Five-star Hendon hurt Redbridge

Defending champions Hendon put five past 2011 winners Redbridge in an eight-goal thriller at Fairlop as David Garbacz's men started the new year in style.

A brace from Dovid Korman plus one apiece from Avidan Last, Greg Corin and Danny Kon sealed Hendon's six win of the season and moves them to within two points of leaders Faithfold.

Redbridge's goals came through Danny Sugarman, Jack Van Gelder and Steve Summers.

Jubilant Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "We carried on where we finished off at the end of last year and at the same time broke the Redbridge curse that has haunted us for the past couple of years and boy did it feel good.

"For 60 minutes we were sensational and played them off the park - scoring four goals in the process. Dovid Korman was running rings in midfield and defensively we were looking secure.

"We then retreated too deep and took our foot off the gas and to their enormous credit Redbridge scored themselves to give us a bit of a fright. I was never overly concerned though as we always had plenty in hand.

"Whilst we credit them for their football and fighting spirit - some of the shocking tackles that always fly in whenever Redbridge are losing are so predictable and the ref did very well to just about keep things under control.

"We are playing with belief and confidence and will only get stronger as the season goes on. We do not intend giving up our title without an almighty fight."

Redbridge manager Eilon Kennet told JC Sport: "Hendon were a little bit sharper and got the breaks in front of goal in the first half, leaving us with the proverbial mountain to climb in the second.

"Nevertheless, we restructured at half time and went for it and it almost came off. So, despite the defeat, we finished the game with our heads held high, knowing that had we started as well as we finished we could have won the game.

"It was a classic game of two halves. I hope we learn from this."

DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Redbridge 1