Loughton Orient vs Hendon United SC C

The Loughton boys have been riding on the crest of a wave this week after becoming only the second team to beat a red-hot AC Mill Hill team.

Rob Silverman will go down in Loughton folklore for scoring the goal that condemned the title hopes to a rare defeat.

Now manager Dan Curtis is challenging his players to maintain that level of performance, focus and concentration for every game between now and the end of the season.

The midfield pairing of Jamie Sinclair and Josh Hambling worked a treat as they stifled the threat of Mill Hill for 60 minutes.

But Curtis wasn’t expecting any early Pesach gifts ahead of the meeting with Hendon on Sunday.

“We expect a tough game against Hendon who we narrowly beat earlier in the season 2-1. It was a tight game and I expect it to be the same again this weekend.

“Having said that, we feel like we have turned a corner the last few weeks and started to play like we know we can. We have won four out of five and confidence is the best it's ever been. The boys are buzzing after beating AC mill Hill and can't wait for Sunday to arrive.”

Craig Miller’s Hendon registered their fifth league win of the season last weekend with main man Alex Elf doing the business in a 2-0 success.

The performances of Gab Saul and Craig Philips also impressed Miller who had this to say ahead of the trip to E17.

“I enjoyed playing Loughton Orient last time. They were a nice bunch of honest lads. The only issue was we lost last time. Hopefully we can have another great game and take the three points this time.

“They seem to be on a bit of run and I would love to string two wins together for the first time this year.”

I can see Sunday being an open and entertaining affair between two teams who are best going forward.

JC team news: For Loughton, Adam Conway is back, but David Blitz is still out. They have no new injury problems.

Hendon are missing one striker and their regular left back, and are “not looking forward to the trip to Essex”. Miller said: “Luckily there is no spurs game on tele to get back for!”

Venue – Peter May, Ref – Howard Gould

JC star man: Rob Silverman (Loughton)

DC Prediction: Loughton 3 Hendon 2