Football –Sod you! 5 Minutes of Mayhem

Saturday 31st March 2012

Lewes 3-2 Hendon

Ryman League Premier Division

The Dripping Pan

Saturday and one of the few away days I’ve braved this season. And boy am I pleased I did. Well, yes and no actually. Off the pitch things were marvellous. On the pitch they began similarly so, before descending extremely rapidly into chaos and bitter disappointment. This was not how Gary Mac's autiobiography ghost writers would have had him marking 15 years a Hendon man.

Hendon marched down to the South Downs to meet Lewes in a match that should they come away victorious, would probably be very much favourites to snap up one of the play-off positions. Coming down the hill from the town centre and the very hospitable chaps and chapettes at The Brewers Arms (good selection of ales I’m told, good selection of Euro-lagers and very good selection of BURGERS!) I felt like I was going to a proper football match. Scores of people were descending the hill towards the ground, mostly bedecked in red and black stripes.

The Dripping Pan, for those who haven’t been before is fairly unique amongst Ryman League grounds. You enter the ground at the top of the terracing, which is high enough to rival the prefabricated one at either end of Imperial Fields, before descending downwards to pitch level. It made me imagine that I was watching a lower league match in Scandanavia or Central Europe. Don’t ask me why.

Team news had come through on various smart hand held devices, (they’re still no smarter than the average Premier League captain as far as I can see) and perhaps the most obvious thing to note was the absence of Greg Ngoyi or Elliott Charles from the Matchday squad. At a time when you need goals, to be missing your first choice centre forwards is a real blow. That said, Belal Aite-ouakrim, who got the number 9 shirt, has been resembling a footballer once more in recent weeks and Carl McCluskey has been thriving just behind the centre forward as well.

Lewes, who have had a fairly torrid winter off the park with the dismissal of former favourite Steve King for reasons unrevealed which resulted in a number of players leaving the club have in recent weeks steadied the ship under the stewardship of Simon Wormull and hauled themselves back into play-off contention. Before kick-off they stood a couple of places and three points behind the Greens. With Steve Robinson, and Paul Booth still very much part of the furniture at the Pan, this was likely to be a scrap. A big scrap in front of a very good crowd. And so it proved.

Hendon settled the quicker of the two sides, as the 20 or so travelling fans melted seamlessly into the hoardes of Lewes faithful who had stayed behind the goal they were defending to enjoy a pint of the local liquid gold, and it all made for a very pleasant atmosphere. The Glaswegian Four were in fine fettle having already witnessed Rangers overcome Motherwell in the lunchtime SPL meeting treating the locals to their unique brand of banter.

Jerome Federico began really well down the right flank getting Lewis Hamilton reversing rapidly (ho-ho-ho, F1 humour) on more than one occasion. He flashed a shot wide of the near post and sent a couple of dangerous balls into the box as well that were well dealt with by the Lewes back four. Belal, showing himself to be somewhere close to the form he was in at the beginning of last season, was causing Max Hustwick no end of problems and he was denied a first league goal of the season only by a wonderful save from Matt Ingram in the Lewes goal. The ball bounced nicely for the number 9 to strike from about 10 yards out, powerfully towards the roof of the net, yet the reaction from the Lewes custodian was superb, pushing the ball onto the top of the bar on its way over the top.

The breakthrough came on the quarter hour mark and it was no real surprise. Belal and McCluskey linking up extremely well with an exchange of passes that ended with Belal stretching just inside the penalty area to get to the ball before Ingram and send it rolling into the back of the net. Scorer collided with keeper and needed treatment, before lasting another five or so minutes and being withdrawn. One wag (me) suggested cruelly that he was suffering a nosebleed after finding the target, on in his place came Isaiah Rankin, about 50 minutes earlier than we would have liked.

I felt that we were still on top for much of the half, without ever really threatening to take the game by the scruff of the neck and kill Lewes off. The closest anyone came to doing that was Rankin who turned Robinson smartly and sent a powerful drive no more than a yard wide with Ingram beaten. However, at the other end, Chris Breach in an unfamiliar midfield role headed home a free kick on the stroke of half time only to see the goal disallowed for a linesman’s flag up. I was in no position to see who, what or indeed when was offside but I wasn’t going to argue with the official unlike a number of those behind Rikki Banks’ goal. This should have provided the Greens with a warning, and if it did, it went totally unheeded.

I was behind the dugouts on my way around to the far end when the scores levelled just after half time. Chris Breach once again heading home from a set-piece to bring the home side level. This seconds after the same player had been denied by an excellent Banks save. Amusingly the Lewes bench were imploring the same assistant to raise his flag to disallow the effort, a genuinely amusing moment. However, any smile was wiped off my face not 60 seconds later when Nathan Crabb ended a game of pinball in the penalty area by slotting the ball home. The place erupted, and those in green looked utterly shellshocked.

