My matchday
visits to Silver Jubilee Park for the 2018-19 season.
Hendon 9
Edgware Town 1 (Thursday 12th July 2018) Pre-Season Friendly (att:
101)
An
impressive performance from the new look Dons against Wares, who were missing a
regular keeper, but still offered plenty of hope. Tyriq Hunte scored a hat
trick after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Dons didn’t
get going until late in the game, and when they were 2-0 down. Dylan Kearney pulled a goal back
before missing a penalty in the last minute on another scorching day. The post-match beer in The Midland was nice, with new manager Jimmy Gray and his dad popping in.
Edgware Town
1 Potters Bar Town 3 (Wednesday 18th July) Pre-Season Friendly (att:
60)
Wares gave
it a good go against visitors from two divisions higher but were eventually
undone. Mikkel James scored their goal.
Hendon 2
Haringey Borough 3 (Saturday 21st July 2018) Pre-Season Friendly
(att: 119)
Hendon led
through Marvin Morgan at the break before falling 3-1 behind. Once again, ten
outfield changes were made on the hour mark as Jimmy Gray evaluated his
fledgling squad. Again, the better Don's football came in the closing stages, leading
to Dean Mason grabbing a goal back.
Edgware Town
3 Hanwell Town 3 (Monday 23rd July 2018) Pre-Season Friendly (att:
45)
It was a
pity that more fans didn’t attend what was an excellent game of football, as
Edgware’s goals came through a comical own goal, the impressive Ethan Mooney
and Andrew Manitou
Hendon 1
Royston Town 1 (Tuesday 24th July 2018) Pre-Season Friendly (att:
66)
This friendly
was rather tetchy in the first half with the visitors going ahead. Kearney
equalised after the break as Hendon improved again after the mass
substitutions.
Hendon 3
Walton Casuals 0 (Tuesday 14th August 2018) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 236)
A great
start for the Dons in their first home game in their new league. Luke Tingey powered
home a header from a Lee Chappell corner before Ricky German scored a fantastic
individual goal. Hunte added
a third goal from the bench in the second half as Hendon saw out the game with
ease to the joy of a decent midweek gate.
Hendon 2
Farnborough 1 (Saturday 18th August 2018) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 278)
The impressive
debut season continued. Cole Brown put the Greens ahead in thirty-four minutes.
The defence was doing a decent job with impressive young keeper Danny Boness looking
confident despite arriving just minutes before kick-off.
An excellent
goal featuring Stephane Ngamvoulou and some excellent hold-up play from the
veteran Morgan set up Laste Dombaxe to curl the ball past flat-footed keeper
Lenny Pidgley.
Boro piled
on pressure and scored a fine goal ten minutes from time. It was nail-biting
stuff for the remainder of the game as Dons threatened to break away, but their
ball retention was poor as they squandered some chances.
Boness
pulled off a marvellous save after a visiting player missed a relatively simple
chance to the amazement of the crowd. The final whistle was met with relieved
and happy cheers from the home fans as their unbeaten league run continued. I
also had the pleasure of meeting comedian and Farnborough fan Andy Smart.
Hendon 2
Harrow Borough 4 (Monday 27th August 2018) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 381)
A bumper
Bank Holiday crowd saw Harrow deservedly take the points, even if their goals
as they went into a 3-0 win were slightly fortunate. All three goals went in
off Hendon players, with the second being an uncharacteristic goalkeeping
howler.
Gray pushed the
excellent defender Guri Demuria forward to try and salvage something from the
game. His presence and the delivery of Chappell led to Hunte being fouled in
the box, and for German to stroke home the resulting penalty.
The pressure
was being applied, but Harrow broke away to add a fourth. George Moore and Mitchal
Gough had been excellent throughout, leading the visitors' defence. German still
found time to add a second in the final few seconds.
Hendon 1
Poole Town 0 (Saturday 15th September 2018) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 263)
Hendon 3 Wimborne Town 2 (Saturday 20th October 2018) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 215)
This was a
tetchy game as it progressed. The three points came after debutant Shaquille
Hippolyte-Patrick was brought down in the area on ten minutes, with German firing
home from the spot.
It looked like
a comfortable home win was in store. Chappell was providing some fantastic
deliveries, but they lacked conversion. Poole gradually got into the game. They
hit the bar before the break and then piled on the pressure after half-time in
spells.
