Saturday 7th October Old Habs 3 - 4 Old Carthusians (Nichols, Biela, Vellosa) Missing several key players, yet boosted by the return of several more, OH were determined to bounce back from their unfortunate defeat the previous weekend. So it was with great frustration that they found themselves 2-0 down within ten minutes to a tame Carthusian outfit. Slack marking in defence and midfield gifted the visitors their lead and OH heads visibly dropped. But hope soon returned in the form of a well-taken Nichols header from a delightful Yalaqi cross - a goal that had Habs 1st XI 2001 written all over it. Further pressure from OH failed to result in another goal before half-time, but at least Jameson was able to pick up on an improved performance during his half-time talk. Whatever the gaffer said seemed to work as a corner early in the second half found Robin Biela at the far post. The finish was exactly what the OH firm has come to expect from their new golden boy: calm and emphatic. 2 - 2. But again, just as all expected OH to finish the game off, Old Carthusians struck two devastating blows and the home side found themselves 4 - 2 down. A Vellosa penalty gave a morsel of hope, but it was too late - the goal-feast was over. The game raised more questions than answers. How will Jameson craft this talented group of enigmatic players into a ruthless, match-winning team? Is the title beyond them? Will Keenlyside and Vellosa patch up their differences after a brutal spat in the second half? Only time will tell... What the keymen said: Nichols: "I was relieved to finally get off the mark after a glorious cross from Rasol laid it on a plate for me. Unfortunately, despite being more than capable of chalking up 3 wins out of 3 this season, we seem to be determined to make things difficult for ourselves with silly mistakes all over the pitch. Once the new squad gels I'm confident the results will come quickly and we will storm up the table. Roll on Eton (got enough clichés in there for you?)" Vellosa: "To be honest I didn't really see how the penalty came about. Saw a bit of pushing and shoving in the box - think Evans and Tom were there or there abouts. Next thing I know the ref has given a pen and Evans asked if I'd have it. After missing a bit of a sitter 1st half I wanted to make amends and open my account for the season. The keeper was giving it large - asking me which way I was going to go. I told him it didn't matter, 'cos either way it would end up in the back of the old onion bag! I had planned on putting it to the keepers left, but as he started to move that way I changed to drill it low and hard to his right. Thought we were back on track for a point, but it wasn't meant to be. Overall in the 2 games I've played I think the squad is stronger than last year, but we just need to learn to calm things down a bit and show a bit of composure on the ball. Watch this space.." Jameson: "Defensively it was a shambles! We've won one of 3 games, when we really could and should have won them all."