THIS WEEKEND’S MATCH PREVIEW – HENDON (HOME) KO 3.00PM

This Saturday Dulwich Hamlet entertain a Hendon side looking to return to form after a barren run of late.

After the heroics of last season when the Greens battled all the way to the playoff final only to lose to Margate in controversial circumstances the current campaign has provided something of a hangover for the North Londoners. As things stand Gary McCann’s men currently languish back in the boondocks of the division, sitting in 19th place spot two places shy of Farnborough present occupants of the final relegation spot. Though the Greens have a seemingly comfortable cushion of ten points ahead of the troubled Hampshire club, Farnborough’s belated start to the season left them playing catch up and they have five games in hand of Hendon.

After a positive start to the season that saw Hendon well-placed amongst the early frontrunners. An unbeaten four game opening to the campaign included a draw with the Hamlet, the Dons only denied another victory when a last gasp penalty, awarded after Calum Willock was upended by ‘keeper Joe Wright, saw Ashley Carew smack home an equaliser to give Dulwich a share of the points.

A barren patch of four straight defeats as August turned into September knocked Hendon off their stride and though they bounced back with a storming 4-2 win away to East Thurrock, the FA Cup brought more heartache as they fell at the first hurdle for the first time on three decades. Conquerors that day were AFC Sudbury of the Ryman North Division and they would remove to haunt Hendon later in the season. Ironically on the bench that day for the 3-1 reverse in Suffolk was one Aryan Tajbakhsh, the unwitting villain of the piece in last season’s playoff farrago!

The return to league action a week later eased some of that pain as Aaron Morgan made it five goals in four games with a double in a home draw again Merstham. Though the free scoring Morgan had to sit out the following week’s trip to Leatherhead, the Greens found ample replacements as Leon Smith and Dave Diedhiou both bagged a pair with Mahrez Bettache also on the scoresheet helping Hendon to a resounding 5-2 win over the sorry Tanners.

Safely ensconced in midtable and within touching distance of a crowded pack at the head of the field, Hendon seemed to be readying themselves to join the fray but suddenly the wheels fell off in big style. A single goal defeat away to Kingstonian might not be the worst that could happen given the K’s momentum at the moment. However, they found themselves shot shy in front of goal at home to the Met Police clocking up a second straight defeat without scoring. Eight days after losing to K’s in the league, Hendon entertained them at Earlsmead in the Alan Turvey Trophy. However, Hendon's reign as League Cup holders came to an end as their opponents triumphed in a penalty shoot-out after a dingdong draw in very wet conditions, Kezie Ibe scoring twice as the sides finished level at 2-2 in normal time.

The return to league action the following weekend was not something to write home about as the Greens became the prey of hungry Beavers, slaughtered 5-0 at Hampton & Richmond Borough with Leon Smith dismissed at the end for challenge apparently no more innocuous than queue barging at the bus stop.

The old chestnut of “If its midweek it must be…” reverberated at for the third midweek in row Hendon did battle with K’s. Having lost in the league at Kingsmeadow, held them to draw in the Alan Turvey Trophy only to flop in the penalty shootout, it was a more promising performance as McCann’s men picked up a precious point in an even contest. 17 minutes from Russell Short gave the hosts the lead but it lasted just a few minutes before Malachi Hudson ensured things finished all square. The draw set the Greens up nicely for the visit of basement boys VCD Athletic. Given the precarious position of the winless Vickers propping up the table anything less than a win might surely have signalled a Saturday Night of the Long Knives. Leon Smith gave the Greens a quick confidence boost with the opener inside three minutes, Sam Flegg and Goldy Capela added to the tally as a welcome win moved Hendon up to 17th spot.

Yet it seemed as if this was a false dawn, VCD’s fragilities at the foot of the table masking those of Hendon. On course for a share of the points away to Merstham, the Greens were left red-faced as Charlie Penny, on loan to the Moatsiders from the Hamlet, struck in stoppage time to steal away the points. The short trip across to Donkey Lane proved even more frustrating as Enfield Town took advantage of Hendon’s shot shy strikers to clock up a 2-0. Defeat must have felt doubly disappointing for Hendon had dominated the first 45 minutes but failed to make it count when Morgan’s spot kick was saved. Matters were made worse when Dave Diedhiou became the latest Hendon player to make the walk of shame as he was should a late red card for an off-the-ball incident.

Like the ghost at the feast, AFC Sudbury will be a name that Hendon will dread when future cup draws are pulled out. Beaten by the Suffolk club in the FA Cup, lightning struck for a second time with Craig Parker’s early goal settling the tie after just four minutes.

This evening’s game kicks off at 3.00 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 1.00 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. Before the game why not enjoy a drink or snack in our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (JSA), Full Time Students and Members of the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services. PLEASE present valid ID)
• Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Programmes: £2-00