Nothing But Pride

Luton Town 5-1 Hendon

FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round

Saturday 29^th October 2011

Kenilworth Road

For the third time in our last four appearances at this stage of the FA Cup, Hendon came away defeated, with five goals conceded and with at least one man dismissed. For the first time though, the feeling of mild embarrassment wasn’t there as I left the ground and made my way home. Instead, I felt a strange sense of pride. We’d gone against one of the three or four best sides in Non League football, taken the lead and although ended up well beaten, had by no means disgraced ourselves.

There were some negatives to come from the afternoon, namely with the loss of three more midfielders through injury. Carl McCluskey, Casey Maclaren and more worryingly Jamie Busby all departed the scene with various ailments, Busby in particular appears to be very serious as he requires an operation on a suspected broken cheekbone. The chances are that will keep him out of action for quite some time. With Kevin Maclaren seeing red as well and facing a suspension for the Canvey Island match, even the 36 strong squad named on the website is looking pretty stretched. All this, and the manager suffering from blood poisoning as well. Arsene Wenger has it easy.

There was a fair contingent of Greens fans who made the trip up the Thameslink / M1 behind the goal in the Oak Road end all of whom were in good voice (albeit some more eloquent than others). The official number was given as 193, perhaps not the biggest number of fans ever to follow us away from home but it certainly constitutes a decent home gate for us these days. Green shirts, hats and scarfs were widely visible and the overall crowd of 2,329 wasn’t far short of the 2,500 that many behind the goal estimated.

With Sean Thomas defending the goal in front of us in the first half, hopes (as opposed to expectations) were that we would be able to sing his praises whilst he bolstered the visiting support to 194, and watched wave after wave of Green attacks flooding and overwhelming the orange clad hosts. For 90 or so glorious seconds Hendon fans experienced ecstasy as Scott Cousins’ free kick saw McCluskey guide in unmarked and bury a header from 10 yards or so to give us an unlikely lead.

Was it a penalty or wasn’t it? That was the debate behind the goal and to be honest, for everyone that looks at the video I suspect maybe 40% will say it was a penalty and 60% will say it wasn’t. (Judge for yourself below) The referee was exceptionally well positioned to make the call and there was definitely contact with Dean Beckwith and there is a school of thought that if you feel contact in the box, you’re entitled to go down. Given that we’ve benefited from two pretty generous penalty awards this season already, I don’t think we’re in too much of a position to grumble too vociferously. 

Anyway, Aaron O’Connor stepped up and netted Luton’s first successful spot kick of the season, sending Thomas the wrong way and within 20 minutes, the tie was probably as good as over. Luton were excellent in this spell, spreading the ball and pushing the full backs on in support of the two wingers O’Connor and Jon-Paul Kissock. They were very neat and tidy in possession and had the Greens back 4 and midfield at full stretch trying to stay in touch. The second goal arrived on 12 minutes when James Dance burst a gut to get into the box and launch himself at a Curtis Osano cross for the right to power a header into the top corner of the net. Thomas had no chance, it was a quite brilliant header although unfortunately for the Luton man, he appeared to collide with a Hendon defender and was carried off with the first suspected broken cheekbone of the afternoon.

The third goal came midway through the half with Tommy Wright nodding home after Thomas had blocked a low shot through a sea of bodies from Osano and with another goal being chalked off after Stuart Fleetwood tapped in from a yard or so whilst standing offside as O’Connor’s low drive was already heading in, there was a sense of dread oozing from the pores of those Greens faithful behind the goal that a score-line of Rugby League proportions might be in the offing. That didn’t happen though, which I think was part because Luton took their foot off the pedal and partly because Hendon worked their socks off and managed to get to grips with the hosts. Getting a bit tighter to their opponents, breaking up attacks and beginning to get a bit of possession under their belts.

Before half time, Elliott Charles fashioned himself a half chance to get the Greens back in the game, but his driven cross-shot took a touch from Jake Howells and fizzed wide of the Luton goal. Half time came and went with nerves slightly more settled than they’d been 20 minutes previously and Carl McCluskey and Casey Maclaren joining the ever lengthening injury list.

Levels of pride increased greatly over the next 25 minutes or so after the two sides re-emerged for the 2^nd period,. Luton didn’t settle into any rhythm and the Greens were able to enjoy their best spell of the afternoon. James Parker was unfortunate to see an overhead kick bounce narrowly wide of Kevin Pilkington’s far post before Rankin and Busby had efforts blocked and Belal Aite-ouakrim fired wide. There was more purpose and belief about the Greens performance.

Then, a couple of sucker punches. Kevin Maclaren, having already seen yellow in the first half for a disagreement with Jamie Hand over the quality of the former’s socks then slid in and caught a Luton player slightly late. It was a needless challenge, perhaps a little silly given his previous booking and the referee had little option but to brandish another yellow card and then the inevitable red to ensure that neither Maclaren brother ended the match on the pitch just like neither Burgess finished the game at Stevenage 6 years previously. Coincedence? Yes, probably.

Busby then suffered his injury and whilst being treated off the pitch, and with Hendon down to 9 men, Luton took the opportunity to extend their lead with a pair of goals in consecutive minutes. Fleetwood broke the offside trap this time to get onto Howells’ through ball, rounded Thomas and finished well before O’Connor added a well deserved 2^nd goal. He really was a class apart and I don’t think anyone would have quibbled had he picked up the match ball for his efforts.

Burgess finally replaced Busby to return us to vaguely full strength, the veteran making his first appearance of the season and 323^rd of his Hendon career (I’m sure I’ve read recently that he’s passed 100 matches as an unused substitute as well) to give him a well deserved experience of ‘the big time’. Luton, with a four goal advantage were happy to play out time. Fleetwood curled an effort narrowly wide of Thomas’ left hand upright and despite the best efforts of Charles in particular, the Greens could gain no further reward.

The game ended, and the Greens fans rose to applaud their players. It was a gallant effort considering the disruption caused by various injuries and the fact that on the day, Luton’s attitude was absolutely spot on. 5-1 felt slightly harsh considering our efforts in the 2^nd period in particular, but the quality of the home side’s approach and finishing really was a class above. So although disappointed to have taken a bit of a beating, all those in Green could leave Kenilworth Road with their heads held high. I asked on Friday for them to do me proud, they gave it absolutely everything. All that was left for me to do was wonder just what Aveley was like in late October.

We could have won a home tie with Northampton Town, against whom we enjoyed our record home attendance, also in an FA Cup 1^st Round tie some 49 years ago. On the evidence of Saturday, the Cobblers will enjoy a tough journey down the M1. Luton are a good side and although Northampton will provide a sterner test, I certainly wouldn’t be laying money against another home win and further progression for the Hatters. I certainly wish them the very best of luck.

For the Greens now, it’s back to league football and with a pair of home matches approaching against Horsham (who lost 5-0 at Hastings on Saturday, their 3^rd 5 goal beating in their last 4 matches) and Leatherhead (who gained an impressive 3-3 draw at Sutton on Saturday). With the two sides currently occupying the bottom two spots in the division, Gary Mac certainly couldn’t ask for a better chance to get the season back on track. Yes, there is a long injury list and yes, we’re scratching around for midfielders, but if we have any hopes of pushing on in the league this season, then success is a must. On we go.