Dons defended valiantly, with Boness having another fine game in goal. There was plenty of tension, and Hendon made up for poor ball retention with effort and commitment. Hunte missed a great chance to double the lead late on. The attitude of the Poole management left a lot to be desired in the clubhouse after the game.
Hendon P Phoenix Sports P (Saturday 22nd October 2018) FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Dons defended valiantly, with Boness having another fine game in goal. There was plenty of tension, and Hendon made up for poor ball retention with effort and commitment. Hunte missed a great chance to double the lead late on. The attitude of the Poole management left a lot to be desired in the clubhouse after the game.
Hendon P Phoenix Sports P (Saturday 22nd October 2018) FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
The match
was postponed at 9.30pm on the Friday evening before the scheduled game, owing
to an FA investigation into Phoenix playing an ineligible player in their
replay win against Lancing.
Programmes
were printed, food and beer ordered, and volunteers sought, meaning that the very
late notification was inconvenient and particularly well received!
Hendon 1
Lancing 1 (Tuesday 2nd October 2018) FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
(att: 177)
My brother
Nick joined me on car park duty for this rearranged game, and we had a great
laugh. There were two divisions' difference between the sides, and it showed in
the early stages. Hendon had all the play with the Lancers' defence sitting deep
and remaining resolute.
The opening
eventually came after twenty-four minutes from a fine individual goal from Shaquille
Hippolyte-Patrick. Tyler D'Cruz continued to do a good job in the visitors’
net, while Jack Langford cut a lone furrow up front.
D’Cruz was
forced to make some fine saves from German, who was guilty of holding onto the
ball too much. Too many of the Hendon side were taking the game too casually.
Skipper Lee Chappell clipped the top of the bar with a free kick.
The Dons
were made to pay with fifteen minutes to go when Langford broke between
defenders Luke Tingey and Romario Jonas to fire home. Prince Mbengui brought
out a superb save from D’Cruz, but in truth, the Greens midfielder should have
scored.
It took a fine save from Danny Boness to keep out Matt Daniel in the last couple of minutes to keep Hendon in the competition. That would have been harsh on the hosts, even if Lancing did deserve their draw and a replay the following Sunday.
It took a fine save from Danny Boness to keep out Matt Daniel in the last couple of minutes to keep Hendon in the competition. That would have been harsh on the hosts, even if Lancing did deserve their draw and a replay the following Sunday.
Hendon 3 Wimborne Town 2 (Saturday 20th October 2018) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 215)
This
was a fantastic advert for non-league football as both sides played some
brilliant, entertaining end-to-end football. The game could well have ended 6-6.
Romario Jonas opened the scoring when he guided the ball in off his mid drift
before Town equalised with a simple goal through the heart of the Dons' defence
from Toby Holmes.
Ricardo
German restored the hosts' lead ten minutes before the interval, before Shaquille
Hippolyte-Patrick made it 3-1 with an absolute cracker right on the stroke of
half time after both sides had created and missed ample chances.
The
style of play was copied in the second period as Danny Bones and Wimborne
keeper Gerard Benfield, pulled off some top saves. The deficit was narrowed on
the hour mark from a rebound from Franklyn Clarke after Boness had kept out his
initial penalty.
The
keepers continued to excel, with the visitors pouring forward to try and grab a
point. Hendon just about deserved to hang on at the final whistle, as the crowd
lapped up their money's worth.
Hendon
2 Staines Town 1 (Saturday 27th October 2018) FA Trophy First Qualifying Round
(att: 169)
I
genuinely thought it wasn’t going to be my day. Delays getting away from work
necessitated my taking a black cab from Wembley Park. My driver performed
wonders to deliver me for the kick-off. I paid to get in, only to be reminded I’d
sponsored the programme and was entitled to free admission!
My
pal Jeff Cards joined me as we enjoyed another good game of football at SJP,
where the talk was of the hair of Staines' temporary boss, Barry Silkman. Andy
Ali put his side ahead in nine minutes as the Dons side were to awake from a
slumber.
Lee
Chappell was unlucky not to level with a brilliant free kick, while visiting
custodian Max Harris was a busy man. It was all Hendon, although they nearly
got caught on the break. It took until the fifty-third minute for the leveller
to arrive, as Connor Calcutt smashed home following a scramble.
