The OHAFC 4th XI returned to Harrow Hill on Saturday for their second ever fixture, with high hopes of earning a first ever win following a highly encouraging display when losing by the odd goal in three to the Old Eastbournians in the Junior League Cup back in early December.

A squad of thirteen was assembled by skipper Ed Nicholson, with seven players returning from the first outing. Of the six newcomers, three were making their OHAFC debuts and two of them were brothers of the captain: Simon Nicholson lined up in goal and Hugo Nicholson in attack – the second time three brothers have played in the same OHAFC side following this season’s regular showing by the three Barrett’s in the 3rd XI. Jacob Lee, who started on the bench, was the third debutant. Ade Omisore, who has played a couple of 1s games this season, was the spearhead in attack and there was a surprising, but most welcome return for Oli Malin-Hyams, whose OHAFC days were suspected to have ended on a notorious high with his moonlighting as ‘Fabio’ on the 2010 Easter Tour to Antwerp – an imaginary Brazilian semi-professional who played every game wearing a bright red headband in an attempt to put the opposition off their game.

With the weather set fair and Phil pitch 2 in decent nick, the prospect dawned of an intriguing and highly winnable fixture for the OHAFC – Amplefordians sat rock bottom of Division Five South of the Arthurian League and, on paper at least, should prove an easier opponent than the Old Eastbournians.

But it was the visitors who began on the front foot, their speedy wingers were in the game and testing full-backs Michael Brooks and Mumtaz Habib. The Harrow defence, led by skipper Nicholson, remained resolute and thwarted early Amplefordian attempts to break through.

As the half wore on, the hosts began to play with greater authority and were soon enjoying as much of the ball as their opponents. Midfielders Ed Payne, Theo Gordon and James Monroe linked up well and brought wide men Hugo Nicholson and Toby Cooper into the game more frequently. Omisore looked lively up front and when the half-time whistle blew, it was the visitors who were happy for a break.

The Blues had done well, but a greater test lay ahead, with the wind and gentle slope of the Hill now against them in the second half. Indeed, the 4s’ task was laid starkly bare before them when, just a few minutes after the resumption of play, the visitors took the lead with a well-worked goal and neat finish. But Harrow heads remained unbowed and, following some fine work by substitute Jacob Lee, they equalised ten minutes later courtesy of a goal from James Monroe.

Neither side could find a way through in the final twenty-five minutes despite their best efforts, meaning extra-time lay in wait. Giles Matthey, sidelined by injury, made an excellent effort as manager to lift the spirits and the side returned to the field for the resumption fired up for the final half-hour.

And there was drama aplenty to come. Just five minutes in Lee was penalised for a foul inside the box, gifting the visitors the chance to break the deadlock. But Simon Nicholson guessed correctly and produced a magnificent save to keep the scores level.

At the change of ends the skipper roused his troops for one final effort and both teams dredged up their last ounces of energy for a final assault before penalties. The game, unsurprisingly, became stretched, at times resembling a basketball contest as play switched from one to the other at bewildering regularity.

Sadly, it was the visitors who proved to possess fractionally the greater stamina, and they scored the crucial third goal with just eight minutes remaining, although it was contentious to say the least – not only did the striker appear offside, leading to loud Harrow appeals, he also appeared to steer the ball in with his arm – something referee Tini Kaja either didn’t see or didn’t agree with.

Harrow had to push on in search of an equaliser and left themselves open to a counter at the other end, the visitors taking advantage to seal the win with goal in the final minute.

It had been a commendable effort from the thirteen on the day, with luck once more deserting them at a vital moment. Some well-deserved pints were sunk following the game and all agreed that it had been an encouraging start to life for the OHAFC 4th XI. It remains to be seen what the immediate future holds for the side, but congratulations to Ed Nicholson and his players for their efforts in the two games this season.

*Thanks to the skipper for his assistance with this report