Make Me Proud, That's All I Ask

Luton Town v Hendon

Saturday 29^th October 2011

FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round

Kenilworth Road

Around about this time two years ago I fell into a big trap that was fully signposted ‘Idiots jump here’. I don’t consider myself an idiot especially, and I’m certainly not an idiot lemming that would willingly plunge into an abyss of pointless optimism and hope. Yet in the build-up to Hendon v Woking, our first FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round appearance under Gary Mac I became strangely reckless in my thinking. Almost dreaming, you might say. Because I thought an upset was genuinely on the cards (no pun intended). Suffice to say, those hopes were washed away with the autumn rains within a quarter of an hour of kick off as we found ourselves 2-0 down. 2 became 5 and I felt well and truly humbled. At least I had the consolation of a pint being bought for me by Danny Dyer’s dad to assist my sorrows towards an overwhelming conclusion.

In our previous appearance in the 4^th Qualifying Round under Tony Choules at Stevenage I had no such illusions of grandeur. I went expecting a hammering, I came away with expectations fulfilled. (I’m not going to start on the woeful lack of respect and discipline shown by some of those on the pitch during the afternoon, it’s too embarrassing). I’m reasonably confident that we’ll end tomorrow afternoon with 11 men on the pitch, discipline has improved markedly from last season, never mind the Choules era where finishing matches with a full compliment was the exception rather than the rule. I’m less certain about the chances of not being well and truly outclassed though.

In spite of that, I’m looking forward to the game and the occasion, even if it won't be as big a day as our trip to Ruislip a few weeks ago. Both clubs should be applauded for keeping prices reasonable, £12 appears to be about par for Blue Square South Football and as a result, fans of both sides ought to be feeling like they’re receiving good value for money tomorrow afternoon. In addition to that, I’ll be going to a ground I’ve never been to before and part of what for us will constitute a big crowd. Games like this always bring out idle speculation as to who and how many are going to attend. I’ve seen some claim tomorrow will attract 6,000, others just 2,000. I’ve seen some claim that 600 Greens fans will make the trip to Kenilworth Road, the realistic number is more likely to be 250-300 at the most. That may sound like a disappointing figure to many readers and of course, we’d all love there to be double or triple that number in the away end, but I don’t like figure masseuses for whatever reason.

Will Forever be known as The Hendon End after tomorrow. Maybe.

Luton’s are perhaps the most illustrious name to have found themselves dropping into the Non League game (maybe Oxford United’s fans would disagree) and the reasons behind their demotion from the Football League have been well documented in other places so I won’t try and explain the complex run of events that very nearly tore the club in two. That they survived is a testament to their supporters, the next step – and it doubtlessly will be – is to re-establish the club back in the League. The man charged with achieving promotion this time around is Gary Brabin, the man who led Cambridge United to the play off final in 2009, and if the Luton messageboard is to be believed (although I suspect the sentiments expressed occasionally contain extra tongue in cheek) then the jury is very much out on the Liverpudlian’s time in charge so far.

On the pitch, the Hatters can boast a squad almost as large as Hendon’s, albeit with infinitely more Football League experience. Scanning down their squad list, a number of names jump out at you. Fancy having Mark Tyler and Kevin Pilkington as your goalkeeping options for example, that’s well over 700 professional appearances between them to begin with. Add in a sprinkling of Keith Keane, Danny Crow, Tommy Wright, Shane Blackett, Jamie Hand and Janos Kovacs amongst others on top of various other names of relative repute presents a pretty daunting prospect for the Greens.

Nick Owen: A key figure in stabilising Luton Town

But, and yes, this is a big Queen Latifah sized but, bigger shocks have happened, and there will be a few upsets this weekend. Maybe fate will decree that the XI Green and White shirts will have 10/10 days whilst Luton may go the whole hog and field Easyjet employees in their orange kit. In all seriousness, I don’t think Brabin will be doing us any favours in terms of team selection and even if he was to leave players out, he’s got a wealth of experience and talent waiting in the wings. I would be surprised to see many changes in the Hendon line-up. Dewayne Clarke will be cup-tied so the big question is whether Gary Mac keeps faith with 4-4-2 or whether he reverts to 4-5-1 bringing in an extra midfielder.

As I say, I’m not confident of getting a positive result, I’m not even that confident that we won’t get turned over, what I am very confident about though, is that unlike the games against Stevenage and Woking, I will come away from the ground feeling proud of the lads’ efforts. They’ve got nothing to lose, they’ve had a great start to the season and ought to relish the chance to play at a proper ground in front of a good crowd against a good side. Any player that cannot motivate themselves for a day like tomorrow shouldn’t be in the game at any level quite honestly. For inspiration, we only need to look at the efforts of Oxhey Jets four weeks ago and just how difficult they made life for us, how close they came to nicking a replay. The gap in levels between them and us is more than the gap between us and Luton, so why not?

People have been asking me this week what the best I can hope for is. The answer is simple. ‘We win the game and draw one of the Sheffield clubs away from home in the 1^st Round.’ They laugh and reply

 ‘Realistically though, what is the best you’re hoping for’. To which I give them the same answer. I mean, realistically, we could win tomorrow and we could go to Bramall Lane or Hillsborough in the next round. It may seem unlikely, and it does seem unlikely quite honestly, but if could happen. I suppose from a financial point of view, going out after a replay would hit the button. All this is idle speculation of course and pretty pointless except for giving me something to do on an early Friday afternoon.

Is that Hendon? Is that Hendon or Luton? Please don't be Luton.

So with just under 24 hours remaining until what is arguably the club’s biggest match since Blackpool away a dozen years ago, memories of those glorious away days of the late 90s at Ninian Park, Meadow Lane, Twerton Park, Bloomfield Road and particularly Brisbane Road are beginning to resurface. Gary, Freddie and Junior all played pivotal roles in some of those trips (particularly again, the win at Leyton Orient) and will be able to pass on that experience to the players. The feeling after the final whistle at Orient was simply amazing and something I’ve never felt since in my time as a Hendon fan. Were we to pull off the unlikely tomorrow, I think I will be getting pretty close to similar feelings of elation. I daren’t dream of that though. Just make us proud tomorrow afternoon, don’t let us leave and not be able to hold our heads high. Good luck. And altogether now…

In Dublin’s Fair City….

Caught By The Fuzz - Hendon 1-3 Met Police

Hendon 1-3 Metropolitan Police

Tuesday 25^th October 2011

Ryman League Premier Division

Vale Farm

Last night at Vale Farm, the Green shirted Hendonites fought the law and unfortunately, the law won, thus missing the chance to go into the weekend’s FA Cup tie at Luton on top of the division. I’ve been thinking about the game and the performance a lot since getting home last night and I cannot decide whether or not I am slightly heartened, despite the result, or a little bit worried. Perhaps this post will take the form of an essay with a conclusion at the end. Let’s see where we go.

Gary Mac made two changes from the side humbled at Canvey at the weekend with the fit again Ryan Wharton coming in for James Archer and Kevin Maclaren replacing the injured Greg Ngoyi. The Greens lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Dewayne Clarke partnering Elliott Charles up front, Casey Maclaren starting on the left side of midfield and James Parker moving to right back to allow Wharton to slot back in alongside Michael Peacock. Met Police lined up in a nominal 4-5-1 formation with Stafforde Palmer the lone striker, but with Sam Hurrell, Mu Maan and Tony Finn all breaking forward at pace to support him when in possession.

The game began at a pretty frantic pace with both the visitors looking to spread the play and get their two wide men Hurrell and Finn involved as much as possible, whilst Hendon were looking to hit Charles, in particular quite early and play off of him. It was Met Police who shaded the opening exchanges and were unfortunate not to have gone ahead after 10 minutes or so when a low drive from Hurrell who had beaten Parker quite easily for pace down the left was deflected towards goal instinctively by Palmer. Sean Thomas was beaten all ends up but the crossbar wasn’t and the ball bounced to relative safety.