Cole
Brown put the hosts ahead with a screamer from twenty-five yards. Harris
continued his fine form to restrict Hendon, even if they had a few anxious
moments of their own at the back. Jeff and I celebrated with a few pints and a
magnificent meal at Lahore Spice at the top of the hill!
Hendon 1 Biggleswade Town 2 (Saturday 10th November 2018) FA Trophy Second Qualifying
Round (att: 223)
Back
to car parking duties, we were full early for me to relax on the day before
departing on another Thailand adventure. It was an absolutely filthy day as the
rain battered down, and a closely fought game took place.
Shaquille
Hippolyte-Patrick saw an early effort come crashing back off the crossbar, but
he was not to be denied early in the second half from a fine Bayley Brown pass.
Dons were keeping a tight rein on the Waders' foray, but were dealt a blow when
Adam Pepera was shown a straight red card eleven minutes from time.
Tom
Smith headed home the resulting free kick at the back post. Boness did well to
save two quickfire efforts before Calcutt set up Gianni Crichlow, who missed a
golden opportunity to put Hendon through. Former Dons players Matt Ball and Joe
White had good games for the visitors, and it was the latter who snatched a
last-minute win when his shot was spilt by Boness.
Several
drinks followed in the clubhouse and then at the Midland Hotel with Steve Barnes
and John Rogers. I was certainly not 100% as I made my way to Gatwick the
following morning.
Hendon
3 Merthyr Town 0 (Saturday 1st December 2018) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 249)
A
day when your faith is restored, and you remember why you got involved with a
club. It was another dreary, damp day in NW London, but the people brightened it
up. The Merthyr fans were excellent, friendly supporters who helped the car
parking duties pass quickly.
Rob
and Tom had knocked beer down to £3, which plenty were taking advantage of,
leading to a vocal atmosphere. Merthyr’s rookie keeper Josh Gould, on loan from
Swansea City, showed early nerves, which led to an error which Cole Brown
snaffled to put the Dons 1-0 ahead.
New
signing Matty Harriott was having a fine debut in midfield alongside under 23
star, Riccardo Alexander-Greenaway. Harriott set Brown up unselfishly to double
the lead before the break following a fine passing move.
Shaquille
Hippolyte-Patrick scored a superb goal after the break, in which the visitors
were lucky to only have their skipper dismissed by referee Lisa Benn, who had a
decent game despite being totally let down by linesman Ioannis Chrisodoulou, who
was most inefficient.
The
clubhouse was a happy place post-match with players, management and fans all
enjoying the win. I decided to continue long into the night in JJ Moons in
Kingsbury, continuing friendships both old and new. I paid for it the following
day!
Hendon
1 Metropolitan Police 3 (Tuesday 11th December 2018)
Just
to prove how difficult it must be to manage the inconsistent Dons side, they
put in a performance where everything that could go wrong did. It was a cold, dry evening as keeper Boness seemingly saved well at the feet of a Met forward.
Unfortunately,
referee Steven Rae saw it differently, gave a penalty that was promptly
converted by the excellent Jack Mazzone and sent off boss Jimmy Gray for his
feedback. It was an insipid Don's first-half performance, but there was little in
the game.
Just
before the break, Adam Pepera made a howler attempting a back pass, which Max
Blackmore capitalised on to go through and score. Jeff Cards was at the game
with me, and we took solace with the fine Chestnut Ale in the bar.
Hendon
looked different after the interval. They were competitive and looked
dangerous. German scored a fine individual goal as the team put the Blues under
intense pressure. The game became scrappy, which was helping the hosts.
With
fifteen minutes remaining, Boness scuffed a clearance which went straight to
Bayley Mummery, who made no mistake. Hendon tried to rally, but the Met ran out
deserved winners. Consolation came from the fine collection towards the food
bank and enjoying a good drink with excellent people.
Hendon 0
Frome Town 1 (Saturday 22nd December 2018) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 223)
The Dons
continued on a worrying run, even though they put in an improved performance.
They kept the ball far better but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Centre
back Darren Locke made an impressive debut.
