David Garbacz believes Hendon United showed championship qualities as they ended Oakwood's winning run with a hard-fought win, thanks to a goal from captain marvel Ari Last.
This was a match in which the goalkeepers from both teams - Russell Corin of Hendon and Oakwood new boy Jonny Blain - caught the eye. Both were rock solid, with Corin's stunning save from Josh Rose winning Danny Caro's Save of the Week.
The Morrison holders were forced to dig deep against a strong Oakwood team, with Garbacz praising "the old guard" of Corin, Alex Rosenthal, Last and Simon Peterman "for getting us over the line.
He told JC Sport: "These are the type of games you have to win if you want to win the title - it was a very tight match where Oakwood fought extremely hard and will probably consider themselves unlucky to lose.
"We had big players missing today with two more dropping out on Sunday morning so we were well and truly stretched but our squad is strong and deep and the new boys who came in today did really well. However, it the old guard got us over the line today and showed a great example to the youngsters of how to get the job done in tricky circumstances.
"We had plenty of chances but none were overly clear-cut and we knew we had to bide our time and wait for the big one to come. When it did, up popped Ari Last yet again to continue his great start to the season.
"All credit to Oakwood though - we knew we would be on for a tough one today but we have a fabulous recent record against them and maybe mentally that played on their minds. They will be a force though this year. We were delighted to come away with all three points though and keep our 100 per cent record intact this year."
Oakwood joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: "Our aim is to use the positives from the game and move on to the next one. It’s a long season and we’re very much alive in all competitions, but we’ll be even more ready for Hendon next time…"
Oakwood co-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We were excellent in so many areas and defended superbly from the back. We overcame Hendon’s main spell of the game for the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half and looked like the only winners.
"Though we lost, that was the closest game I've ever seen between the two sides. One goal was always going to settle it on reflection.
"We had the opportunities but didn't quite have that magic moment to take advantage. We lacked a little composure in the final third if I'm being honest.
"Russell thwarted our one true moment of class - making the save all the more impressive. There were very few clear-cut chances in a game played in a great spirit and well refereed by Andy Myerson.
"We're disappointed to lose but I think every single one of our players realised how close we are. If we go on a run we'll be right up there for when we next play Hendon."
Kristall added: "As Ric says, we just need to cut out the silly mistakes and improve our decision making in the final third."