The opening goal, when it arrived came from nowhere. The Greens had offered little in the way of cohesive attacking threat before Charles allowed a low ball into the box to run across his body and dumped on his posterior by a challenge from behind that appeared to get nowhere near the ball. I was in no doubt that it was a penalty, and nor was the man whose opinion really mattered, Gary Evetts who well positioned, blew his whistle and pointed to the spot with dour precision. Charles worked himself into a frenzy picking up the ball leading to shrieks from the Hendon bench of ‘BUZZER, GIVE IT TO BUZZER!!!’ The message eventually got through and Busby duly did the rest, powerfully dispatching the spot kick for his 6^th goal of the season.

This sparked the Greens into life and they enjoyed their best spell of the half. Dewayne Clarke showed a few nice touches and bursts of pace and a couple of dangerous crosses into the box just eluded a Hendon attacker – one particularly superb clearing header by Daniel Gwyther drew applause from both sets of fans. Peacock headed wide from a Cousins corner and then came the swift double sucker punch.

Both goals were preventable. The first came as a result of a needless free kick conceded 25-30 yards from goal. Ty Smith stepped up and powerfully struck the ball over the four man wall of green. Thomas got a strong hand to the ball but could do no more than palm the ball into the top corner of the net. The ball was well struck, but Thomas may feel disappointed that having got such a good touch on the shot that he wasn’t able to keep it out of the net. A couple of minutes later, nine green shirts stood and watched as a low corner was swept inside the far post by an unmarked Duran Reynolds, the Met left-back to give the visitors a 2-1 half time advantage that on balance, they probably deserved. 

His Name Isn't Rio - It's Duran. Promising left-back

Half time came and went in a heartbeat, despite the best efforts of Jamie Butler, the Police custodian who arrived onto the pitch a couple of minutes after everyone else delaying what was an entertaining and at times, frantic second period. Both sides had excellent chances, the Met to seal the game and the Greens to get back on level terms. Sean Thomas made a superb save from Stafford Palmer by staying on his feet and narrowing the angle whilst at the other end Butler made two good blocks from powerful Charles efforts that whilst well struck, were quite close to the goalkeeper. He did make one outstanding save though from a Casey Maclaren header late on at full stretch, Clarke headed badly off target when well placed at the far post, Isaiah Rankin had a header blocked on the line and shot wildly high, wide and far from handsomely off target from inside the penalty area.

At the other end, Tony Finn in particular reveled in the space he was receiving, showing pace, awareness and skill to give both Hendon full-backs problems on the break. Palmer missed another one-on-one chance to seal the tie when he dinked the ball over Thomas but into the side netting after Ryan Wharton had made his only mistake of the evening in selling the goalkeeper short with a back-pass. With Palmer having fluffed his lines, it was left to his understudy Carl Wilson-Denis to apply the coup-de-grace for the away side as Hendon were caught by the fuzz on the break, Finn breaking down the left, squaring for the former Kingstonian who showed the kind of clinical edge that had been lacking from the home side’s strikers all evening by driving the ball into the bottom corner beyond Thomas.

An entertaining game was brought to an end by the referee and it was the away side who were able to celebrate a well earned 3 points. I felt the man with the whistle had done well trying to let the game flow and not needlessly booking players, instead relying on a word to calm things down when they could have got out of hand. The two bookings he did hand out were spot on, Jamie Busby receiving one for cynically stopping a Met counter-attack in the centre circle and Sam Hurrell for catching Parker high up late. I suspect the fact that the Met number 11 led with one foot rather than two saved him from a worse fate. Both sides had penalty claims waved away, and certainly from my vantage point, none looked anywhere near as clearcut as the one that was given.

For Hendon, going into the game at Luton on the back of three straight defeats isn’t what anyone would have wanted. Not only that, but the defensive solidity and organisation that we’ve shown up until last week isn’t there at the moment and we look more vulnerable. Whether that is linked to a more permanent move towards having two centre forwards is a point of debate, certainly I think there could be an argument for reverting to 4-5-1 to give us the extra solidity in midfield against most sides. With so many strikers on the books though, it’s going to be hard to keep them all happy. Additionally, I’m struggling to see the value in a few of the signings Gary Mac has made. They’re all good quality players, but is Dewayne Clarke best deployed as an out and out striker, winger or just off the front men? Does Belal offer anything more / that different to Greg or Elliott. This isn’t meant as a criticism of the manager at all, he will know in his mind what his plans are and how the players fit into any system which is why he’s in the hot-seat and mine is considerably cooler. Of course, added to this it is easier to be picking holes in systems and personnel just after a defeat, or in a little run of disappointing results. The most important thing is that after the Luton game, whatever the result, we get back on track as quickly as we can against Horsham and Leatherhead.

He's Pleased - And so he should be.

And the Met? For all the scorn they attract for the way they may or may not be funded and just how many of their squad are actually policeman (it is a definite misnomer in my humblest of opinions), they looked a decent side who could possibly push for the play-offs with a bit of luck. I was particularly impressed with Duran Reynolds at left-back, I’d go so far as saying he’s the best opposition player I’ve seen so far this season, and if Tony Finn is in the mood, there are few better wingers in the division either. They didn’t look altogether secure defensively, particularly from set-pieces and with better finishing, Hendon could well have come away with a share of the points. Relegation is certainly not an option on last night’s showing.

Player Ratings

1. Sean Thomas: May be unhappy with the first goal, had no chance with the other two and made an excellent stop in the 2^nd half from Stafforde Palmer. 6/10

2. James Parker: Moved to right back and had his hands full all evening with the lively Sam Hurrell and Tony Finn. Did ok, and used the ball well enough, but was caught for pace on a few occasions. 6

3. Scott Cousins: Lost out in the battle of the left-backs, but not by much. Rarely gave the ball away and did well against Finn in the first half. 7

4. Michael Peacock: Pretty commanding in the air again and proved a threat at attacking set-pieces. Did ok. 6

5. Ryan Wharton: Considering he’d been out for quite a long while and was clearly feeling some stiffness in the 2^nd half in his back, he fitted back in very well. One mistake but he atoned for that on more than one occasion with some important challenges at the back. 7

6. Casey Maclaren: Stuck out on the left flank which is clearly not anything like his best position. Gave it everything as always, but hindered by his weak left foot. 6

7. Jamie Busby: Not at his best either, particularly when passing the ball. His radar was somewhat awry. Two powder-puff free kicks from shooting range as well in the 2^nd half, but took the penalty as reliably as ever. 6

8. Carl McCluskey: Looked leggy again on the right flank. Showed a couple of glimpses of his quality but slightly off the pace. 5

9. Dewayne Clarke: My first viewing of Clarke in the green and white and like most of his team-mates, showed flashes of quality. Missed a great chance with a header in the 2^nd half, and needs time to show an understanding with Elliott Charles. 6

10. Kevin Maclaren: Did well breaking up Met Police attacks, but use of the ball was sometimes poor, attempting the spectacular when simple would have sufficed. Substituted before he belted Ty Smith. 6

11. Elliott Charles: Again our biggest threat going forward, if he could work on his first touch and staying onside, he would be a hell of an asset. Worked himself two openings in the 2^nd half only to be denied by good saves. 7

Subs

12. Isaiah Rankin: Had two or three decent chances and showed good touches after coming on for Clarke. Maybe worth a start before long alongside Charles if we remain 4-4-2. 6

14. Belal Aite-ouakrim: Came on for a couple of minutes, didn’t have time to affect the game.

15. Byron Bubb: It wasn’t until I read the team on the website this morning that I remembered he’d come on! 4

Star Man: Ryan Wharton

Match Rating: 7/10

Verdict: On the balance of play I think the right team won, even if the two goal margin was perhaps a shade flattering. There’s plenty to work on for Hendon ahead of Saturday but the number of chances created was certainly encouraging. Next step is to take them again.