The
frustration was compounded when Frome substitute Ryan Bath was found in acres
of space just inside the Hendon area, and he placed the ball past Boness to
spark wild celebrations on the visitors’ bench. James Carey
pulled off a fantastic save in the closing stages to push Locke’s header
against the crossbar.
Hendon 1 Kings
Langley 2 (Saturday 5th January 2019) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 236)
Another
frustrating afternoon for Hendon fans at SJP, which looked to be heading so well
after fifty minutes. I carried out car park duties and had to go to work at
full time so I really wanted to see a home win to make up for my lack of social
activity.
Elliott
Charles had rejoined the club from Wealdstone and came off the bench before
scoring with a towering header in the twenty-first minute. Hendon were playing some
fine football with their new formation of just three at the back. Optimism was
restored in the clubhouse at halftime.
The Kings
Langley management made a brilliant tactical change at the break, which would
change the game. Mitchell Weiss' presence in midfield was significant. The away
side equalised with a Callum Adebiyi header from a corner.
Confidence
drained out of the Dons players and supporters alike. Another Kings Langley
header hit the bar with Boness beaten before the ball dropped with Josh Coldicott-Stevens
forcing the ball over the line in the ensuing melee. Greens
midfielder Matty Harriott was given a straight red card by the excellent
referee for a shocking challenge in the closing stages to round off a shocking
second half.
Hendon 2 Tiverton
Town 1 (Saturday 19th January 2019) Southern League Premier Division
South (att: 252)
Hendon were
on a shocking run, having lost their previous eight games. It was a special day
at SJP as the match was dedicated to the memory of former Dons player Dermot
Drummy, who tragically took his own life in December 2017.
His passing
had seen the club and venue embark on several mental health initiatives, with
Dermot’s former teammates accepting an invitation to the game. It created a
special atmosphere. The Tiverton supporters were also a great bunch.
My niece,
Sally, attended her first game along with a couple of colleagues from Middlesex
University. She was working with SJP to help a couple of students find work
placements to assist with their courses. I was immensely proud and so happy that
all three enjoyed themselves.
Hendon also
did the business, well, at least in the first half, with a much improved
performance. Goals from Bayley Brown and Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick sent the
Greens up the tunnel with a two-goal lead at the break.
However,
quick responses from Mike Landricombe and Tom Bath restored parity. Neither
side could capitalise on the half chances created thereafter. It had been a
good game of football, and a semblance of positivity was purveyed in the bar after
the game, where a roaring trade was done.
Hendon P
Weymouth P (Tuesday 22nd January 2019) Southern League Premier Division
South
The weather
was the winner as a severe snowstorm descended on SJP from 5.45 onwards. Within
an hour, the pitch, surrounds, and car park were covered in a good layer of the
white stuff. It wasn’t the easiest of shifts in the car park.
The Weymouth
team coach arrived along with an occasional supporter. Not too many Hendon fans
left the house. Indeed, no cash was taken. Fans were directed into the warmth of the
clubhouse.
The referee
called the game off at just gone 7pm. There was no way the pitch could be
prepared despite the snow stopping. The Weymouth contingent was most
understanding, as both managers shook hands. I advised any arriving fans of the
postponement at the bottom of the drive.
A huddle of
us hung around and enjoyed a few beers while helping to eat the food that the
Weymouth coachload didn’t require, while enjoying the company before heading
away. In my case, to JJ Moon’s in Kingsbury!
Hendon 2 Salisbury 2 (Saturday 2nd February 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 283)
I eventually arrived at the game ten minutes before the break, not in the best of moods after my relief at work didn't turn up until the last possible moment. At least the Dons were ahead by this point through a goal from Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick.
However, the visitors equalised in slightly controversial circumstances right on the break through former Wealdstone player Josh Fitchett. They went ahead not long after half time through the same player and came close on other occasions.
Hendon battled hard, with substitute Connor Calcutt making a huge difference when he came on, holding the ball up and generally giving the Salisbury defence something to think about. It looked like it wasn't to be the Dons' day until the final seconds. Fellow sub Ogo Obi held the ball up, played it wide to Hippolyte-Patrick, who put in a great cross to the back post where Calcutt rose like an eagle to power home a header.
The atmosphere in the bar afterwards was already joyful and further enhanced when England hammered Ireland in the rugby in Dublin. Belief was growing among the Hendon squad. It was a good place to be.
