Hendon maintain their unbeaten start to the season and move into second place.
October 6, 2008 10:53
Last year's runners-up maintained their unbeaten start to the season and moved into second place after this hard fought win over a well organised Bafana.
Played under pouring rain but on an immaculate Hadley surface it was the newly promoted visitors who started brightest. The veteran striker Assi Avital skimming the bar after a flowing move and keeper Danny Berliner holding on to two long range efforts.
But gradually the hosts stepped up the pace and with the slick passing working well Hendon took the lead with the move of the game after 20 minutes.
The ball started with keeper Berliner. A throw to Korman and the ball was worked through the midfield via Josh Bentley into the path of the ever willing Pearson. A sharp turn released Ari Last who finished with aplomb. A move across 80 yards involving seven different players got the finish it deserved.
Ten minutes later it was two. This time the prolific Saul Conway who has started the season in such a rich vein of goal-scoring swilleveled on the six yard box and poked home.
The second half started in a flurry. First, Conway hit the post and from the clearance Fisher released Jonny Kaye with a delicious through ball which was wall finished. 2-1 and game on.
If anything the goal sparked Hendon into life and even thought Bafana were prompted by the outstanding Eyal Fisher it was Hendon's big signing who sealed the game. Receiving the ball form Lipman, Mike Pearson turned his man in the box and let rip with an explosive 15-yard drive. 3-1 and game over.
Hendon were denied a fourth by an offside flag and a well contested game ended with both sides competing every loose ball.
After the game, Hendon assistant manager Benjy Wreschner said: "Bafana will be a threat to every team they play. They are quick, well organised and dangerous going forward. We admire them greatly after what was a very tough encounter. But we leave today with a number of injuries and Josh Lipman looks very doubtful."