Cup Exits, Managerial Exits and Wayne Brown

If there are two competitions that bring me out in a cold sweat, then the League Cup and FA Trophy are them. It isn’t just the continually uninspiring draws we get, it’s the fact that even if we do well enough to get through the first stage of either competition, a disappointing, and in the case of the Trophy often heavy defeat is merely 90 minutes away. The 2011/12 season has proven no different in the last week. I mustn’t be too despondent because in the grand scheme of things, the start to the season has been outstanding. 23 points from 10 matches, a win in our Cup Final down the Picadilly Line at Ruislip, 4^th Qualifying Round and drawn away to Luton Town in the FA Cup, and up until Saturday, a defence that did look genuinely water-tight for the first time in living memory.

Maybe Next Season Scott, Maybe Next Season

I can’t comment too much on either match having not attended (terrible fan, I know, but all will be rectified tonight at home to Met Police) but any slight disappointment in conceding two goals in a pair of minutes at Earlsmead on Tuesday night to exit the League Cup was completely buried by the battering we received at a Rob King inspired Canvey Island on Saturday to extend our bafflingly bad run in the FA Trophy. There’s no disgrace in losing at Canvey, they’re a decent side who are enjoying a decent first couple of months to their season. 4-0 is a beating we haven’t looked like receiving so far this season though and I thought the days of butt whippings like these might have been a thing of the past. Alas not.

Credit to Canvey, all reports I’ve read suggest we were comprehensively outfought, outthought and outplayed with King particularly outstanding for the Gulls. They go on to meet fellow previous Trophy winners-cum-relegation-volunteers Grays Athletic at Rookery Hill on Bonfire Night. There is the potential for a decent crowd to attend that one as well as the £3,000 on offer for the winners. A nice little earner whichever way you look at it.

For Hendon, we have a brief return to league action this evening as we meet Met Police, the side we banished from the FA Cup this time last year in a 4^th Qualifying Round replay. The Met lost 1-0 in their Trophy tie at Folkestone on Saturday afternoon, which added to an early FA Cup exit at Beckenham Town has left them able to concentrate on their league campaign with only the midweek cups remaining to distract them. So far, they’ve started well winning 6 of their 12 matches and sitting comfortably in 9^th place meaning that barring a collapse of Eurozone economic proportions, a swift return to Southern Division 1 looks pretty unlikely, giving them every opportunity to look into allegations of racism in leafy West London.

Left a bit, right a bit, get together! A defensive wall

Their squad possesses plenty of quality, Jamie Butler trialed with Lincoln City in the summer after spending much of last season between the sticks at Tooting & Mitcham, earning rave reviews in the process, Orlando Jeffrey provides plenty of experience at centre back having been a student at the Alan Devonshire school of offside puppetry for a number of years. Further forward, former AFC Wimbledon wide man Tony Finn provides the guile and trickery from wide positions and Stafforde Palmer, currently the leading scorer at Imber Court is a dangerous customer up front. Jack Page and Craig Hughes are both part of the Met’s squad, fans may remember both players as youngsters enjoying brief spells on loan at Claremont Road. Hughes will definitely miss the game having suffered a massive injury earlier on in the season, whilst Page has also been missing recently as part of a long injury list that probably rivals Gary McCann’s.

Everyone will be looking to bounce back from the indifferent week just gone tomorrow night and put down a marker before the trip up the M1 to Kenilworth Road at the weekend. The last thing you want to be doing is facing a side like Luton having lost your last three matches. There will probably be question marks over Greg Ngoyi’s fitness tonight after he limped off at Canvey in the first half, but with Isaiah Rankin and Belal Aite-Ouakrim both no doubt chomping at the bit to stake their claim for a starting berth at the weekend, it’s not as if we’re going to have to resort to lumping Craig Carbo-Vargs up front on his own.

A win for the Greens will return them to the top of the table, at least until the weekend with the rest of the top 8 not in action. It’ll be a good test of exactly how far we’ve come over the last three months or so. Not just in terms of our ability to bounce back after a couple of disappointing results and performances, but as to whether we can truly be considered contenders this season. Realistically, come this time next week we’ll be preparing to take on Horsham and have just the two county Senior Cups to distract us from mounting a real challenge in the league. I certainly feel like I’ve more faith in this squad than I have previously, a lot of that comes down to the strength in depth and the character shown at times to grind out results. At half time tonight we will be at the quarter point of the season, so there’s still an awful long way to go. The general consensus around the blogosphere and forumsphere is that the quality of the division this season isn’t great (when is it ever?) so really, it’s all down to ourselves and what we believe can be achieved.

Elsewhere in the division, Sussex is currently completely manager-less as both Jason Hopkinson and Justin Luchford have paid the price for the indifferent starts made at Hastings United and Horsham. Hastings are apparently already in talks with a permanent replacement for Hopkinson and hope to be able to make an announcement soon whilst Horsham have placed Luchford’s assistant Hugo Langton in temporary charge. Fans of both clubs will be hoping that the changes in the hot-seats have the desired effect and signal an upturn in fortunes.

Wayne Brown - New Face at Bury Town

Wayne Brown is the latest former Premier League, and former Watford man to join the Ryman League ranks after signing for Bury Town. 34 year old Brown made more than 350 league appearances in a career that took in spells at Ipswich Town, Colchester United, Hull City, Leicester City and as recently as February this year Preston North-End. He made his debut last week in Town’s 1-0 League Cup win over Harlow Town. Another one for the nerdy autograph hunters to harass.

All being well, tomorrow I’ll be reporting on another 3 points for the Greens and looking down again from the summit of the division. The alternative might not make for the prettiest of reading. Until then..

It's The League Cup - Which Must Mean Harrow Again.

The mid-season break from league action continues this evening as the much-maligned League Cup begins in earnest. Now, unlike many of my contemporaries I quite like the League Cup, even if it does come 6^th in my, and probably the club’s list of priorities. I’ve never really got my head around the idea of dismissing cup competitions as an unwelcome distraction in the same way I can’t understand why clubs work their nipples off to qualify for Europe and then bleat about the work load the following season. Anyway, that is by the by, I’m talking about the League Cup and as far as I’m concerned, any piece of silverware is worth winning. Every Cup Final I’ve been to (and I’ve been very lucky to have been at plenty of them with Hendon) has been a terrific occasion – with the possible exception of the defeat against Wingate at the end of last season.

Save for a semi final appearance where we were beaten over two legs by Canvey Island under Dave Anderson’s stewardship our track record in the competition is pretty bleak. It’s the one competition where we are routinely knocked out by lower division sides or, as the case may well be this evening and has been for 2 of the last 3 seasons, Harrow Borough. Now, I can fully understand the league’s reasons for regionalising the draw, but continually being drawn against the same side(s) does nothing to draw the fans in. Nor does charging full price entry. Admittedly, doing away with extra time is a sensible move, but it’s not going to suddenly attract swathes of bodies through the gates. Perhaps playing the first couple of rounds before the beginning of the season (yes, I realise this might cause problems in terms of budgeting / contracts) but it might help managers in terms of pre-season preparations and would be more likely to attract fans through the gate than another friendly against Dullard Albion from the Piddle Pants League Central Division.

