Saturday 13th November Leyton County II 4 - 3 Old Habs (Reidy 2, Nichols) Strong performances in the league in recent weeks ensured that OH were brimming with confidence going into their first cup outing of the season. The opposition were something of an unknown quantity. Located in the unwelcoming plains of suburban Essex, OH realised they were unlikely to be facing the Humphreys and Hugos that abound within the Arthurian League. And the blinding flash of bling that emanated from the clubhouse confirmed that this would be unfamiliar territory. With key absentees necessitating changes in personnel at the back, it was a hugely positive opening for the OH side, Nicholls terrorising the opposing left-back, and Jones pulling the strings in midfield. But, having taken a deserved lead, OH conceded almost immediately. It would have been easy for the boys in blue to have let their heads drop but they seemed to be spurred on to greater heights, some wonderful flowing football culminating in what would surely have been the goal of the season when Jones volleyed just wide with his left foot. The wind picked up in the second half and OH found it increasingly difficult to asert themselves. Their play became scrappy, a few industrial challenges followed, and some bad luck in front of goal meant that thay were unable to come back from a goal down. Credit should go to Jones for a strong performance in midfield, and to Reidy and Nicholls who continued their scoring run with two and one respectively. Back to the bread and butter of the league on Saturday with an intriguing home fixture against Forest IIs. Old Habs will doubtless be eager to maintain their place at the top of the table, with Westminster sure to drop points at some stage. Nichols: "A cup shock to rival Manure's loss in midweek! Not quite sure how i did score, Andy swung one in and i flew towards it fully expecting to complete a thumping, Super Al-esque header that would burst the net. Unfortunately minimal contact was made and the ball slowly bounced towards 'the cat' in goal. However, he hadn't reckoned on PC Bill putting him under such pressure that he would be forced to fumble the ball into his top corner. Was it more embarrassing for the Essex Taibi than Will's goal? Its a tough one to call." Reidy: "We nearly scored the goal of the year when a long ball came to me, I played it first touch down to Russ, who knocked it to Keen, who played it on the floor into the gap for me, I back-heeled it first time into the air and Russ smashed a left foot volley first time just past the stanchion!!!! Even their team went "OOOHHH"! With 30 seconds to go I beat their centre back and keeper to the ball and rifled in a left foot stinger - got munched by both of them but saw the ball going in.....even heard people celebrating but it hit a divot and smacked the post. I still can't believe we lost!"