Old Oundelians 1st XI 3 OHAFC 3rd XI 2

Following a slightly turbulent week with regard to player availability, the 3s fielded a strong team to face Oundle in a friendly between the two subsets of ‘division 5’.

Last year’s corresponding fixture produced a 7-1 drubbing in the Oundelians’ favour so Harrow were keen to get off to a strong start to avoid a repeat. They did just that, with Adam Graham and James Mee combining well down the left flank, only for the latter to be fouled in the area by a slightly leaden-fotted Oundle defender.

Turner assumed penalty duties and struck it firmly enough to beat a rather tame dive from the ‘keeper. Harrow continued to dominate for the majority of the first half, moving the ball well and creating chances. Graham proved a handful up front, with Tommy Faber and Pom Beeley controlling the game from midfield.

The new centre back pairing of Sam Stirrat and Ludo Compton proved very reliable indeed and for 40 minutes the opposition’s chances were limited. However, as has been the Achilles heel of the team, a soft goal from a corner brought the sides level at half time – a highly unjust reflection on the first half.

The second half started at a more frantic pace, with Oundle spurred on by their goal moments before the break. Harrow worked hard but began to lose their shape slightly. However, Oundle’s second goal was well worked, with a series of quick passes finding a striker well placed in the box to slot it home.

Oundle then began to enjoy more possession, moving slowly through the gears. They rode their luck at times, with the referee hot on some pretty tight offside calls, finally disallowing a Harrow goal explained only by a shrug of the shoulders. This resulted in a stern line of questioning from Graham and had a big impact on the eventual scoreline.

Shortly afterwards, Harrow switched off again, leaving a man unmarked in the box who directed a tame header goalwards which squirmed its way in, leaving Harrow with a lot of work to do.

The response was once again admirable, as it has been all season. Ed Page shifted into the middle of the park and got through a great deal of work breaking down Oundle attacks and sending Harrow forward on the counter.

The sustained pressure eventually paid off, as Oundle failed to deal with a ball into the box. Graham didn’t need a second invitation and slotted the ball home to set up yet another grandstand finish.

Unfortunately Oundle’s defence was resolute, leaving Harrow feeling a tad hard done by. However, the performance was very encouraging and a vast improvement on the last game between the sides.

The 3s will look to build on this performance with two crunch league games coming up.

Team lineup is available to view in the Results section.