This season the competition is being sponsored by Boon Electricals, and will be named the Alan Boon Cup. Many readers may recognise the name, and with good reason. Alan Boon was until his untimely death earlier this year, the chairman at Staines Town and had been on the Isthmian League management committee for a number of years as well. He was a Non-League man through and through who had a passion for Staines in particular but Non-League football as a whole. I was lucky enough to spend 10 minutes talking to him at a League Cup tie at Claremont Road about five or six years ago and not only was he extremely knowledgable, but a real gentleman as well. You don’t get enough of them at any level of football these days, and as a result, when one passes on the game, particularly at a local level like ours, feels the loss even more keenly. His help in staging a home Hendon match against Canvey Island during our nomadic period 3 years ago will not be forgotten.

Much Missed: Gentleman & Football Man

As I said, for the 3^rd time in 4 seasons the draw has paired us with Harrow Borough, whom under Dave Anderson’s stewardship have steadied the ship somewhat since we played them at Vale Farm on Bank Holiday Monday in August. Team selection has settled down somewhat and ignoring a 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Dartford, they’re unbeaten in their last six league matches. Anderson has made some impressive signings, none more so than midfielder Rob Wolleaston who has plenty of experience with Oxford United, Cambridge United and Weymouth, and the return of Evandro Delgado has added extra spark to the side going forward.

I would imagine, with important FA Trophy ties coming at the weekend that both managers will use the opportunity to have a look at a few different faces in their XIs tonight. Certainly Gary Mac has a number of players who played in last week’s friendly at Tring Athletic who are knocking on the door and need game time, so I expect we might see a change in goalkeeper and starts for Craig CarboVargs, Belal Aite-ouakrim, Isaiah Rankin, Michael Lewis and Brad Fraser amongst others. That we have players of this quality scratching around for game time shows just what a good job Macca has done in getting together a squad with so much depth to it.

Prospects then. It’s a tough one to call. Were this a league match, in spite of Harrow’s improved form, I would still fancy us to triumph. It depends very much on the two XIs that do take the field, but I wouldn’t be enormously surprised if the tie was settled by penalty kicks, which I hasten to add, would not be a lottery, but a simple test of which players can and can’t beat a goalkeeper from 12 yards out. If it comes to that, always fear the worst.

It's An Anderson Guentchev Dowie Derby

I was halfway through writing a review of my Saturday afternoon spent in front of twitter watching updates coming through from Maldon when my phone flashed. ‘Sh*t, it’s in’ I thought and nervously switched tabs on Firefox to the FA website. Hesitating before pressing F5, I silently said a prayer. ‘Southend Manor or Redbridge, Southend Manor or Redbridge’. The FA site confirmed my suspicions, the draw for the final qualifying round of the FA Cup had been made. Deep sigh, and I opened the link. It took a moment to load, prolonging the agony. There we are. Scroll down. Further down. ‘Ooh, Sutton v Leatherhead, that’s a toughy for the Tanners. Game 29. Luton Town, hoho, don’t fancy the poor sods who got the….. bugger.’

I didn’t really think ‘bugger’. I didn’t really think anything. I just swore repeatedly for a few minutes audibly. The 1^st round suddenly looked an awful lot more distant than it did just moments previously. If the Chelmsford match last season had all the difficulty of an away draw at a league side but with a fraction of the glamour, then this tie has all the glamour of an away draw at a league side but with a fraction of the potential prize money available. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

Firstly, a quick note on how we found ourselves getting prepared for a trip up the M1 to Luton, which was of course by way of our 3-1 win in Essex on Saturday. Other commitments sadly kept me away but my phone kept buzzing at regular intervals. After going a goal behind to set the nerves jangling just after @HendonFC said that we had just shaded a quiet opening half hour, the longer time went on without a text coming in starting GOAL, the more I worried. Sometimes, I’m not sure whether it’s a blessing not being at games. Apples and pears I suppose.

Fortunately, two texts starting GOAL in quick succession settled me down just after the hour mark as first Carl McCluskey and then Greg Ngoyi netted to turn things around quickly. James Lawson was then dismissed for an off the ball incident before Elliott Godfrey provided the coup-de-grace latching onto a long Sean Thomas punt and poking the ball over the advancing Darren Behcet to seal a win that looked pretty unlikely just half an hour previously and which by all accounts, was a tad harsh on our hosts.

And so immediate attention turns to the League Cup and FA Trophy before the game at Kenilworth Road on the 29^th October. Perhaps slightly strangely, considering the distance in footballing terms between the two sides, there are a few famous links between the two clubs that ought to get the two sets of fans reminiscing together. Peter Anderson made 125 appearances for the Greens between 1968 and 1971 scoring 58 goals before moving north to Luton where he made more than 180 league appearances before moving to Belgium and later on the United States before ending his career as player-manager at Millwall. 

Peter Anderson, in his NASL days

Iain Dowie signed for Hendon in November 1986 and made his debut in a 4-1 at Hitchin Town, setting himself a high standard by scoring twice. Over the next couple of years the beanpole striker kept scoring. 23 in his first season, 28 the following season and then 27 by the time he left the club in late 1988, Luton acquiring his services for what remains a club record fee received of £30,000. The rest is pretty much history, as he enjoyed a couple of seasons at Kenilworth Road before moving on to Southampton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and then Queens Park Rangers, all the while scoring 12 goals in 59 appearances for Northern Ireland, a tally that leaves him joint 4th on their all-time goalscorer list. 

With thanks to Sporting Heroes.net - Iain Dowie in Luton kit

The third man to have had a significant influence at both clubs is one Bontcho Guentchev. I’d love to know his thoughts on the draw, but knowing that he was very much a cult figure at both Hendon and Luton, any appearance by the great man at Kenilworth Road will be lapped up by all four sides of the ground. He made more than 65 league appearances at Luton between 1995 and 1997 before heading home for a brief goal-filled spell at CSKA Sofia and then turning up at pre-season training on Clitterhouse Park in July 1999 dressed in a Bulgarian World Cup 94 track suit. Again, the rest is history. The great man went on to star in our run to the 2^nd round at Blackpool in 1999 before returning later on to join the coaching staff and introducing his sons to the glorious surroundings of Claremont Road and latterly, Vale Farm. 

When he were a Tractorboy - Bontcho

As far as ex-pros go at Non League level, Bontcho was an absolute class above. Although he spent much of his time on the bench, he never bitched and moaned, he always gave the impression that as well as helping less talented players out, that he absolutely loved every single minute that he was on the pitch. Even when he made the odd cameo in his 40s a few years ago. Both sets of fans of varying vintages are bound to have plenty of memories of all three men.

Early signs are that Hendon are treating the game as they have any recent big game at League clubs, and quite rightly too. The two clubs will agree prices, hopefully they’ll come in a little cheaper than the £18 currently charged to get in the away end in a bid to encourage plenty to attend – particularly amongst the home fans where I imagine the lure of Hendon hasn’t really set pulses racing any higher than comatose. And who can blame them? The benefits of the game though, and any potential large crowd for Hendon are pretty significant though. Baring in mind that realistically, we won’t be getting the £12,500 prize money for winning in the 4^th Qualifying Round, the more people through the gate means more money in the coffers in a few months time.

