Hendon thrash Thurrock

Hendon jumped to their highest league position of the season with a 3-1 victory over East Thurrock United on Saturday, writes Jonny Weeks. Boss Gary McCann was thrilled to grab a second successive victory – moving his side to fifth from bottom in the Ryman

Hendon jumped to their highest league position of the season with a 3-1 victory over East Thurrock United on Saturday, writes Jonny Weeks.

Boss Gary McCann was thrilled to grab a second successive victory - moving his side to fifth from bottom in the Ryman League premier division.

"It was end-to-end stuff," he said. "We showed real courage and commitment out there on a pitch that was very, very heavy and boggy.

The Dons took a deserved lead in the eighth minute when a free-kick from Lee O'Leary allowed Brian Haule to flick a header goalwards and Jamie Riley helped the ball home. A minute from the end of the first half Gary Ansell made it two.

United dominated the second half but missed a couple of good chances. With regular time almost up, Richard Wilmot's quick downfield clearance found Jamie Busby, who flicked the ball to Haule. A slip from Bradley Stephens allowed Haule to dink the ball over the advancing keeper. Hendon survived five minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations of a second successive win could begin.

l Hendon beat Hillingdon Borough 4-2 on Tuesday to reach the semi-final of the Middlesex Senior Cup. The Dons will play Hayes at home.