AFA Cup; 4^th October 2008

2008/2009 and the OH are back – this time in force; a new two tiered structure giving the club an unbelievably professional new edge! That is until 10am on the second Saturday of the season, when the first XI found themselves down to 6 men and with no keeper – it was just like old times……

The OH love adversity though (for one it increases the chance of Rico making a tear jerking pre-match speech!) - and so it proved; OH rattling in three blinding goals and then digging in to seal a famous win. There were four superb debuts, some great football played in the first half, and even a treat for the fans as Hatch End’s resident ladies man Chris Reidy made his first appearance since retiring, replacing the man-flu stricken Leigh in goal!  

The early stages saw OH in control, crisp passing from Keeno and Will leading to Russ Jones jamming an effort against the post. OH soon made the breakthrough though, Brodders feeding Will 'The Bear' Reidy, who's whipped in ball was met by the onrushing Ben. 1-0.

OH kept pressing, and soon it was two – Evans dinked one over the centre backs, and just as the keeper rushed out to claim the ball, Ben nipped in to lob it high over his head, the ball bouncing up to nestle just behind the bar. Very professional finish! For those who weren't there, you're lucky the sky cameras were:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bqavj_LjJsQ

50 minutes and it looked all over, the now rampant Ben twisting the centre back inside out before drilling the ball into the far corner. 3-0!

The Eagles weren't finished though, and on 65 minutes they pulled one back, the Barclays left winger unleashing a thunderbolt that caught Brodder's backside before deflecting inside the far post. After the match Brodders generously compared the goal to the Paul Parker O.G vs Germany at the 1990 World Cup – perhaps with one eye on grooming Chris Reidy ahead of this weekend's clash with Harrow, where again the OH no1 shirt is up for grabs! Reidy's misery at losing his clean sheet was confirmed when he went to lash the ball dramatically back to the centre spot, only for it to hit the stanchion and fly off the side of the pitch at a 90 degree angle - the game held up as the crest-fallen keeper trudged off to retrieve the ball, much to the home fans' delight! 1-3 

70 minutes and it was game on! OH turning their backs on a free kick, the Eagles striker gleefully lashing the ball into the roof of the net. 2-3, ohhh shit!

A succession of corners followed as OH hung on, Josh scuttling back to hack off the line twice and Marcus heading out from under his own bar. Then on 80 minutes, probably one of the highlights of Chris Reidy's life, as he produced a stunning reaction save to keep OH ahead; Barclay's supersub Sunil cutting inside the box before firing off a shot that looked destined for the top corner… Reidy had other ideas though, flying across his goal to tip it up and over the bar!

So, a great game and cheers to all of the boys who helped out, in particular Marcus, Joe and Ben, all of whom played superbly, and Josh (who'd already played 90 minutes in the morning – take note Russ Jones and Will Reidy, who got cramp after 70 and 25 minutes respectively)

Finally well done to Brodders, for getting Marcus, Ben and Joe signed up in time, let's hope they sign permanent deals. Just as long as you don't try and sign that old guy with 1-1 shaved into his head as well!

Man of the match: All of the debutants had blinders, but it has to go to Ben, nice one!

Comedy moment:

Russ Jones cracking his nose on the turf going for a below sea-level header (out this weekend as a result – get well soon!)

Also Evans' admission after the match: "it was one of those where as soon as you've cried out you realise it doesn't actually hurt… you have to stay down for a while though so you don't look like a complete cunt!"