Shell shock turned to abject horror as I finally arrived at the far end, Banks did very well to deny Crabb low down, but Paul Booth was the quickest to follow up ahead of any green shirted don and fire into the empty net. 3-1. It was 3-1. I checked the electronic scoreboard which confirmed that it was indeed 3-1. How had that happened? I could see our play-off hopes disappearing over the chalk-pitted hills and way off into the Sussex distance. This was like that match against Tonbridge yet a thousand times worse.

Undettered, Lewes continued to force the pace and look for more. Banks denied Booth with a smart block when the Rooks number 10 looked odds on to increase the Hendon misery. Somehow, the storm was weathered and we’d only had the roof blown off, windows smashed in and the walls decimated by the onslaught. Last season certain players would have lost their heads at this point, this time they kept them and plugged away.

Jack Mazzone came on for his debut having been a deadline day signing on loan from Woking and looked quite lively, forcing Ingram into a good tip over late on. Booth had another effort ruled out dubiously for offside at the other end and Banks who had spent the first period largely unemployed would have delighted our wonderful government with his work-rate in the second half. The scoreline was given a dash of respectability as the game moved into time added on when Scott Cousins picked out the top corner with nonchalant aplomb, but it was too little too late. Led by the ever impressive Steve Robinson the home side saw out the remainder of the four minutes in relative comfort to record a vital win.

It’s a long time since I’ve felt as deflated as I did at the final whistle. So many ifs and buts, yet ultimately, nothing. Credit Lewes for that second half, I haven’t seen anyone take us apart like that for quite some time, and if they are able to channel that kind of performance in their remaining five matches then I wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish in the top 5. It was extremely impressive yet I still feel the defeat was partially down to ourselves and the way we began the 2^nd half. At least we’re not out of it completely, but we cannot afford any more lapses like that again. Our run-in looks favourable on paper, but paper and grass are vastly different surfaces.

What I do know is that if we happen not to go up this season, and if Lewes happen not to go up this season, then I will be hoping with every sinew in my body that we meet in August next season. They’re everything I like in a Non League club. Well run, extremely good hosts and look set-up to take themselves (and this is an important point being a Community run club) forward strongly in the medium to long term. Good luck to them, a thoroughly good bunch.

For another view of the game, I would urge you to have a look at the excellent Ball Is Round site for their take on proceedings.

Put Through The Grinder - Hendon 1-1 Aveley

Hendon 1-1 Aveley

Ryman League Premier Division

Saturday 3^rd December 2011

Vale Farm

Nearly 72 hours have passed since the end of our game at the weekend and I still cannot decide whether we should have won the game, been happy with a point or thought ourselves fortunate to have come away with as much as that. At the end of an open and entertaining 2^nd half I was disappointed not to have won the game. The amount of possession we had after a turgid first half an hour or so was, whilst not quite of Barcelona height levels of dominance, as high as I’ve seen us have this term so far. Yet, in spite of all the possession and territory, apart from a comfortable save towards the end of the first half, Dave McCartney in the Aveley goal wasn’t stretched. It was the 'siege' of Tobruk.

To Aveley’s credit, they made life difficult for us, particularly after going ahead through a superb drive from Sean Bonnett-Johnson that I thought Berkley did quite well to get a hand to, even if he did only help the ball into the top corner of the net. The goal came about, not for the first time this season, after a run from deep by an opponent (in this case the lively Abs Thompson) that was unchecked by the retreating Hendon defence and as the ball fell some 25 or so yards out it was met with interest (and then some) by the Aveley enforcer.

Eliott Charles and Greg Ngoyi were fit enough at last to take their places on the Hendon substitutes bench but Frank Sinclair, James Parker and Mauro Vilhete were all unavailable. Dave Diedhiou moved to right back, Michael Peacock replaced Sinclair, Carl McCluskey came into midfield and Jerome Federico made his first start for the club providing support to Isaiah Rankin, who once again worked his socks off up front.

A lively first start for Jerome Federico provided much of Hendon's weekend threat

As I’ve already said, the first half hour was a turgid, boring, dull affair full of overhit long balls and powder-puff efforts on goal. Neither goalkeeper was needed save for mopping up a few loose balls and taking goal kicks. I’ve said before that I don’t have an issue with Hendon playing long. It can be a sensible tactic, especially when Charles is up front but when he isn’t up top to hit, then the ball needs to be aimed into channels for the likes of Vilhete when fit, and on Saturday Jerome Federico to use their pace on. All too often in that opening spell, the ball was hit too straight and picked out no one but the opposition goalkeeper.

