Shields was our show-stopper, says Garbacz

Dan Green made a goal-scoring debut as Harmen made their intentions clear from the off, but another strike from Greg Corin earned Hendon a share of the spoils as they moved to within a point of leaders Redbridge, with games in hand.

Hendon boss David Gabacz told JC Sport: "We had earmarked this match as a really big one before kick-off and so it proved. We started slowly on a difficult pitch and found ourselves trailing to one of their dangerous set-pieces at half time.

"We have been in that position many times before this season and have put in some great second half performances, so we knew not to panic.

"After equalising early in the second half, we looked for all money like we would go on to get the win but chance after chance was thwarted by their superb keeper who had an absolute blinder. Sometimes I would be unhappy with my forwards for not taking chances but they did nothing wrong - they just came up against a brick wall.

"Harmen still posed a danger on the break and missed one or chances themselves but overall we did come off disappointed.

"Spirit wise and energy wise though I was delighted with our second half performance if not the ultimate result. The pitch was tricky but definitely playable and the ref did well to get the game on and then let it flow as much as possible.

"Harmen are a good team - they possess strong, talented players plus one or two of my old Neasden mates on the sidelines which is always entertaining and credit to them for their contribution to an enthralling game.

"When the prizes are dished out in May this could prove not to be too bad a point after all. Over the course of a season you can't win every game and we accept the draw here as an overall fair result and move on."

Harmen boss Joel Alterman told JC Sport: "We knew that Hendon would give us a stern test and although we looked strong throughout, our keeper Max Shields had to be at his best, pulling out some world-class saves to keep Hendon at bay.

"We knew what was to come from Hendon in the second half as they turned up the tempo. As the half progressed, both sides looked to find the net again but the chances fell Hendon’s way. Max Shields, undoubtedly his best performance of the season, pulled off a string of top quality saves to keep the scores level while at the other end the crossbar was rattled and chances seemed to slide agonisingly past both posts.

"Both sides played very well and a draw looked a fair result. A point against Hendon can never be sniffed at although this game could have gone either way at the end."