What we mustn’t do, and what I’m sure Gary, Freddie and Junior won’t be doing is allowing the players to take their eye off the ball and simply focus on the potential financial rewards. As well as that we need to be seen to do ourselves justice on the pitch. We didn’t do it at Stevenage (in fact, that episode was wholly embarrassing) and we didn’t do it against Woking. There is a different ethos around the club now though, more professional, more structured and dare I say it, more focused. The squad has players who have a bit of experience behind them – Scott Cousins was part of the St. Albans set up when they were in the Conference, Isaiah Rankin has years of professional football under his belt, Sean Thomas has spent a lot of his early career around the professional game and England youth teams, Elliott Charles has played for Barnet’s first team, Elliott Godfrey has plenty of experience of playing in front of big crowds from his time at AFC Wimbledon. As much as anything else though, it’s a real chance for some of the talented younger players to make a name for themselves and show that they have what it takes to play at a higher level. This stage could be made for someone like Carl McCluskey, for example, who for the most part hasn’t simply looked like he belongs at this level this season, but that he looks better than a Ryman Prem player at times.

The more I think about it, the more excited I’m becoming. Roll on October 29^th!

Why Premier League Football is Dead To Me.

Strangers often ask me who which football team I support. Not strangers in the street (although that does happen from time to time when I’m bedecked in a Hendon shirt), but people I get talking to through work, friends of friends and the like. When I reply that I’m a Hendon fan, I can guarantee they will look momentarily puzzled, chuckle and then ask ‘but who’s your Premier League side?’ to which I reply ‘I couldn’t give a Nun’s fart about the Premier League, Champions League or England.’ At this point, they usually make their excuses and head for the bar whilst muttering under their breath. On occasion though, they might pull up a pew (or chair if we’re not in a chapel) and find out why.

I used to enjoy watching the top flight, back in the days when football didn’t exist pre-1992 and ITV used to show The Big Match. There was something enormously heart-warming about the sight of Elton Welsby, the warm tones of Brian Moore and the promise of another thumping left footer from Ian Woan at the City Ground. Even in the early days of football’s existence, I would watch Match of the Day and Sportsnight for the highlights. Dalian Atkinson, Mark Robins, Andy Ritchie, who would have ever thought such names would belong to such a halcyon age?

Andy Ritchie and Des Walker. Back when football was football, and shorts were short.

As time went on, money flooded into the Premier League and I became more and more engrossed with goings on in and around Claremont Road, my affair with top flight football began to whither. I’ll confess to feeling pretty good when Manchester United completed their treble with their last-gasp HendonvTonbridge-esque mugging of Bayern Munich in the Camp Nou a dozen and a half years ago, but even in that time, the top echelons have changed beyond recognition.

As soon as the Premier League was born, it was obvious that the game at the highest level in England was going to hell in a dustcart sooner or later. Whilst Euro 96 no doubt helped the popularity of the game at home, it was the money, marketing and coverage afforded by Sky Sports that really shifted the game into a new stratosphere. No longer were matches played on bare mud patches, no longer did players come out after half time still drenched and caked in mud, no longer were clubs described as clubs or teams, instead football became ever more mired in its own importance. Talk of ‘brands’ emerged. How to market the ‘brand’ that Manchester United became abroad, in the US and Far East for example. Then Richard Scuadamore removed his head from his rear end for long enough to talk of exporting the ‘Premier League’ brand as if it were tea. The 39^th game, giving absolutely no thought at all to the poor inhabitants of Daegu or Shanghai who would be forced to sit through Alex McLeish’s Birmingham against Big Sam’s Blackburn, was bandied about as if it was the answer to all the world’s ills. Move over Big Society, the 39^th game is here. Need to re-generate the world economy? What better way than the 39^th game.

Then we have Phil Gartside’s self serving and ludicrous idea for a two-tier closed shop Premier League on the clear, (but never admitted) basis that relegation would completely kill off Bolton Wanderers and that he didn’t quite have the means to guarantee that a drop in level would never happen. Mr. Scudamore continues to claim that the Premier League and their constituent clubs is in rude health despite continuing evidence to the contrary at the majority of clubs. Is the Chelsea or Man City way of basing everything on the money, loans and goodwill of one wealthy man really a healthy business model motored towards swiftly become sustainable? Are leveraged buy-outs that saddle clubs with enormous turnovers with debts that would make even the most speculative of bankers eyes bleed and come out in a hot flush of embarrassment the way to be going? Was the case of Portsmouth, not only spending money they didn’t have but money that in fact didn’t actually exist not enough of a warning sign? Apparently not.

You see the latest nugget of genius to come from a Premier League boardroom clearly comes in the wake of the European Court of Justice’s landmark ruling in favour of Portsmouth landlady Karen Murphy last week. Ian Ayre, currently Managing Director of Liverpool has today been reported as threatening to break away from the current TV rights deal where every club gets an equal share of foreign rights in favour of being able to negotiate their own rights a la Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain. Even the most fleeting of glances at the La Liga table tells you what a reprehensibly and ill conceived notion that is. Thankfully, I haven’t yet seen one comment in favour of such a move anywhere, supporters groups have been reassuringly against such a move and  as any proposal would require agreement from 14 Premier League brands then unless chairmen and owners genuinely are stupider than they appear then it’ll never happen, even Phil Gartside might think twice before saying ‘Aye’. What Ayre’s comments may do however is move the richer clubs closer to a European Super (not my words) League.

And to be honest, that would be a move I could get right behind. Let the clubs who would rather put money over competition disappear into an ‘elite’ tournament amongst themselves that with any luck, will be live and very exclusive on pay TV, covered widely in the printed press and as such, completely and utterly off my radar screen and leave those of us who favour at the very least, maintaining the status quo to try and fall back in love with the game we did all those years ago for the reasons we did. Friends and colleagues scoff when I look at them blankly as they talk about PSV v Arsenal in the Champions League and explain that instead, I was at a league cup tie at Barton Rovers. They just don’t get it. Few people do.

UGH!

By and large, at Non League level football is still primarily a sport. Yes, money helps but the antipathy towards clubs (yes, they’re still clubs at this level despite a certain Surrey based best efforts) that gain promotions and such like on the back of one man’s money without putting in place contingency plans is in a way, quite refreshing. However, occasionally things creep in that I don’t like. Yellow footballs in winter (don't get me started on the red ones), clubs toying with squad numbers, pre-match handshake piffery. I could just about let Lewes’ electronic substitutes board though, that was quite nice. In short, 98% of what you witness on a Saturday afternoon or Tuesday night is football in maybe not quite its purist form, but not far away. By and large the players are there because they want to be there in front of 35 people on a freezing cold January night going into extra time. Because they enjoy it and for that very reason, I enjoy watching them, supporting them and willing them on and in turn, when you speak to them after the game in the bar they appreciate you making the effort to come out and watch them. That’s not to say you don’t get the occasional prima donna (take a bow Jermaine Hunter), but for the vast majority it’s not about an extra digit on their weekly salary. It’s not about the new contract, the new boot deal. It’s about the love of the game. And that’s the game that I love.

The Season So Far - Quarterly Review

This Friday, in a slight departure from Fridays previous, I have decided that rather than previewing tomorrow afternoon’s hot battle on a Hastings hillside (mostly because I can’t get down to the south coast), I would take a quick look at the first quarter or so of the season. Yes, I know it’s hard to credit, but most sides have completed around about 25% of their league programme already. It only seems like a couple of months ago that I began my long and drawn out preview. How is everyone faring then? More importantly, how are my predictions looking? Well…

1. Lowestoft Town, P 10 Pts 22

A pair of surprise defeats against Middlesex’s not quite finest Harrow Borough and Wingate & Finchley excepted, it’s been a very impressive start from the Suffolk lot. Benefitting greatly from Lubo Guentchev’s schooling at the Gary Mac academy of skillz (the former Hendon man has 8 goals in 8 starts so far this term) and dangerous strike partnership of Matt Nolan and Michael Frew the Trawlerboys have racked up 26 league goals already this season. It’ll take a brave punter to bet against them remaining top of the pile come April’s end.

