Weekend Preview - Week 1

Hendon v Concord Rangers – Ryman League Premier Division

Vale Farm

Admission: £9 Adults, £5 Concessions, £1 Under 16s

Weather Forecast: Dry, some cloud – 23 degrees

I love the first day of the season above any other. You’re still living the optimists dream, nothing has happened to puncture your lofty expectations, reality is a whole 90 minutes away. The sun is generally out, the pitch looks in great nick and the kits look more colourful than then seemed to last season.

For the second season running, Hendon’s first match at Vale Farm is against Concord Rangers. To say that both sides will be going out to get an early confidence boosting win under their belts is much akin to saying that Stephen Fry uses more long words than I tend to do. It’s stating the bloody obvious.

As I said in my season preview earlier in the week, Concord had a great debut season first time out in the Ryman Premier and gave better sides than Hendon a torrid time. Belal Aite-ouakrim was the scorer of all six Hendon goals against the Beachboys and it would probably be fair to assume that Dale Brightly in particular will be shedding few tears at the striker’s departure to Staines Town. The bulk of the Concord squad that did so well last season is still at the club and the joint managers Danny Cowley and Danny Scopes have made a very good addition in Sam Collins, who will be familiar to Greens fans. Top scorer from last season Tony Stokes is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday, but even if he misses out then Harry Elmes, Steve King and James Elmes provide plenty of goal threat.

Sam Collins in action for Maidenhead

In terms of Hendon, Gary has a number of decisions to make regarding selection, not least between the two goalkeepers who have appeared in pre-season. With Sean Thomas not available until the end of the month, the choice is between Noel Imber and Berkeley Laurencin. If the experienced Imber was signed merely as short term cover whilst Thomas was away then I would expect Berkeley to get the nod, if however he was brought in to add further competition for the number 1 jersey then I wouldn’t be surprised if he started. The other big dilemma for me is how much to include Parks whilst he’s available and on school holidays. Is he that much of an asset that he’s worth including as and when he’s able to play or would that prove disruptive through having to chop and change the side. Personally, I would play him at right back when possible and let James Fisher play as the midfield enforcer, but it’s far easier making these decisions from the safety of the terraces than the firing line of the dugout. 

James Fisher (right). Expected to make Hendon debut tomorrow

Whoever he chooses, I think we can expect to see a number of new faces in the squad tomorrow. Things needed freshening and shaking up in the summer, and Gary looks to have done that well. If we come out of the blocks well and defend properly then I can see no reason why we can’t record a narrow victory. The first goal will be key though. If we nick it, then I’ll be feeling a heck of a lot more confident about our prospects than I will be if we fall behind. Whatever happens, another 5 goals shared relatively equally between the two sides would be the perfect start to the season entertainment wise.

Prediction: 2-1 Hendon win (neck well and truly on the line here)

Other Matches

The fixture computer (assuming it is machine and not man who works out the Ryman League calendar) has thrown up a couple of very interesting opening matches. None more so than at Crown Meadow where two of the fancied sides come up against each other in the shape of Lowestoft Town and Lewes. Both sides will be keen to put down an early marker of intent, but it’s hard to look past a point apiece. Many eyes will be cast towards Park Lane as well where Canvey Island host Carshalton Athletic, for whom Tom Davis has today signed from local rivals and last season’s champions Sutton United.

Elsewhere, Kingstonian will be looking to start strongly at Aveley, whilst Met Police are the only of the promoted sides to play at home, hosting Dave Anderson’s first competitive game in charge of Harrow Borough. Leatherhead face a tricky test at Billericay, Wingate have a trip down to Hastings and will be hopeful of leaving with something as will East Thurrock from their trip to Tooting. Bury Town face a long journey south as they visit Horsham and Wealdstone host Margate in what looks a fascinating match at Grovesnor Vale between two potential dark horses for promotion. Finally, AFC Hornchurch travel to Cray on Sunday in their season opener.

Predictions

Aveley 1-3 Kingstonian

Billericay Town 2-0 Leatherhead

Canvey Island 1-1 Carshalton Athletic

Hastings United 0-1 Wingate & Finchley

Horsham 0-3 Bury Town

Lowestoft Town 1-1 Lewes

Met Police 2-1 Harrow Borough

Tooting & Mitcham 1-1 East Thurrock United

Wealdstone 2-2 Margate

Cray Wanderers 1-2 AFC Hornchurch