Aveley played some neat stuff, prompted by the neat and tidy presence of Joe Keith at number 8 and the pace of two genuine out and out wide players in Thompson and Evans Kouassi augmenting the burly figure of Ellis Remy at number 9. Although lively, the visitors threat was limited. Remy lobbed tamely wide of the target and Ryan Wharton bravely blocking a powerful effort from either Keith or Paul Shave (my memory has failed at this point).

The Greens finally came alive late in the half when Federico, who was impressive throughout with his direct running, skill and intelligent use of the ball ran at the Aveley back four and curled a shot from the edge of the box no more than a couple of feet past the flying McCartney’s left hand post. Rankin then lobbed McCartney after seizing on Harry Milton’s casual back header, and landed the ball on the roof of the net. Whilst the number 9 would probably have scored if he had gone low, the ball didn’t really come down for him and he had to improvise. Elliott Godfrey fired a powerful volley glancing against the crossbar on its way over the top after a corner hadn’t been cleared before Federico forced the save from the Aveley custodian. Had Hendon taken one of these openings in the last 10-15 minutes of the half, I think we would have gone on to claim all three points.

We didn’t score and we didn’t go on to claim all three points. We played some pretty intricate stuff in the 2^nd half, keeping the ball well and probing, but found the Aveley back line able to deal comfortable with what they were faced with. Charles and Ngoyi were both introduced, and although the former equalised with 6 minutes remaining, remaining onside long enough to nod Darren Currie’s sumptuous (and it really was) cross that was arced towards the far post yelling ‘NOD ME IN!’ at the top of its voice. Charles did, for his 5^th goal of the season, and we expected a tumultuous crescendo of pressure as the game approached its conclusion.

Despite our best efforts, it never really transpired that way. Not even the late late introduction of Junior Lewis some 12 and a half years after his previous competitive outing for the Greens could affect proceedings. Indeed, Aveley could have snatched the points late on when Daniel Francis turned a low right wing cross just over the top of Berkley’s goal. In actual fact, Aveley provided a real threat going forward on the break – Kouassi in particular had two or three decent openings after excellent runs but could only leather the ball over the covered terracing behind the goal instead of into the top corner of the net.

Junior in familiar coaching pose

I think on balance a point apiece was fair enough. The feelings of disappointment soon evaporated as the realisation dawned on me that really, we didn’t do enough with our possession to warrant anything more. Aveley will battle hard in their fight against the drop, that much is obvious, but I am not sure whether there are four sides that will finish below them. Certainly, I thought Leatherhead were a better side a few weeks ago, but of course, I’m only basing my thoughts on the evidence of one look at either side. There are some decent people involved at Aveley, and Lee Hodges seems to want his side to try and play football as well as scrap and fight for every available point. I can get right behind that kind of idea and hope dearly that when we travel to Field Mill on the last day of the season, that the Millers are safe from relegation and we have our play-off spot guaranteed. Wishful thinking perhaps…

Player Ratings

1.Berkley Laurencin – Overall quite a quiet match for the Hendon custodian who had little chance of keeping the goal out. Otherwise commanding and solid. 6/10

2. Dave Diedhiou – Played at right back and gave his most commanding performance for a few weeks. Dealt reasonably well with the pacy threat of Evans Kouassi and got forward to support the attack when able to. 7

3. Scott Cousins – Defended well, his ability to time challenges has been tested quite a lot this season and he rarely comes off 2^nd best. Linked up well with Darren Currie down the left flank at times. 7

4. Ryan Wharton – Yet another excellent performance by the number 4. As well as his ability both on the ground and in the air, I was really impressed with his reading of the game that on half a dozen occasions enabled him to avert danger. 8

5. Michael Peacock – Defended pretty well, did well in the air and on the deck. Was guilty at times of being a little casual in possession though. 6

6. Carl McCluskey – Quite an industrious performance in a more central role than usual. Some lovely touches in the 2^nd half and a couple of purposeful runs, much more his old self after a few weeks of struggle. 7

7. Kevin Maclaren – I’ve been impressed with Kevin Mac recently. Quietly and efficiently patrols the midfield, passes the ball simply, but well and breaks up the opposition’s rhythm in midfield very well. 7

8. Elliott Godfrey – Unlucky in the first half to see his powerful volley glance off the crossbar, and used the ball well in his role wide on either flank. Lively performance. 7

9. Isaiah Rankin – Worked tirelessly again up front chasing lost causes and unsettling the two big Aveley centre halves. Some touches of real class, perhaps will be disappointed not to have scored in the first half. 6

