The OHAFC 3rd XI slumped to their first defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon, going down 3-1 at home to the Old Brentwoods 2s on the Phil pitches. Despite falling behind to a dubious penalty, given for handball after twenty minutes, the 3s recovered to level the scores just before the break, Oscar Gairard slotting home.

The second half proved a struggle for the Blues however and they conceded twice more, the first following an unfortunate incident involving the referee that led to a drop-ball being contested. The ball fell to the Brentwoods striker and he ran through to finish past stand-in goalkeeper Connor Barrett.

As the hosts pressed for an equaliser late on, they were caught on the break and the visitors ensured they would be returning home with all three points – deservedly so, despite the rather unfortunate nature of their first two goals.

For the Blues, it was further evidence that the side, still missing some key regulars, have yet to hit the heights they are capable of this season. With the Alleynians 2s and Kimboltonians both maintaining their 100% starts to the season, the OHAFC now find themselves five points behind the top two in Division Four. Fortunately, however, there isn’t long to wait before the team have the chance to exact revenge over Saturday’s opponents, with a week’s break before the return trip to Essex to face the Brentwoods again.

*Thanks to Nick Kapoor for his help with this report