MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION

HENDON UNITED SPORTS 2 OAKWOOD 1

Kon re-signed for the defending champions on the eve of the match, following spells in Israel and Switzerland, and he made an instant impact just minutes after joining the action at Hadley FC.

Hendon and Oakwood have contested the last two League Cup finals and despite both teams missing key players, there match itself did not disappoint.

The hosts forged ahead midway through the half when Chaim Korman released Yehuda Korman whose inch-perfect cross was converted by goal-poacher Gav Noe.

Oakwood grew into the game, despite leaving top-scorer Josh Cuby on the bench, and they equalised on the stroke of half-time when Kyle Bentwood lashed the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

Hendon had the better of the second half, although they were indebted to the reflexes of goalkeeper Jake Doffman when he produced a fine finger-tip save at full-stretch to deny Bradley Wine.

With full-time approaching, Kon chased down an under-hit backpass from Alex Lee before slipping his shot into the net.

Hendon finished the game with ten men after the winger Chaim Korman was sent off by referee Richard Jaye following two bookable offences, the second of which was for simulation.

With HMH losing to MLFC Blue, Hendon returned to the summit and they have two games in hand on their title rivals. Oakwood were dejected at the final whistle, having more than played their part in a enthralling encounter, with Cuby unable to breach a well-drilled Hendon defence, superbly marshalled by Josh Bentley and Simon Peterman.

Hendon boss Jordan Sapler said: "We dug deep to grind out an extremely hard-fought victory.

"We were down to the bare bones, with more injured players on the side watching than we had on the pitch playing, but today was where we showed what we were about. We stole a game that deserved to be a draw in the last minute with great work from our signing on the day Danny Kon."

Sapler went on to praise some of the returning players, and said: "We had Gav Noe, Josh Bentley and Danny Kon playing their first game of the season for us but none of them looked out of place and each battled extremely hard for the team.

"It was a great win and showed all the qualities that we ask for and expect."