Hendon 2 Salisbury 2 (Saturday 2nd February 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 283)
I eventually arrived at the game ten minutes before the break, not in the best of moods after my relief at work didn't turn up until the last possible moment. At least the Dons were ahead by this point through a goal from Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick.
However, the visitors equalised in slightly controversial circumstances right on the break through former Wealdstone player Josh Fitchett. They went ahead not long after half time through the same player and came close on other occasions.
Hendon battled hard, with substitute Connor Calcutt making a huge difference when he came on, holding the ball up and generally giving the Salisbury defence something to think about. It looked like it wasn't to be the Dons' day until the final seconds. Fellow sub Ogo Obi held the ball up, played it wide to Hippolyte-Patrick, who put in a great cross to the back post where Calcutt rose like an eagle to power home a header.
The atmosphere in the bar afterwards was already joyful and further enhanced when England hammered Ireland in the rugby in Dublin. Belief was growing among the Hendon squad. It was a good place to be.
Edgware Town
1 Harpenden Town 2 (Tuesday 19th February 2019) Spartan South
Midlands League Premier Division (att: 51)
The original
clash between the two sides had been abandoned because of snow earlier in the
month, with the score at 2-2. Steve Speller and Richard decided to join me for
the entertaining rescheduled clash on an increasingly cold evening at SJP.
The first
half was all Harpenden as the Wares' goal led a charmed life. Centre forward
Charlie Gould was causing all kinds of problems before Jake Davis made it 1-0
in eighteen minutes. The hosts must have been happy not to head up the tunnel
two or three down at the break.
Some superb
skill from full-back William Tadjalli saw him being brought down in the box
shortly after the restart, with Ivan Machado making no mistake from the spot.
However, the lead didn’t last long as Harry Hunt restored Harpenden’s lead.
Edgware
pushed forward but couldn’t find a way through, with veteran Scott McGleish the
best footballer on the park. Hendon duel signing Tyriq Hunte had a couple of
opportunistic shots, but it wasn’t to be. We headed back to Kingsbury to warm
ourselves in the pub.
Hendon 0 Gosport
Borough 4 (Saturday 23rd February 2019) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 226)
Where to
start? I was in a confident mood, greeting all and sundry while on main gate
duties, if a little jaded thanks to the usual shift work pattern. My general
bonhomie was different a few hours later.
Hendon were
outfought by a hungrier side, making far fewer mistakes. A free header from Tony
Lee opened the scoring midway through the first half. Gosport were harshly
reduced to ten men when Mike Carter was shown a second yellow.
Seconds
later, keeper Boness came out of his box to head clear a through ball which
landed at the feet of George Baker, who superbly struck a half
volley into the empty net from close to the halfway line.
Lee added a
third after the break with a deflected shot, before an absolute howler from
Boness saw Ryan Pennery dispossess him and slot home. Oh, and England then lost
at rugby to Wales. At least the beer and company were good.
Hendon 2 Weymouth
3 (Tuesday 26th February 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 251)
My colleague
Andy Robertson did me a huge favour by taking me off early so that I could attend
the rearranged match. I met Sally and walked down for what was a good night out
and lovely catch-up, as well as a really good game of football.
It was a
completely different Hendon display from a few days previous. From the off, they
pressured and played a fantastic high-tempo game. However, they failed to take
the opportunities created apart from a slightly deflected goal from Matty
Harriott.
Not for the
first time, we were in a confident mood in the bar at half time, only to have our
hopes dashed. Weymouth introduced substitute Josh Wakefield for former
Scarborough man Cameron Murray after an hour, and it proved to be a wise call.
Danny Boness
had been dropped and replaced by Andrew McCorkell, whose previous league
appearance in a Greens shirt a couple of years earlier ended in a 5-4 defeat to
Harrow Borough in which some of his shot-stopping was dubious.
In sixty-seven minutes, Jordan Ngalo cut inside for the 'Terras’ and shot from around
twenty-five yards. The ball went in over the head of the badly positioned and
slightly immobile McCorkell.
The visitors
went ahead a few minutes later when the marvellously named Brandon Goodship saw
his deflected shot go straight through the keeper. The stopper was helpless
when Jake McCarthy made it 3-1 with a fine shot from range.
