The OHAFC 3rd XI finally broke their winless streak this season courtesy of two rather fortunate second half free-kicks from Jordan Holmes and Charlie Dunn. Whilst the manner of the goals proved rather lucky, especially the second effort from Dunn, there was no denying the home side’s right to the three points, with the Blues spurning numerous chances to seal victory against fellow strugglers the Old Wykehamists on the Hill. Despite a first victory, the 3s remain on the foot of the Division Four table, but are now level on points with their opponents and within striking distance of several other sides above the drop zone.

Having not played for three weeks, and with OHAFC fixtures in general having been thin on the ground during an unusually quiet October, there was a healthy demand for places in what stand-in skipper Freddie Everett emphasised was a must-win game if the side are to have any hope of avoiding another struggle to beat the drop come spring. A full squad of fourteen was available, with Henry Wilson fit again after suffering a muscle injury against the Johnians and Charlie Dunn making his first 3s appearance of the season having performed so impressively when thrust into an unfamiliar left-back role away to the Old Rugbeians in the Dunn Cup first round. There was also an unfamiliar name in the middle of midfield, with veteran David Lederman drafted in to provide some leadership and experience having struggled to make any meaningful contribution to the 2s in a couple of previous outings.

On a cold, cloudy day on the Hill, both sides observed two minutes of silence in remembrance prior to kick-off. Despite the strong lineup, and an opposition that had won just one of their six League fixtures so far this season, it was the visitors who started on the front foot, pinning the hosts back and testing the back four. Hassan Hammad, who has grown in stature between the sticks this season, was well protected and remained relatively untested, although the Wykehamists forced numerous corners, all of which were successfully cleared.

Midway through the half the Blues finally began to earn a foothold in the game and they threatened especially down the left with Cowley and Litton providing excellent outlets, the latter looking especially dangerous as he continually tormented the right-back with some jinking runs. With Adam Graham providing a commanding target man up front, the hosts soon began to create chances of their own and it was a shock that the first half ended goalless with both Graham and skipper Freddie Everett guilty of missing guilt-edged chances to open the scoring. Twice the former was through on the inside left, one shot flew over, the other was placed inches wide of the far post with just the keeper to beat. Another delivery from the left found Everett unmarked ten yards out but his first-time half-volley flew high and wide.

Everett range the changes, introducing winger Jordan Holmes and the younger Wilson off the bench, Henry taking the place of Tobi Adebayo in midfield. But the second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with the visitors once more back on top. This time the Harrow keeper was required to make a couple of vital interventions and, having kept his side on level terms, his teammates gradually reasserted their authority. Another couple of glaring misses suggested this just wasn’t to be Harrow’s day, but the hosts then scored in the most unlikely circumstances: a free-kick level with the edge of the penalty area just in from the right touchline suggested a chance to deliver a dangerous ball into the box, but as soon as Jordan Holmes struck his delivery the ball seemed destined for the top corner and a couple of seconds later it was nestling in the back of the net, the Winchester keeper left without a prayer as the ball arced perfectly over and beyond him to spark wild celebrations.

The goal bolstered the home side and for the next quarter of an hour the Blues dominated, without finding the killer second goal. And hopes of being able to see out a comfortable 1-0 win were then rocked when the visitors levelled from their own set-piece, a free-kick from the right was headed back across goal allowing a simple tap-in from close range. But having been beaten by one free-kick from out wide that was probably unsaveable, the Winchester keeper then made an absolute hash of an almost identical delivery five minutes later from Charlie Dunn. Again the ball was swept in from the right wing, but this time the keeper really should have collected only for the ball to slip through his grasp and drop into the empty net.

Ten minutes remained for the hosts to hang on and they were made to fight every inch of the way by a determined Winchester side, stung at the manner of the two goals that had been conceded. Again, however, Hammad proved a brick wall in front of goal, producing a couple of fine saves to ensure the Blues remained on top. The final whistle brought a mixture of joy and relief, the 3s finally tasting victory at the seventh time of asking this season.