MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
TEMPLE FORTUNE 2 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B 2

Jonathan Cohen is confident that the experience of Aron Barnes can help Temple Fortune finish the season on a high after they dented Hendon's promotion hopes in a four-goal thriller.

On an awful playing surface at Roger Bannister, Fortune outbattled Hendon for much of the first half and led 2-0 at the break with a double from Adam Lenz.

Hendon boss Adam Glekin rang the changes early in the second half and his changes had the desired effect as Hendon began to dominate.

Rob Benson pulled one back against his former side, and Benni Sluckis equalised with around 10 minutes to go.

Hendon pressed for what would've been a vital winner but couldn't find a way past a stubborn Fortune defence.

Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen told JC Sport: "It was a tough game on an awful pitch but we were superb for over an hour of that game and honestly I think Adam Glekin and his team were surprised by our performance.

"They dominated us a few months ago but this was anything but one-way traffic. We were fully deserving of our 2-0 lead – we won every header, every 50/50 and scored two very good goals.

"Hendon might argue that they weren’t at their best and were worthy of a point, but I feel if any team was going to nick it we were probably more deserving.

"Aron Barnes is a major new signing for us and comfortably the best play on the pitch. Bossed it."

Hendon manager Adam Glekin told JC Sport: "The pitch was pretty awful, so we knew that the standard of football wasn't going to be great. But what was unforgivable was our effort levels and desire in the first half, it was probably one of the worst 45 minutes of my time in charge.

"I hold my hands up and take some responsibility as I didn't play the strongest side available to me, but the players that were out there are capable of a lot better.

"It's fair to say that despite it being Valentine's Day; I didn't show much love towards my team at half-time!

"We improved after the break but I'm disappointed to only get a point.

"Having said that, credit has to go to Temple Fortune. They wanted it more than we did today, and even when we did get on top they defended well. Their central midfielder was superb and dominated the game, and Adam Lenz up front on his own caused us problems all game."