Hendon burst into playoff places with massive win at Staines
Staines Town 0 Hendon 2 HENDON lit up their centenary season when they beat third- placed Staines Town in the Ryman s League at Middlesex on Saturday to burst into the playoff places. Hendon s win, their 18th of the season, lifts them to fifth spot in
Staines Town 0 Hendon 2
HENDON lit up their centenary season when they beat third- placed Staines Town in the Ryman's League at Middlesex on Saturday to burst into the playoff places.
Hendon's win, their 18th of the season, lifts them to fifth spot in the table with 65 points and just one game to play, a home match against 15th placed Wealdstone tomorrow.
The Dons, who are on level points with sixth-placed Ramsgate, claim the last play-off place because of a massive goal difference.
And Gary McCann's men will clinch promotion if they beat the Stones at Claremont Road this weekend.
Hendon will have taken plenty of heart from the manner of the gutsy performance that followed up last week's win over champions Chelmsford.
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"It was a great result," said McCann. "We weren't at the races in the first 20 minutes and our first goal was against the run of play.
"But once we were in front, we were really good value for money and it was one of our most professional performances of the season.
"I want again to pay tribute to the players for all the effort they have put in over the season.
"I did think that results might come for us because the two teams above us had tough fixtures."
Davis Haule, who bagged both goals against Chelmsford last week, put the Dons in front when he netted in the 18th minute.
However, Staines, who have taken 22 points from their past eight league games, rallied but despite increased possession were unable to level and the scoreline remained 1-0 at half-time.
In the second half, Hendon took control and started to outplay their rivals.
The visitors made sure of the points in the 80th minute when Jack Page's shot wrong-footed the keeper and bounced in to the bottom corner.
Hendon: Wilmot, Parker, Burgess, Leach, S Page, Dyer (Hudell), L Guentchev, O'Leary, D Haule, Aiteouakrim (B Haule), J Page. Unused subs: I Guentchev, Hudson, Blackmore.