10. Darren Currie – Got a good look at him in the 2^nd half as he played down the right flank. On a couple of occasions he sent more than one defender the wrong way with a body swerve. Worked hard, provided the goal with a delightful cross. Classy. 7

11. Jerome Federico -  The liveliest attacking threat of the afternoon. Ran directly with pace, showed some purpose and was unlucky not to come away with a goal. Impressive. 8

Subs

12. Elliott Charles – Infuriatingly caught offside three or four times in good positions again, but nodded home the equaliser for his 5^th goal of the season. 6

14. Greg Ngoyi – Really pleased to see Greg back in action and showed his intent within seconds of his introduction with a powerful shot that was blocked. Looked lively and interested. 6

17. Junior Lewis – Late introduction, showed an unlikely turn of pace to chase a defender down though.

Star Man: Jerome Federico

Match Rating: 6/10

Verdict: A good point for Aveley, this may turn out to be a decent one for Hendon come the end of the season. I doubt we would have gained the point 3 or 4 weeks ago and with players slowly coming back to fitness, hopefully we can have a good seasonal period.

Jetting Off To Essex. Or Sussex. - Oxhey Jets 1-2 Hendon

Oxhey Jets 1-2 Hendon

FA Cup 2^nd Qualifying Round

Saturday 1^st October

The Boundary Stadium

I think, for the first time ever, I was part of a club’s record attendance on Saturday. Sure, it was ‘only’ 376 and it was ‘only’ at a club that have been playing in FA Competitions for a handful of seasons, but it’s still a rather pleasant feeling. And what a lovely day it was too.

The Boundary Stadium is set at the southern end of the ‘notorious’ South Oxhey housing estate which once featured on Newsnight as an example of an area of crime, youth unemployment and so on and so forth. Walking through it on a Saturday afternoon was actually quite pleasant. The sun was shining, people seemed happy. There was a thriving precinct on my right with a busy looking pub at the top and it looked as though the local community was getting behind the Jets with more than one shop displaying  posters advertising the match. The closer I got to the ground, the more apparent it was that the sunshine had spread FA Cup fever across the estate. Cars were queuing to get in and out of the car park, which doubled as a car park for the local swimming pool (lovely day for a swim it was too) and people tried to cram their cars into the small new-build estate just in front of the ground.

There was a healthy queue of people waiting to get into the ground, and a healthy gaggle of people outside nursing cold pints in plastic glasses. Five minutes, an extremely reasonable £6 and complimentary programme later I descended the half a dozen or so large steps to pitch level and made my way onto a shady bit of the grassy bank that runs down the side of the pitch and read the programme in amongst the hordes of youngsters running around with footballs and doing gymnastics on the crash barriers. Great to see so many kids out watching football. On the pitch was a table with what was either a badly publicised visit of the FA Cup trophy on it, or more likely, a convincing replica.

The sides were announced, and presently the two sides emerged down the steps in the middle of the slightly crude looking, but well packed stand. I stood up and as the players exchanged the obligatory handshakes (I can never understand the need for this at our level) I noted the lovely view across towards Grimsdyke Golf Course. It was a beautiful vista, quite honestly a refreshing tonic to what happened on the pitch.

The reasons for Hendon’s largely disjointed performance were threefold in my opinion. Firstly, it was a very hot day not suited to a high tempo performance. Secondly, the onus was very much on us to take the game to our lower division opponents and although we lined up with two orthodox centre forwards for the first time this season, Elliott Charles partnering Greg Ngoyi, the way the side has been set up this season has largely been to contain opponents, and that is a difficult habit to get out of. Thirdly, and I think most importantly, was the efforts of our opponents. They sat fairly deep, allowed our back four to have possession and then crowd out the midfield and the two strikers before looking to break quickly. They were extremely well organised, kept their shape well and made life very difficult for Hendon.

Chances in the first period were few and far between, Ngoyi went close early on heading narrowly wide from a long driven Michael Peacock cross, and Elliott Godfrey’s free kick hit a blue head taking the ball high over the bar. Apart from that, until stoppage time, Hendon did little with their possession. Oxhey for their efforts did provide a sporadic threat, and their best effort came from a 30 yard drive from Chris Ingram that had Sean Thomas scrambling across his goal. Fortunately for the goalkeeper, the ball flashed just wide of the post.

The breakthrough came as the clock began to massage half time. Ngoyi got away down the right and cut a low cross into the box. Charles, who did extremely well all afternoon holding the ball up and winning headers, was able to get across his marker and turn the ball inside the near post from about 10 yards out past the statuesque Mark Jessop for his 2^nd goal in consecutive matches. It was a well worked goal, and gave the yellows a lead that to be honest, probably flattered them at the break.

