JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 3 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 2

An Avidan Last double helped Hendon clinch the runners-up spot as they ended the season with three points following a thriller against Raiders.

Hendon knocked the ball around nicely in the first half and were looking very comfortable in building a good 2-0 lead through two excellent Avidan Last finishes.

They then switched off right before half time as Raiders pulled one back and in the second half L'Orange were a lot more dangerous and deservedly equalised after about an hour.

This galvanised us to finish strongly and eventually their pressure was rewarded with a typical Greg Corin winner with only a couple of minutes remaining to seal the team's 11th win of the campaign.

Raiders's goals came through Darren Russell and Ethan Zone.

Hendon manager David Garbacz told JC Sport: "With not a lot riding on the game, it was tricky to keep a decent intensity to our play, but we did our best and came away with an important win in the end.

"It was important to finish off with a win and secure the runners-up spot. Raiders played very well and the match was a great advert for the Maccabi League.

"Although we are disappointed overall not to retain our championship, it is still a testament to our consistency that we still finish in the top two and have done so for the last five years.

"We will be strengthening in a number of positions in the summer so get your bets on early!"

Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "On Wednesday evening of this week, with just seven players available, we were very close to pulling out of this game. That was something I have never done in my time as manager and with the help of our B team we got a side out.

"After 25 minutes we were 2-0 down, but we carried on battling and fighting for every ball and pulled one back before half time. For the start of the second half we were much the better side and deservedly equalised and should really have gone on to take the lead with Corin saving well from Zone and Hershman.

"Unfortunately when it looked like we had done the hard work we switched off right at the last moment and Hendon pinched the win.

"The attitude was spot on and despite losing I'm so impressed by our performance."