Top Scorer: Lubo Guentchev -8 goals (in all comps)

Next Fixture: A v Wealdstone

Surprise Rating: Negative

2. Cray Wanderers, P 10 Pts 22

Few would have predicted Cray’s response to their opening day 5-2 thumping at home to AFC Hornchurch, but with 9 wins from 11 games since, and four different players already notching hat-tricks this season (Leigh Bremner, Tommy Whitnell, Jack Clark and Louis Perkins). Progress to 2^nd spot in the league has been matched by two wins and eight unanswered goals in the FA Cup to continue what has been a lightning start by the Hayes Lane tenants. Whether or not they’ll be able to stay the course is up for debate, but signs are bright and confidence will be sky high going towards Christmas.

Top Scorer: Tommy Whitnell – 8

Next Fixture: A v Kingstonian

Surprise Rating: Midly Astonished

3. Billericay Town, P 10 Pts 21

Another side who have enjoyed an excellent, and goal laden start to the campaign, Craig Edwards’ side have really impressed with seven wins from their last eight matches in all competitions during which time they’ve scored 22 goals and conceded just twice. Their pair of signings from Thurrock have been amongst the goals, Rob Swaine and David Knight both have 6 to their name, and Jay May has 4. The signing of Adam Thompson looks to have been a key component to ‘Ricay’s recent success and they look well set for a play off charge.

Top Scorer: Rob Swaine, David Knight – 6

Next Fixture: A v Met. Police

Surprise Rating: Contentedly

4. Hendon, P 9 Pts 20

No one, and I mean no one foresaw this start by the Greens, least of all myself. It hasn’t always been pretty, but it’s been mightily effective. Just seven goals conceded in all competitions so far, progression to the 3^rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup and a pair of strikers bang in form. Greg Ngoyi is really looking the part up front with his selfless performances up front and new boys James Archer and Carl McCluskey have been especially impressive additions to the squad from lower levels. The influence of Junior Lewis as coach is clear, and there is a growing belief around Vale Farm that the kind of mid-season collapse we saw last season may be a thing of the past. I for one am hoping it is.

Top Scorer: Greg Ngoyi – 6

Next Fixture: A v Hastings United

Surprise Rating: Very very very pleasantly

5. Lewes, P 10, Pts 20

Lewes have been the opposition I’ve been most impressed with this season so far, and that I think we gained our best result of the season thus far against. Strong, well organised and classy, the only thing that will stop the Sussex side cruising into the play offs will be injury and suspension problems. With a 100% record remaining at home and with an early FA Cup exit possibly proving to be a blessing in disguise, I imagine Steve King and most Lewes faithful would have taken a tally of 20 points from their first 10 matches, particularly after the struggles they’ve faced over the last 3 seasons.

Top Scorer: Michael Malcolm – 5

Next Fixture: A v Canvey Island

Surprise Rating: Not particularly

6. AFC Hornchurch, P 11, Pts 19

Lurking ominously just outside the play-offs and having shaken off the three straight defeats that blighted the beginning of their season, things are looking good for the Urchins. Martin Tuohy remains one of the most feared strikers in the division, despite having gone 5 goalless games, and with the return of Rickie Hayles from East Thurrock strengthening an already strong looking back line, I fully expect the Urchins to remain hovering in and around the play offs for the remainder of the season.

Top Scorer: Martin Tuohy – 7

Next Fixture: A v East Thurrock United

Surprise Rating: Nil

7. Bury Town, P 10 Pts 19

It’s been a bit of an up and down start to the season for Bury with impressive showings at Canvey Island, and AFC Hornchurch mixing with disappointing defeats at home to Met Police and Redbridge in the FA Cup. The squad, although full of quality may be a little threadbare and need a little reinforcing when the pitches worsen and injuries may bite. Marcus Garnham has been particularly impressive with the gloves, and the goals have been well shared around. They may well need one of the Reed brothers or Daniel Cunningham to step up and score regularly to ensure they remain in the play off hunt.

Top Scorer: Daniel Cunnigham, Sam Reed – 3

Next Fixture: H v Leatherhead

Surprise Rating: A tad

Best In Show? Marcus Garnham, Bury's In-form stopper

8. Canvey Island, P 10, Pts 19

Canvey bounced back in fine style from their opening day defeat at home to Carshalton with five wins on the bounce that pushed them well up the table alongside the early pacesetters. However, that form has fizzled out slightly and they are now without a win in their last 3 matches, including a surprise 3-0 defeat at home to Aveley. Rob King continues to provide goals from midfield, and the return to fitness of Jason Hallett ought to boost their goal output a little as well as they look to return to winning ways as soon as they can.

Top Scorer: Rob King, Danny Heale – 5

Next Fixture: H v Lewes

Surprise Rating: Couldn’t be less

9. Metropolitan Police, P 10, Pts 18

An American fan’s dream, the Fuzz appear not to believe in drawing matches. They’ve done well in their first season of Premier Division football beating most of the sides who are struggling early on (with the notable exception of Bury Town) and with Stafforde Palmer providing plenty of goals along side Carl Wilson-Denis who has spent much of the season on the bench. Whether they’ll be able to push for the play-offs or be happy to consolidate towards the top half of the table remains very much to be seen, but Jim Cooper will doubtless be extremely happy with their start.

Top Scorer: Stafforde Palmer – 6

Next Fixture: H v Billericay Town

Surprise Rating: Pretty

10. Wingate & Finchley, P 10, Pts 16

Wingate had a blinding start to the season with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches as they took the momentum from last season’s successful conclusion through to the beginning of this season. Since losing to Canvey Island four weeks ago however, they’ve picked up just one win and lost their other five fixtures, letting in fifteen goals in the process. Dave Norman has made two or three new signings to freshen things up, and whilst Leon Smith remains at the club, they’ll pack a goal threat. They need a win sooner rather than later though to arrest this slump and get themselves back on track.

Top Scorer: Leon Smith – 9

Next Fixture: H v Harrow Borough

Surprise Rating: Incredibly then not so

11. Wealdstone, P 11, Pts 13

Not quite the start the Stones faithful had anticipated, particularly after three consecutive wins against Bury Town, Leatherhead and Kingstonian looked to have kick-started their season. However, a surprise defeat against Beaconsfield SYCOB in the FA Cup began a run of form that has seen them score just twice in their last six matches, five of which have been lost. Frustration seems to be building off the pitch, but there is more than enough quality in the side to turn their season around and get them heading back towards the play offs.

Top Scorer: Richard Jolly – 6

Next Fixture: H v Lowestoft Town

Surprise Rating: Not that much of one

12. Tooting & Mitcham United, P 10, Pts 12

I said earlier in the season that Tooting were as likely to win 4-0 as lose 4-0 in any given fixture. To borrow from Churchill, they’re a mystery wrapped in an enigma etc. Mark Beard has been unable or unwilling to select a settled side, which has shown in their erratic results so far this season but things seem to be slowly settling down. 12^th is a fair start considering the chopping and changing on the pitch, and although the 25 goals currently showing in the ‘Against’ column will concern fans, there is a good opportunity for the club to improve on their 14^th placed finish last season.

