The OH 3’s welcomed Brentwood 2’s to the Hill for their ninth league fixture of the season and a vital one, having lost their last League outing to Division Four leaders the Old Suttonians prior to Christmas. After a tough draw away to Brentwoods in the early part of the season, this was not only going to be a tough match but also a fixture in which Harrow couldn’t afford to drop points.

Nick Kapoor’s men started the day somewhat handicapped when the 3’s captain realised he only had eleven men available come kick-off – Luke Berry for some reason not travelling. Despite this, the team still lined up with plenty of quality: regular number one Tom Mitchell between the sticks, a starting back four of the three Barretts and Nick Blinoff, a midfield consisting of Kapoor, Faber and Ned Callender with the two Bicks supporting Alex Smith up top.

Frustratingly, the hosts started the game tentatively and on the back foot, a surprise given the impressive 6-2 Junior League Cup win the week before. It was clear the motivation wasn’t quite there with Harrow losing 50/50 battles and aerial duels in the opening minutes. It wasn’t a surprise therefore when the visitors took the lead early on: Harrow failed to clear a Brentwood set-piece and from the knockdown the opposing front man curled a fine finish into the right side netting of Mitchell’s goal. The hosts managed to keep their fired-up opponents out for the remainder of the half, despite being under sustained pressure for most of it.

The half-time break provided the Blues’ hierarchy the opportunity to rally the team with some choice words and tactics. Kapoor took the decision to move Harrow’s key player this season, Harry Bick, who had been starved of service in the first half, into the middle of the pitch in an attempt to get the ball moving between the midfield of Charlie Bick and Tommy Faber. Kapoor moved to right back, with Nic Blinoff filling the void on the left wing. The move paid dividends immediately, the midfield three taking hold of the game and momentum shifted strongly in favour of the Blues, with Harrow going close twice in just ten minutes of play. Despite this, it was the visitors who scored the next goal, pouncing on a parried shot by Mitchell to turn the ball in from an acute angle at the far post, doubling the lead very much against the run of play.

Harrow were well and truly up against it at this point and in danger of losing only their third league match since the start of the 2017/18 season. The 3s continued to battle, knowing the next goal of the match was vital, and fortunately it went Harrow’s way on the hour mark. A Harry Bick corner and front post flick from striker Alex Smith allowed centre-back Kyle Barrett to knock the ball over the line from barely a yard out at the far post.

The goal gave the hosts hope and they poured forwards in search of an equaliser, Ned Callander going close with the next opportunity. With ten minutes remaining the pressure finally told, the hosts scoring from another set piece, with Harry Bick the provider once again. Bick delivered a long ball into the box, it was partially cleared but Connor Barrett was on hand at the far post to slam a volley back in through a crowd of bodies and send the 3s into frenzied celebration.

The draw keeps the 3s in touch with leaders the Old Suttonians, although the promotion race in Division Four looks to be the most exciting in the League with four sides separated by just six points and fourth-placed Columbans still with games in hand.

*Many thanks to Connor Barrett for this match report