The OHAFC 3rd XI became the first team this season to deny Division Four leaders the Old Amplefordians victory in a tight encounter that saw the sides share a hard-fought 1-1 draw on a blustery Harrow Hill on Saturday morning.

Following two disappointing defeats that saw the side concede seven goals to the Old Shirburnians and Old Kingstonians, the 3s could have been forgiven for anticipating the visit of the rampaging Amplefordians to the Hill with a certain sense of trepidation. Three games played, three wins, twelve goals scored and only one conceded: a record to match that of anyone in the entire Arthurian League coming into October.

But that impressive run came to an end on the Hill in a tense battle that saw both sides struggle to get to grips with both the string wind blowing up towards the Hill and the slightly patchy nature of the lower Phil pitch – in use for the first time this season owing to damage to the drainage channels over the summer.

The first half saw both sides cancel each other out, defences well on top for the most part. Given the conditions, it was unsurprising that neither team was able to really get the ball down and produce any flowing football. As a result, the two keepers remained largely untroubled and a first 0-0 draw for the 3s since the 2016/17 season seemed a distinct possibility.

The second half provided rather more excitement however, with the home side, led on this occasion by striker Freddie Everett, proving they were more than a match for their vaunted opponents. The Blues deservedly took the lead ten minutes after half-time when the skipper produced a fine first-time finish into the bottom corner from Tobi Adebayo’s through-ball. The hosts then spurned a couple of excellent chances to extend their lead, substitute Rob McMahon and Khlail Baoku both finding themselves through on goal but unable to beat the keeper.

These misses proved fatal in the end, however, as the visitors continued to battle hard and they were rewarded for their efforts when midfielder Will Rogers popped up inside the box with just over ten minutes remaining to finish following some excellent work by the winger. The Blues were then indebted to a magnificent save from keeper Hassan Hammad to ensure they secured a point, the custodian flinging himself to his right to divert a shot wide of the far post.

In the end, this was a valuable point for the OHAFC, who should now go into next weekend’s fixture away to the Old Johnians 2s with renewed confidence: victory could well see the Blues climb out of the bottom two for the first time this season.