Pearson strike rescues Faithfold

Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: "What pleased me today is we were down to the bare bones and had six boys out, but we showed some great belief and played some great football in patches. It was a very exciting game with two great teams playing some good stuff."

Hendon manager David Garbacz told JC Sport: "This game was a tremendous advert for top flight Jewish football between two top teams fighting hard to gain the upper hand.

"Ultimately we came off disappointed with a draw but that was because we had given so much and on the balance of play had far the better chances and dominated possession especially in midfield. Although we were 1-0 down at the break we continued to press high up the pitch to try to force a few errors and eventually the pressure paid off.

"You have to give enormous credit to Faithfold for then coming back to snatch a draw with a brilliant goal from the ever dangerous Mike Pearson and I suppose in that moment alone they proved why they were champions last year.

"Overall though I was delighted with our performance. I thought our midfield trio of Ari Last and Rafi Kon were superb and Greg and Yoav were causing havoc on either flank. The quality of the football from both teams was top notch and our perfoance today was better than anything we showed in the whole of last year.

"If we continue to play like that we will be a real force to be reckoned with this year. It's good to be back and congratulations to both teams on a great opening to the season."