Elliott Charles: Pre Adebayor makeover

Gary Mac made a couple of changes at the break, Byron Bubb replacing the leggy looking Carl McCluskey and the two Maclaren’s swapping places. Any hope Hendon’s faithful had of the floodgates opening were disappointed just 3 minutes after the restart. Oxhey Jets, clearly encouraged by their first half efforts, got back on terms with another goal that was extremely well taken. My view was obscured, sadly, but I did see Lewis Putnam drifting into the penalty area off the left flank, gliding, inviting the challenge that never came and simply slipped the ball inside the far post with the smoothest of finishes. As he was engulfed by team mates in blue, and the local crowd erupted, those in yellow shirts looked around helplessly. 1-1, game on.

For the next 10 minutes or so, Oxhey Jets looked more likely to be honest. Their players were more vocal, roaring eachother on with encouragement, vigorously contesting every challenge, and the crowd responded appropriately. Hendon’s players looked a little shell shocked, and needed some geeing up from Scott Cousins to re-focus their energies. To their credit, they did and regained the lead just before the hour mark.

A free kick was sent into the box by James Archer and headed on by Charles. Ngoyi had done well to elude his marker but delayed his shot. I thought he should have taken it first time on the volley, but he waited an extra second or so. As the defender recovered and looked to have cut out the danger, Ngoyi hit the ball on the half volley low across the goalkeeper and into the net off of the far post. A third well taken goal and overwhelming evidence, if ever any was needed, that I should never don the number 9 shirt at any level.

Again, the goal was a little harsh on the home side and with each decision that went against them, the temperature rose another degree. Stephen Brown picked up a booking, and simultaneously ‘pointless caution of the month’ award, for running fully 25 yards to remonstrate with the referee midway through the 2^nd half as Oxhey looked to find away back into the game. They gave it absolutely everything. The experienced Gavin Hart twice went close with volleys from outside the box, Chris Ingram headed not far over from a corner and late on, Spencer Bellotti had a golden opportunity with a free header after some defensive density, but did not get any power behind his effort at all, allowing Thomas to simply pluck the ball out of the air and kill a few seconds.

At the other end, chances were at a premium. Godfrey went close with a chip that narrowly eluded the angle of post and bar, but when in possession for the most part, the yellow shirted band of merry men were content to keep the ball and run the clock down. The clock did run down in the end, and the referee brought things to a halt. Oxhey’s players slumped to the ground, partly I expect in exhaustion and partly in disappointment at having come so close to taking the tie to a 2^nd match. I don’t think anyone connected with Hendon would have begrudged them a replay after providing us with a much tougher test than AFC Hayes did in the previous round.

I’m loathed to describe Oxhey Jets as ‘plucky underdogs’, it doesn’t do their efforts justice. I was hugely impressed by the set-up at the club. The welcome was extremely friendly, the bar impressive. The ground is not only pretty tidy, but they have plenty of room for expansion should they need in the future as well. Below the main pitch they have a couple of training pitches. They have a thriving youth and academy set-up and clearly, a lot of support from within the local community. I genuinely wish them all the very best for the future, it looks very rosy and will certainly be visiting again sometime in the not too distant future.

For Hendon, progression was the key. In the draw for the next round yesterday, Dave Vadhiou struck drawing us away at either Maldon & Tiptree or Whitehawk, who replay this week. Both sides will be familiar to the Greens having been in opposition during last season’s run to the 1^st round. From that point of view it’s not so attractive a draw as it might have been but again and although both sides will provide very stern opposition, the draw is certainly winnable. I’d certainly have rather got this than away at Dover or Woking.

Player Ratings

1. Sean Thomas: Didn’t have a great deal to do, but looked confident. There’s something more polished about his style than Berkley’s that was probably born on the training grounds of QPR. 6/10

2. James Parker: Apart from slamming a clearance against Lee Armitt in the second half, Parks did well alongside Michael Peacock and used the large amount of possession he had well. 6

3. Scott Cousins: Did really well, picked up heads after the equaliser, usual good use of the ball and did really well against the direct Lee Armitt as well. 7

4. Michael Peacock: Dominating in the air, dealt well with the lively threat of Spencer Bellotti and Lee Inch, usual good performance. 6

5. James Archer: Got forward well on a couple of occasions in the first half, did well again defensively against the impressive Lewis Putnam. Continued his impressive start at Hendon. 6

6. Kevin Maclaren: Not his best performance truth be told. Gave away possession cheaply on a few occasions and was booked after a couple of late challenges. Replaced at half time by his brother. 5

