The first half was OK with Cambridge South 3rds, sponsored by PwC, having a good share of possession and creating chances. Harlow, with a number of suspiciously competent players following cancellation of the first team game (excuse No.1) were good on the break and got the first goal. Harlow seemed to have warmed up more, having not had the long drive south to a wintry venue (excuse No.2)

Nevertheless CSouth came back with a penalty flick, well taken by Suk Pannu. Unfortunately most attacks fizzled out after good work by the ever-threatening Russell Johnson and Andy Lewis, although Russell was very unlucky to hit the inside of the post after his own mazy run and shot.

After half time Harlow were in the ascendancy. It must have been the half time team talk (excuse No.3). The home team rattled in 3 more goals without reply, all from smart counterattacks. Rapidly developing keeper Shahbaz Ali played assertively and well to snuff out many of these, dominating the D well, diving at attackers feet. CSouth never gave up, but even with the muscle of John Benedikz reinforcing the attack were unable to get close to scoring. This was obviously due to the blazing sun low in the sky blinding the players to passing opportunities (excuse No.4).

Harlow did have the advantage of playing in their smart new kit (pathetic excuse No.5) and were deserved victors over a scratch CSouth side made up of players from all four men’s teams (lame excuse No.6) [Ed – not quite, you had no-one from the 2nds!]

...and Harlow played to their strengths and were...better (Reason No.1)