In the final
minute of normal time sub Ogo Obi scored with an excellent free kick, but it
was too little, too late for the hosts. It had nevertheless been a good
performance, which was light years away from their previous capitulation.
Sally joined
the two Steves in JJ Moons in Kingsbury as we enjoyed a few drinks and a
proper chat. A decent night out, even if I did realise on leaving the pub that
I’d left my bag at the ground!
Hendon 1 Basingstoke
Town 0 (Saturday 2nd March 2019) Southern League Premier Division
South (att: 259)
Happiness
returned to SJP by way of a vital if at times scrappy win against a poor
Dragons outfit who showed all the nervy features of a side lacking confidence,
especially at the back. In fact, they were a bit like Hendon around the festive
period.
Keeper
McCorkell kept his place, which shocked many fans. I personally thought it was
the wrong call. However, I don’t mind being proven wrong if it means a win for
the team. The stopper made at least three excellent stops throughout the game.
Matty
Harriott had an outstanding game, covering every part of the SJP pitch, with
Jacob Gardiner-Smith also putting in an impressive performance. Connor Calcutt
made all the difference up front, holding up the ball and winning headers after
coming on.
By then, the
Greens were ahead when Charlie Smith slotted home a corner at the back post. The
hosts went on to create several half chances which were frustratingly not
capitalised upon. Basingstoke bounced back in the last few minutes, making it a
nervous finale.
The final
whistle was greeted with jubilation by players and fans alike as Hendon took a
vital step towards securing their safety from relegation. Remarkably, I had a sensible early night ready for an early start at work.
Hendon 0
Hartley Wintney 2 (Saturday 23rd March 2019) Southern League Premier
Division South (att: 275)
The Dons had
won their previous away game at bottom club Staines Town but needed a few
points to ensure survival in the division. It wasn’t to be on this occasion as
Jimmy Gray admitted to making a poor change in recalling Howard Hall at full
back.
That sounds
harsh on the full back, but the truth is that winger Salhin Abubaker gave him
nightmares before being withdrawn. By then Hendon were 1-0 down as the wide man
got loose once again.
The ball
into the middle led to pinball in the area as shots hit the woodwork and were frantically
blocked before Mitchell Parker thumped the ball home. Paul Strudley made a tremendous
stop from Charlie Smith as he diverted the shot onto the bar to deny the hosts
a leveller.
Hendon
continued to press. Following another corner, it appeared a Hartley player
controlled the ball with his arm outside the box, but it set up a rapid counterattack. The ball was played forward, where it seemed that two attackers were in
offside positions.
Play
continued, keeper McCorkell came out and fired his clearance straight to an
attacking player. He dragged the forward down to try to rectify the situation, only to be correctly shown a red card by the referee, who got plenty of other
decisions wrong.
Lee Chappell
took over in goal and did an excellent job for the remainder of the game. Michael
Campbell doubled the visitors' lead seven minutes after the break as Hendon
huffed and puffed in front of the goal. Strudley made a decent stop from a Smith
free kick. Hendon’s day
was rounded off in the final minute as midfielder Marvin Harriott was sent off
for an off-the-ball incident.
Hendon 2 Taunton
Town 3 (Saturday 20th April 2019) Southern League Premier Division
South (att: 263)
The visiting
Peacocks were still in the hunt for the league title when they arrived and
departed SJP following a fine game of football. I was on car park duty and
enjoyed meeting the visiting players and fans who seemed a good bunch.
Town's top
scorer, Andrew “Rocky” Neal, put his side ahead in six minutes with a good strike
past Chris Grace after being left unmarked. Hendon fought straight back and
grew into the game before equalising after twenty-six minutes as Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick
scored an excellent individual goal.
Within a minute, Taunton were back ahead as Neal was again given the freedom of SJP to rifle
home an unstoppable angled shot. Shane White came close to making it 3-1 as the
interval loomed, as his header was cleared off the line.
Visiting
goalie Lloyd Irish made a top save from sub Ogo Obi before Neal completed his
hat trick from the penalty spot in the final minute. Obi reduced the arrears
with a cracking strike in stoppage time, but it wasn’t to be for the hosts.
After the
game, we enjoyed the usual hospitality before six of us took a taxi to the Midland
Hotel, where plentiful ale was put away as the camaraderie of following a
non-league football club overcame any earlier disappointment.
