David Garbacz believes Hendon United must raise their game if they are to finish the season with silverware following the 3-3 draw against FC Team in MGBSFL Premier Division.
FC Team maintained their knack of frustrating the top teams as they shared the points with Hendon in a six-goal thriller.
New boy Bar Hariely capped a dream debut with an 88th-minute equaliser which followed a double from Kane Gilbery.
Ari Nevies, Greg Corin and Zac Lewis registered for Hendon.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport; Unlike last week, we started well today and were in total control of the game after taking a two-goal lead after 30 minutes, but another uncharacteristic mistake where we gave the ball away deep in our half lead to them capitalising and halving the deficit before half time.
"When you go through a bad run it takes small things to knock confidence and we knew it would be tough psychologically to get over the line for the win in the second half.
"After they equalised early in the second half we re-grouped well and did look the likelier winners. After numerous Yoav Kestenbaum-inspired chances down the right hand side, we finally put a move together which lead to a great finish by substitute Zac Lewis in the 88th minute and 99 times out of 100 that would have been that.
"Inexplicably we switched off to a ball launched into our box just two minutes later and they managed to scramble in an equaliser.
"It was a really disappointing drop of points but is probably testament to the fact that for the first time in a number of years we aren’t playing with our usual confidence and belief and we are making very elementary mistakes which seem to be always leading to goals.
"FC Team played well – we knew they would be looking to play to their strengths in the air and we knew they’d be up for a battle. They have some good skilful players as well and it shows what a good competitive league it is this year.
"The league might we won with a record low number of points this season with nearly all teams capable of taking points of
each other so we must not be too disheartened as it is still very early days.
"That said, we are starting to feel a bit like Chelsea although I can’t blame the ref for this setback. We need a win and some of our performances this year have been unacceptable.
"We must improve to turn it round though and we need to step up to the challenge."
FC Team boss Ben Gilbey was delighted with the character shown by his players.
"I was really happy with our result and performance against one of the best teams in the league," he told JC Sport.
"We have been struggling as of late and the performance from every man on the field signalled the intent to get the result.
"I thought we were unlucky to not get more than the point, but Hendon are a class outfit and the point was well earned.
"We were 2-0 down after 25 minutes again through some sloppy goals, but it was the inspirational reaction that was impressive from Team.
"We ran the second half and after drawing level not long after half time through two great goals from Kane Gilbery, we looked the better team and could have gone on to win it. With five minutes left and us pushing for the win, Hendon broke on the counter to make it 3-2.
"It looked like disappointment was on the menu for us again, but with Bar Hariely coming on to make his debut for the last 15, he put in a fantastic finish to draw us level with two minutes remaining.
"I was so pleased with the reaction of our team from being behind and facing another week not picking up any points and even more pleased with the character we showed when it looked like all our hard work was for nothing with five minutes to go.
"It was a great result on the weekend and now from here we look to push on. We know we have the talent to beat any team in this league and now we have to prove this!"
