their unbeaten start to life in Division Four and keeping them nicely placed just a point behind leaders the Old Stoics – the team they defeated in their previous fixture.

The long journey around the M25 to Essex brought, as usual, the dispiriting sight of an uneven, bobbly pitch at the Old Brentwoods Sports Club – a familiar sight to travel-weary OHAFC teams down the years. At least the atmospheric conditions were pleasant enough, with a warming autumnal sun bathing the grounds in a favourable light.

A strong squad of thirteen made the trip, with Alex Cadisch making his first appearance of the season and Felix Tritton set for his first ever OHAFC start at right-back, following two previous substitute appearances. Meanwhile, Nicolas Blinoff travelled for his OHAFC debut and he was named on the bench alongside Will Monroe. Despite the youthful nature of the newcomers, there was plenty of steely experience in the side, with the three Barrett brothers, Chuka Ilogu, skipper Nick Kapoor, Charlie Bick, Ned Callander and Tommy Faber all included, as well as highly promising youngster Luke Berry.

The awkward nature of the pitch meant that flowing football was always going to be at a premium and the first half was ample proof of this, both sides struggling to play with much fluency. Goalmouth action was almost non-existent, with both keepers rarely troubled, the Harrow back four coping well with anything Brentwoods could muster.

A goalless first half looked inevitable, but with the very last action of the opening forty-five minutes the hosts took the lead. A free-kick conceded by skipper Kapoor was put out for a corner but when this was whipped into the heart of the Harrow box and almighty scramble ensued and the ball was bundled over the line from close range.

Skipper Kapoor juggled his troops at the break, rolling substitutions allowing all 13 players to enjoy plenty of time on the pitch and Blinoff came off the bench to make his debut in central midfield.

The visitors started the second half strongly, determined to keep their unbeaten record in tact – a run that has seen them avoid defeat in a League game going back to March 17th and a 4-2 loss to the Old Westminsters 2s on a snow-bound Harrow Hill.

Harrow’s pressure eventually told with a quarter of an hour remaining when a long throw from Connor Barrett was flicked on at the near post and neatly scooped into the far corner by Tommy Faber, a marvellous finish to draw the sides level.

The goal energised the visitors and they urgently set about trying to find a winner their second half display had merited. Despite almost constant pressure, the side couldn’t quite find the breakthrough and, finally, were forced to settle for a point.

It was a battling display from Nick Kapoor’s men at what is traditionally one of the hardest venues on the Arthurian League circuit. The result leaves the Blues trailing the Old Stoics by just a point at the top of Division Four a quarter of the way through the League programme. Impressively, the side have conceded just four goals in their four games to date.

Next up is another tricky away trip, this time to the Docklands to face the Old Alleynians 2s – the teams have already met this season with Harrow running out 6-1 winners on the Hill at the end of September. A repeat result on the Bacon Community astroturf would do nicely.

*Many thanks to Chuka Ilogu for his assistance with this report