The OHAFC 2nd XI recorded their first points of the season with a deserved win away at Winchester. Despite poor opposition and a confident start to the game, Harrow made hard work of what should have been an easy win.

Harrow started encouragingly, using their 4-4-2 formation well and getting behind the Winchester back 4 with ease. Beresford and Curry were on top of the defence and an opening goal felt inevitable. However, it took until the 30 minute mark for the away side to break the deadlock. Azhar Khan, playing goal, lumped the ball straight and long, causing the Winchester centre half to panic and nod past his on rushing keeper under pressure from Beresford.

As Harrow tired in the surprising October heat, they struggled to create chances. The defence of Woolley, The Orr-Ewing brothers, Chopra and Robinson gave Winchester nothing and were able to put together some encouraging passing moves with the midfield. Harrow looked confident on the ball, but rarely turned possession into clear cut chances.

Beresford and Curry were both fouled when through on goal, and a Jack Robinson long shot were the closest Harrow got to securing the game until the 80th minute. A good move then released Curry down the right, who drew the keeper out and squared to Beresford on the penalty spot with an open goal at his mercy... The in form striker blasted wide under no pressure, and Harrow went into the last 10 without a two goal cushion.

A tame throw in from Winchester was then allowed to bounce into the box, finding the defence on their heals after a very comfortable 85 mins... Winchester capitalised and scored from two yards, equalising a game that should have been out of sight.

It was great to see Harrow rise to the challenge and believe in their ability to push for the three points. A long throw into the mixer from Cater wasn't dealt with, and Max Curry latched onto the loose ball to score an important goal.

It's was a strong team performance and shows a great basis for the rest of the year. Bartlett and Kerry won the ball back countless times, and Bajwa and Trower showed flashes of class among bouts of cramp and alcohol-sweats. The error for the goal conceded must be stamped out, because the defence were otherwise uncompromising in their treatment of the Winchester attacking play.

Next weekend the 2s have no fixture. Competition for places is high with Stead, Amin, Crawley, Maydon and von Hirsh available again and Alex Smith keen to earn a starting position.

2-1, three points, well done chaps