Top Scorer: Kiernan Hughes-Mason – 3

Next Fixture: H v Aveley

Surprise Rating: Very and yet not really simultaneously

13. Margate, P 9, Pts 11

I’ll be honest, Margate’s start has surprised me. Good away, anything but at home. Chris Kinnear has a settled squad down at Hartsdown Park that looks on paper better than 13^th place. Home form will be a worry, as will the lack of goals from sources that aren’t Tom Bradbrook and Kwesi Appiah, whose 5 goals in midweek at Thamesmead took him into double figures for the season. Ian Pulman has just signed for a month from Eastbourne Borough and I’m expecting their climb up the table to be a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.

Top Scorer: Kwesi Appiah – 11

Next Fixture: H v Carshalton Athletic

Surprise Rating: Quite

Kwesi couldn't be Appiah when scoring goals.

14. Harrow Borough, P 10, Pts 10

New manager, usual old Boro. Only they could follow a 4-0 home defeat against Cray with a 2-1 win at Lowestoft 3 days later. Dave Anderson is slowly improving the squad and getting them settled down which will no doubt keep them well away from relegation trouble. Jon-Jo Bates is just beginning to find his feet and score some important goals whilst Rob Wolleaston, formerly with Oxford United and Weymouth looks a great addition on paper. All signs point towards ‘fine’.

Top Scorer: Jon-Jo Bates – 5

Next Fixture: A v Wingate & Finchley

Surprise Rating: Not. At. All.

15. Kingstonian, P 9, Pts 10

The play offs beckon. If they played Hendon just before Christmas then I’d be backing them to go down, now they’ve got us out of the way and beaten, I think they’ll end up going from strength to strength. There’s no doubt that their start to the season has been disappointing, but again Alan Dowson looks to have found a winning formula, albeit maybe slightly later than he might have liked, but wins over us and Lewes show signs of turning the corner. Ali Chaaban looks a superb signing on paper and Bobby Traynor is still a dangerous customer in front of goal. Perhaps of most encouragement to K’s fans will be the two consecutive clean sheets in those games.

Top Scorer: Bobby Traynor – 5

Next Fixture: H v Cray Wanderers

Surprise Rating: Massively pre-Hendon, Bemused during Hendon, Not really post Hendon

16. Hastings United, P 10, Pts 10

Saturday’s opponents have endured (rather than enjoyed) a tough start to the new season, Jason Hopkinson’s first full season in charge of the Us. Wins over East Thurrock and Kingstonian have been offset by defeats against Wingate, Bury, Carshalton, Cray and Billericay, whilst games against other sides in and around them have been drawn. Their big problem appears to be in front of goal where none of the strikers look like being the 15-20 goal a season man clubs at any level need. Now I’ve said that, one of them will doubtless smash a treble past our back four tomorrow. Unless Hopkinson can sort that issue, it looks like a long winter ahead for the Hastings faithful.

Top Scorer: Matt Hall, Fred Foreman – 2

Next Fixture: H v Hendon

Surprise Rating: Sadly not really

17. Carshalton Athletic, P 9, Pts 10

This wasn’t in the script. Not on the pitch anyway. With strife on the terraces and off the pitch, the talented bunch of players Paul Dipre had got together in the summer were supposed to gel and fire the Robins to championship glory. It hasn’t happened. Players have got injured, there’s no space to find the money to bring in replacements, others have underperformed and they’re being led by a man who appears to have as much tactical nous as an Italian General. The impression remains that he can bring in as many players as he likes, but until a genuine manager able to mould a side is appointed, relegation looks ever more realistic a proposition than the play offs ever really did.

Top Scorer: Dean McDonald, Paul Vines – 3

Next Fixture: A v Margate

Surprise Rating: Genuinely astonished despite my better judgement.

18. East Thurrock United, P 9, Pts 8

It’s been a tough start, but the Rocks have stayed in touch with the middle of the table despite a lack of fire power. They will be hoping that the return of Sam Higgins from injury will now give them the launch pad to push up the table whilst Petric Elbi will be looking to transfer the form that has given him 4 goals in 3 FA Cup matches into the league. Sam Collins looks a good signing as well and Kris Newby is beginning to settle back into familiar surroundings. I still think they’ll be ok.

Top Scorer: Petric Elbi – 4

Next Fixture: H v AFC Hornchurch

Surprise Rating: -9

19. Aveley, P 10, Pts 7

Carl Griffiths has found the going touch in his first full season at Field Mill as Aveley have struggled to replicate the impact they had on the division a couple of years ago. Micah Hyde has done well in midfield and the recent addition of Paul Shave looks good, whilst Sherwin Stanley shoulders much of the goal burden on his shoulders if they are to haul themselves out of trouble. The first win at Canvey Island hasn’t been built on with a disappointing midweek home defeat against Met Police. It looks like a long season ahead unfortunately.

Top Scorer: Sherwin Stanley – 4

Next Fixture: A v Tooting & Mitcham

Surprise Rating: Not even vaguely I’m afraid

20. Horsham, P 9 Pts 6

Six straight defeats tells its own story down at Gorings Mead and that is in spite of boasting only the second man in double figures for goals so far this season, the hitherto unheralded Tony Nwachukwu. Without his goals it is difficult to know exactly just what kind of mire the Hornets would find themselves in as Justin Luchford continues to search for the winning combination. He will need to keep Nwachukwu fit and firing, never mind at the club if they are going to haul themselves up the table. At the moment, and with little room to play financially, things don’t look good for the Sussex side. This weekend’s match against Concord Rangers looks enormous.

Top Scorer: Tony Nwachukwu – 10

Next Fixture: H v Concord Rangers

Surprise Rating: As expected sadly.

21. Concord Rangers, P 9, Pts 4

Somehow, the Essex side are still winless. After witnessing them first hand in the season opener at Vale Farm I was impressed by them and thought they would prove dangerous opponents and very hard to beat. Another play off tilt didn’t look beyond them. The opposite has proven the case and even the return from injury of Tony Stokes hasn’t yet ignited their season. On the plus side, Kyle Asante looks a good signing up front. Anything less than a win tomorrow at Horsham could have dire consequences for the Beachboys both in the long and short-terms, particularly coming off the back of an FA Cup replay defeat against Wroxham.

Top Scorer: Kyle Asante – 3

Next Fixture: A v Horsham

Surprise Rating: Enormously

22. Leatherhead, P 9, Pts 2

The first manager this season to fall was Mick Sullivan as Leatherhead have found adjusting to life at a higher level tougher than many expected. Players have already been and gone through the door with slightly alarming regularity whilst former Sittingbourne bosses Richard Brady and Jamie Coyle have so far shown faith in those already at the club. Hopefully they’ll be able to get themselves going before too long and put up a fight against relegation, but it’ll need to begin pretty quickly.

Top Scorer: Greg Andrews, Danny Gainsford – 3

Next Fixture: A v Bury Town

Surprise Rating: In spite of my predictions, mild shock has still struck.

There we go then, there’s still a long way to go and a lot of time for things to change as doubtless they will. There’s some big games coming up this weekend at both ends of the table, some managers who could really do with a win if they’re not going to find themselves coming under extreme pressure whilst others can continue to bask in the relative glory of an unheralded beginning. Whatever happens over the next six and a half months, everyone needs to be watchful. Football has that annoying habit of biting you on the arse when you least need it to.

For the next 24 hours at least, I, personally, can remain contented.