7. Jamie Bubsy: Had a really good battle with Gavin Hart and was the best Hendon player in possession. Didn’t get any shots away at goal, but rarely gave the ball away. 7

8. Carl McCluskey: Looked a bit tired and laboured on the right flank in the first half and put in his least effective performance of the season. 5

9. Greg Ngoyi: An excellent finish for his 6^th goal of the season, and a good assist for the opener. Looks to be forming a decent understanding with Elliott Charles already. 7

10. Elliott Godfrey: A touch unlucky not to score in the 2^nd half, but like other midfield colleagues, found his threat pretty well smothered by hard working opponents. 6

11. Elliott Charles: Excellent performance leading the line. Held the ball up really well, won lots of balls in the air, finished well to give Hendon the lead and set up Greg’s goal nicely too. 8

Subs

12. Casey Maclaren: Came on at half time and gave the Hendon midfield a little more direction. Did ok. 6

15. Byron Bubb: Also came on at the break and although showed some nice touches, didn’t really seem to achieve a great deal. Looked lively enough though. 6

18. Michael Lewis: Replaced Greg Ngoyi and looked very lively and dangerous down the left flank. Hope we get to see more of him over the next few weeks.

Star Man: Elliott Charles

Match Rating: 4/10

Verdict: Hendon had to dig deep to overcome an impressive and very well organised Oxhey Jets side and in the end, the clinical edge in front of goal made the difference. The win was more important than the performance, and that was duly delivered.

It Weren't Pretty, But.... (Margate 0-2 Hendon) / Weekend Review

Margate 0-2 Hendon

Ryman League Premier Division

Saturday 10th September 2011

Hartsdown Park

Much like an afternoon spent in the company of Boris Johnson, Hendon’s visit to Margate was far from pretty, but for one reason or another those of a Greener persuasion were left sporting wide smiles on their way home. It was a dry, somewhat blustery day on the East Kent coast and the wind played quite a part in the spectacle, or lack of, that was witnessed by 370 hardy souls.

Once again, this was a victory as much by organisation, graft and discipline as it was by class, but any Greens fan would take that in a heartbeat over another display of flowing passing attacking football but coming away after losing 3-1. Just watching from the sidelines, you’re able to see the shape of the side, you’re able to see how well drilled they are at the moment and that they are working together as a unit. Given the number of new faces drafted in over the summer, that is no mean feat.

Gary McCann named an unchanged starting XI for a world record 4^th match in succession, somewhat, I must admit, to my surprise as I suspected Kevin Maclaren might replace Dave Diedhiou in the heart of the midfield. It wasn’t to be, but the big fella was much improved and the younger Maclaren would go on to have quite an impact on proceedings anyway. On the bench Isaiah Rankin returned for the injured Aaron Morgan, James Fisher was named in place of Bradley Ambrose and Byron Bubb was named in place of Danny Dyer, who was getting some ‘pwopa nawty’ game time with Sean Thomas at Northwood. Chris Kinnear made it an easy afternoon for those noting down team changes by naming just one change to his 16, Craig Cloke replacing Wayne Wilson on the bench.

The first period was almost entirely awful, from both sides. Clear openings were at a premium, as were accurate passes and anything much to appreciate, even for the purists amongst us. James Archer’s long throw was flicked on and partially cleared by Dean Hill, before Greg Ngoyi tried his luck with an overhead effort that was straight at Jack Smelt in the Margate goal after about 10 minutes or so, and it was another 10 minutes before the home side got their first effort in on Berkeley Laurencin’s goal, but Matt Bodkin’s shot bounced away off the frame of the goal. That was as close as Margate came to scoring all afternoon as Laurencin enjoyed a fairly comfortable afternoon from then onwards.

The Greens suffered two first half injury blows when first Casey Maclaren was taken off with what was first suspected to be a broken bone in his leg or foot (thankfully X-Rays gave him the all-clear) and then Ryan Wharton pulled up with a muscle strain 5 minutes before the break. Gary McCann swapped Maclaren’s and James Fisher emerged from the bench for his debut replacing Wharton and fitted in like he’d been part of the side for a couple of years.

James Fisher made an encouraging debut as a first half substitute

Towards the end of the half, Margate fashioned a couple of openings but Tom Bradbrook’s headers on both occasions failed to trouble Laurencin unduly whilst Smelt did well on the stroke of the whistle to save Busby’s effort from the edge of the box, Carl McCluskey’s effort from the follow up drifted harmlessly wide of the target.

