Supersonic Storming Sunday Swannell Derby Preview

Hendon v Leatherhead

Ryman League Premier Division

Sunday 6^th November 2011

Vale Farm

September 9^th 1978. I would presume that only a handful of people at the game this coming Sunday would have been present the last time Hendon hosted Leatherhead in an Isthmian League Premier Division match in what has never become known as the John Swannell derby. Mick Garrini was the Hendon goalscorer in a 1-1 draw during the Tanners’ last season at this level before their play-off win against Dulwich back in May saw them return to the top flight of the Ryman League.

John Swannell: The legend who hasn't lent his name to Hendon v Leatherhead matches.

The two sides have met since Leatherhead’s relegation, most notably in the League Cup during the fast, furious and mostly fecking awful reign of Gary Farrell (one of the nicest, most genuine blokes I’ve ever talked to about football, simply not a manager). Rumours that Danny Butler was awarded the champagne post match in the away team’s dressing room for his performance in extra time have never been confirmed, but his defending for the 3 Leatherhead goals that sealed their 6-3 win had to be seen to be believed. I’ve seen plenty of bad centre backs over the years playing for the Greens, I’ve seen even more with little in the way of pace. I have never ever seen a 15 minutes from anyone, not even Mavuto Sakala, Christian Hyslop or Simon Underwood, that was as abhorrent as Butler’s that night. It wasn’t just that he was caught ball watching on 3 occasions, it was that he quite clearly couldn’t give a fiddling fart. I don’t mind players being crap so long as they at least give the impression of putting a bit of effort in. Butler, who had come with a decent reputation as being a good centre half in his time at Northwood and Wealdstone, never really convinced me in his time at Hendon, but that quarter of an hour was absolutely staggering.

The Tanners found life difficult in the Premier Division as Mick Sullivan largely kept faith with the players that had done so well in getting them promoted last season. Although only really taken apart by Cray Wanderers, the Tanners picked up just 2 points from their first 10 matches of the season, six of their defeats coming by just the odd goal. Although clearly frustrating, there were suggestions that actually, they weren’t too far off being where they needed to be. Sullivan departed at the end of September and was replaced by Jamie Coyle and Richard Brady, previously the management team at Division 1 South side Sittingbourne.

Since the change in management, the side have enjoyed an excellent run in the FA Cup that included a superb 3-0 win at Billericay Town and ended only in extra time against Sutton United in a midweek replay after 3-3 and 2-2 draws after 90 minutes. The Tanners have also progressed in the League Cup against Wealdstone, on penalties after a 2-2 draw and although they were knocked out of the FA Trophy a fortnight ago by Cirencester Town, they have picked up their first league win of the season beating East Thurrock United 2-1 three weeks ago. With mostly the same players, Coyle and Brady appear to have managed to solve their biggest problem which was scoring goals. Greg Andrews has 8 to his name in all competitions and Tommy Hutchings has netted in each of his last three matches. On the flip side however, they have conceded quite a few goals in recent weeks, 11 in their last 4 matches which suggests that the Greens will get opportunities this weekend.

Goalden Greg: The Tanners' leading scorer

The question then will be whether or not we are able to take them. Since Greg Ngoyi’s injury at Canvey Island two weeks ago, we have struggled up front. Against both Met Police and Horsham we created enough opportunities to have taken at least four points from the games, yet came away with one. The conviction and ruthlessness we’d shown in front of goal at the beginning of the season had gone, and to be honest, it’s cost us dear. We’re still 5^th in the table, we still have games in hand on teams around us, but that means Bo Diddley if we don’t pick up the points in them.

Which is why Wednesday evening was such a disappointment. We ought to have had the game won by half time and we ought to have come away with three points. I’ll be honest, I expected us to win the match (that is a rarity in itself) and in spite of our injury list, the starting XI wasn’t exactly filled with players lacking in Ryman Premier Division experience. There was plenty more in our XI than there was in Horsham’s, who I might add, deserve enormous credit for their gritty display and were full value for their point. It’s going to be a long road for them, but I really hope they survive this season. The fact remains however, that clubs with real pretentions of achieving a place in the play offs need to be winning games, particularly at home, against sides in and around the relegation zone.

There is a danger that this season could unravel as last season did. We’re in the middle of 3 home matches, the last of which is a real toughy against Canvey Island next weekend and a return of 7 points from these matches wouldn’t be bad at all. Even 6 would probably be acceptable. Anything less, and I think expectations and hopes might have to be re-evaluated.

The one major positive from Wednesday evening was the return to action of James Fisher for his 2^nd substitute appearance of the season, the hope is that he has now put his injury problems behind him so that he can really kick on with his Hendon career. Lee O’Leary is also back in full training and when fully fit, will add a lot to the centre of midfield, particularly in the absence of Jamie Busby. There are a couple of players who, if they start, have something to prove in my opinion. I’m not going to name them, but suffice to say that both have proven themselves in the past to offer a lot more than they’re currently delivering and that if there comes a time for the squad to be pruned as players return to fitness, they would both, at the moment, be very near the top of the list.

So, our second Sunday kick off of the season against a side beginning with ‘Le’ has come about because of Margate’s participation in the FA Trophy against Wealdstone on Saturday, and allowing us to re-schedule our previously postponed league match. I’m not confident that we will come away with three points. League record suggest a home banker, but current form certainly doesn’t. Since beating Maldon & Tiptree we have at best flattered to deceive, and more generally been poor. Leatherhead meanwhile, have certainly improved markedly since the first six weeks of the season. The porous nature of both back fours suggests that there will be plenty of goalmouth action at both ends, and both sides will be looking for the points to kick start themselves again after the cup interlude. Hendon to show that the first 10 matches weren’t merely a flash in the pan, and Leatherhead to show that they have what it takes to stay in the division. So, what better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than watching two green shirted sides contesting the inaugural imaginary John Swannell Shield. See you there.