Hendon boss Gary McCann has challenged his team to remain focused on their Ryman League campaign after the Greens progressed to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The Dons beat Leiston 4-1 at Earlsmead on Saturday thanks to goals from Leon Smith, Andre Da Costa, Dave Diedhiou and Kezie Ibe - and yesterday’s draw handed them a trip to face Dorchester Town in the next stage.
McCann said: “The game against Dorchester is similar to the last round against Leiston as they are playing at the same level as us.
“They were relegated from the Conference South last season and probably would have expected to have started better this season in the Southern League Premier Division.
“They’ve picked up 10 points from 10 games, which shows they are still adjusting to the league.
“We’ve lost home advantage for this round but we will have them watched twice before we play them – there will be no favourite for this match.
“But for now we must put the FA Cup on the back burner and focus on the league games.”
With Lee O’Leary missing due to injury and Sam Murphy absent because he was taking part in an Ironman triathlon in Menorca, Spain, McCann was pleased to see other players step in and make an impact – especially recent signings Belal Aite-Ouakrim and Ryan Palmer.
McCann said: “Belal certainly isn’t a stranger to us – this is his fourth spell with the club. I’ve known him since he was a kid, he has huge talent and ability.”
Aite-Ouakrim was a schoolboy with Fulham but, after failing to land a professional contract with the Cottagers, he moved into non- league football and has enjoyed spells with Kingstonian, AFC Wimbledon and, most recently, Hampton and Richmond Borough.
With his Moroccan background and style of play, comparisons have been made with QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt – and McCann understands why.
“He said: “Belal has a very similar style to Taarabt but he is more explosive in the way he plays.
“Taarabt has all the tricks and is obviously playing in the Premier League but if you were going to liken Belal to anyone it would be Taarabt.
“[Coach] Scott Cousins is confident he will be able to get the best out of Belal by working with him on the training ground.
“He will offer us some variation in how we can play, although he is a bit more rigid in the sense that you will get the best out of him by playing him just off the main striker.
“He can also play up top if needed, and I think he will be a good addition to what we already have.
“Ryan Palmer is a flying winger who has been in and around us for three or four weeks and he offers us another option in the offensive area – the business end of the pitch.”
Hendon visit AFC Hornchurch in the Ryman League tonight.
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