A relegation into Division Five of the Arthurian League that has long been feared for the OHAFC 3rd XI was finally confirmed on Saturday morning when the side fell to a heavy 5-0 defeat against one of the few sides they were still able to catch, the Old Johnians 2s. In the final fixture of the season on the Phil pitches, the 3s failed to do their surroundings justice with a shambolic opening to the game that saw the visitors race into a two-goal lead with only five minutes on the clock. Two goals conceded from corners either side of the break confirmed defeat and it was almost a perverse kind of poetic justice that the final kick of the game was the ball being rifled past keeper Hassan Hammad for the fifth time. The 3s have, in general, lacked commitment since the Christmas break and the constant changing of personnel, allied to poor fitness levels, have confirmed relegation with a game to spare.

Once again, as has been the case far too often this season, a ramshackle squad was contrived late on Friday night including, for his first Saturday appearance in well over a decade, Vets utility player Dave Mutter. Adam Graham was initially deployed at centre-back alongside Si Nicholson, Harry Maxwell made a welcome return to central midfield following a lengthy absence.

Saturday’s opponents have endured some topsy-turvy results this season, progressing well in the DW Trophy and enjoying strong showings against some of the top sides in Division Four, whilst simultaneously suffering heavy defeats to some of the weaker sides. Both sides were well aware of the significance of the fixture, with the OHAFC knowing only a victory would maintain their slim hopes of survival.

But a disastrous start rendered that possibility highly unlikely, Johnians scoring twice inside the first five minutes. Lederman was caught in possession inside the centre circle and the ball was played forwards at pace, the Harrow back four pulled out of shape all too easily to allow a simple finish from inside the penalty area. Worse was to follow three minutes later. A through-ball that should have been routinely dealt with caused high panic between keeper and defenders and a comical mix-up ensued, the Johnians scarcely able to believe their luck as the ball was eventually prodded across an empty goalmouth and tapped in.

The hosts did recover and grew into the game, Henry Collins coming within inches of pulling a goal back as his flick header from Lederman’s corner was somehow clawed onto the crossbar by the Johnians keeper. But midway through the half the visitors did then score from a corner of their own, a viciously whipped delivery to the far post allowing one of the centre-backs to thump a header in from close range.

Three goals behind at the break in a must-win game, the Blues were in a tough spot and there was little room for manoeuvre with various players struggling with niggling injuries. But spirits remained high and the Blues continued to battle for the majority of the second half, coming close to pulling a goal back courtesy of an excellent move down the left that ended with Henry Collins delivering a near-post cross for skipper Freddie Everett only for the first-time finish to fly inches over the bar.

But any lingering hopes of an unlikely comeback were ended when another superb delivery from a corner was forced over the line and then, with the game long since won, the visitors broke forwards down their left wing and a square pass found their striker in an acre of space. With the final kick of the game the ball was fired past keeper Hassan Hammad, the Johnians were safe, the OHAFC relegated.

One final fixture for the 3s remains, away to the Old Amplefordians next weekend, after which an inquest into the season can take place.