The 2^nd half began much as the first had ended, with the home side huffing and puffing hard against the well organised Green machine and although Kwesi Appiah went close with an effort that brushed the side netting shortly after the break, but otherwise getting no change from the Hendon defence. For their part, although Greg Ngoyi was once again working like a trojan up front, the Greens front line never really looked like scoring either. That was until the game changed controversially with 20 minutes remaining.

Ngoyi chased a ball in behind the Margate back line and got into the penalty area. Jack Smelt came out and dived at the Hendon man’s feet. Ngoyi knocked the ball past the goalkeeper and then went down under the goalkeeper’s challenge. Any contact was minimal to say the least, although after the game Ngoyi maintained it was definitely there. This incident brought to mind an interesting conundrum, is a striker ‘entitled’ to go down when challenged in the box? In recent weeks I’ve heard both Alan Shearer and John Motson say that the striker is entitled to go down in exactly these circumstances, but I’m not sure I agree with that. On the one hand, we’re trying to stamp out ‘simulation’ and on the other actively encouraging players to go down under the slightest bit of pressure. After Ngoyi didn’t go down when having his shirt almost removed from his back against Lewes, it became quickly clear that some with influence felt he should have gone down. He did so on Saturday and got his reward. Now, I’m not saying that Ngoyi necessarily cheated, but I do think that players are sometimes given mixed messages. The number of times now you see a striker hanging his foot out to ensure contact is made in the box now before going down, or strikers on their way down before contact is made is amazing. It’s no wonder that referees get so much ‘wrong’ when players are encouraged to blur the lines so much. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a dodgy penalty in the bank for us this season, there will be no complaints from me come March time if one is given against us that costs us points. One player non plussed by the incident was Jamie Busby who sent Smelt the wrong way from the spot for his 3^rd goal of the season.

From that point onwards, I never really felt like the Greens would go back empty handed, and indeed, the 2^nd goal 8 minutes later simply confirmed my suspicions. If Smelt was distinctly unlucky with the penalty call, he was wholly at fault for the game sealer. He’s not what you’d call the most commandingly built goalkeeper on the Ryman Circuit, but then neither was Gary McCann. The Greens forced a succession of corners, the last of which was half cleared to the edge of the box. It was returned with interest (4.94% apr) by Kevin Maclaren and the ball sailed beyond Smelt, possibly with the assistance of the blustery conditions, and bounced into the netting just inside the far post. Smelt scrambled back and carried the ball back the right side of the line, but the goal had already been given. The apoplectic goalkeeper then smashed the ball out of the ground, halfway to Dunkirk Some behind the goal bellowed for a 2^nd yellow card to be shown, I felt the official dealt with things sensibly – a 2^nd caution would have been unbelievably fussy.

Jack Smelt something fishy when the referee pointed to the spot

The Greens killed the game, Margate forced a couple of corners which were both repelled whilst Curtis Robinson sent a shot not far over the angle of post and bar whilst Smelt saved well from Godfrey as Hendon broke in stoppage time. 2 goals was enough though to settle a scrappy affair and the Greens were able to celebrate a 3^rd straight away win and another clean sheet on the road as well much to the delight of the small traveling band of supporters. A job well done.

Player Ratings

1. Berkeley Laurencin: A fourth clean sheet of the season and a pretty comfortable afternoon for the goalkeeper. Looked secure and dealt confidently with everything thrown at him. 7/10

2. Ryan Wharton: A truncated appearance for the centre half who was forced off with a muscle pull 5 minutes before the break. Did well before that though dealing competently with Bradbrook and Appiah. 6

3. Scott Cousins: A steady decent performance at left back by the skipper, his dead ball delivery as always this season was excellent and put the Margate back 4 under a lot of scrutiny. 6

4. Michael Peacock: Committed performance defending the 18 yard box with his customary command. Excellent as always in the air where he pretty well dominated Bradbrook. 7

5. James Archer: Probably been even more of a surprise than Ryan Wharton with his consistent performances after playing Sussex County League football last season. Another good effort from the full back who is making the slot his own. 7

6. Dave Diedhiou: Much better performance from the big midfielder after an unusually poor display last weekend at Lewes. Used the ball much better and looked more confident in possession than on Sundayg. 6

7. Jamie Bubsy: Good performance from Buzzer, who seems more than ever to quietly but effectively hum around and keep things ticking over. Gave Smelt no chance from the spot to put him back in pole position for the green slipper at the end of the season. 7

8. Carl McCluskey: Maybe a little quieter this time around, but no less effective in the support striker role. Used his height to good effect and continues to impress with his intelligent passing. 6

9. Greg Ngoyi: Questionable penalty aside, another committed, all action performance from the number 9. Gave the 2 Margate centre halves all sorts of trouble with his running and strength that belies his short-ish stature. Covered about 110 miles again. Excellent. 8

10. Elliot Godfrey: In tandem with Scott Cousins, his dead balls have made the Greens a far more dangerous and effective side from set pieces. Good intelligent performance, completed 90 minutes for the first time. 7

11. Casey Maclaren: Lasted less than 20 minutes before a nasty looking knock curtailed his involvement. Thankfully, no break was received and with any luck he should be back available for selection before too long. 6

Subs

12. Kevin Maclaren: Replaced his brother and sealed the three points with a slightly bizarro 2^nd goal, not that he will mind. Did nicely after coming on, looks to be chanelling his aggression positively so far this season. 7

14. Isaiah Rankin: Replaced the exhausted Ngoyi for the last 10 minutes and made a nuisance of himself. A really good option to have on the bench.

15. James Fisher: Made his debut in place of Ryan Wharton and slotted in very nicely. Clearly not quite fit, and looked as though he was struggling towards the end, but a very encouraging start. 7

Match Rating: 4

Star Man: Greg Ngoyi

Verdict: Another committed performance and 3 points ground out. Looked well drilled, very organised and solid against a Margate side who probably didn’t do themselves justice on the day. An element of fortune about both goals, but to be honest, while it’s on offer, everyone connected with the Greens will lap it up.

Other Results:

AFC Hornchurch 6-0 Tooting & Mitcham (Prediction 2-0)

Martin Tuohy struck 3 times as the Urchins crushed Tooting at Bridge Avenue. Leon Smith, Michael Spencer and Jon Hunt completed the scoring.

Bury Town 0-1 Met Police (Prediction 2-1)

An excellent away win for the Fuzz at Bury who have now gone 3 games without a win. Tony Finn was the hero for Met with the 34^th minute winner.

Carshalton Athletic 0-1 Billiericay Town (Prediction 1-1)

Another excellent result as well for Billericay Town and Carshalton who still await their first goal in front of their own fans. Jay May netted his 4^th of the season to give the away side the points.

Concord Rangers 2-2 Hastings United (Prediction 3-1)

A crazy 11 minute spell just before half time saw 4 goals shared in a game that does little for either side. Arron Hopkinson and Matt Hall gave Hastings a 2-0 lead before Kyle Asante, on loan from Southend and a Michael Noone penalty on the stroke of half time gave Concord a share of the spoils.

East Thurrock United 1-0 Horsham (Prediction 0-2)

Horsham fell to their 3^rd defeat in succession as East Thurrock got their season back on track with a 1-0 win thanks to Neil Richmond’s winner 20 minutes from time. Former Hendon man Sam Collins made his Rocks debut in the game

Harrow Borough 0-4 Cray Wanderers (Prediction 0-2)

Cray ran riot at Earlsmead as Boro crashed to their fourth defeat of the season. I have no idea who scored the goals, sorry.

Kingstonian 0-3 Wealdstone (Prediction 2-2)

It goes from bad to worse for K’s fans as they crashed at home to Wealdstone who themselves came away with their 2^nd impressive win in succession. Wes Parker, Richard Jolly and David Hicks were the Goalscorers for the Stones.

Leatherhead 1-2 Lowestoft Town (Prediction 0-3)

A good effort from the Tanners saw them come up just short against Lowestoft who made it four wins on the trot. Lubo Guentchev made it 6 for the season after 25 minutes before Danny Gainsford equalised on the stroke of half time. Guentchev then had his spot kick saved by Chico Ramos in the 2^nd half, but the rebound fell to Stuart Ainsley who gratefully slotted home the rebound to settle a nervy affair

Lewes 4-1 Aveley (Prediction 3-0)

Lewes racked up their biggest win of the season in some style by putting Aveley to the sword at the Dripping Pan. Paul Booth and Michael Malcolm’s goals were added to by Christian Nanetti and Nic Ciardini to give the home side a comfortable win. Reece Morgan scored on his debut for Aveley’s consolation.

Wingate & Finchley 0-2 Canvey Island (Prediction 1-0)

Canvey continued their impressive start to the season by becoming the first side to beat Wingate in the Premier Division. Goals from Leon Gordon and Jay Curran sealed a deserved 3 points for the visitors.

All of which leaves Hendon as the only unbeaten side in the division and top of the table by a point from Lowestoft and Canvey and a further 2 points ahead of Lewes and Cray who complete the top 5. At the bottom, Leatherhead, Harrow, Concord and Aveley all continue to search for their first 3 point haul of the season. The Millers are kept out of the bottom 4 by Kingstonian who drop into 19^th by virtue of their -8 goal difference. Don't be dismayed though K's fans, only 12 days before Hendon visit and your annual 3-0 win.