Despite losing 4-1 to Stevenage Borough, Hendon were able to come away from Vale Farm on Thursday evening with their heads held high after a good hardworking performance.

Stevenage fielded a side that contained a mix of experience and youth, including first teamers Luke Oliver, Chris Nurse, Andy Drury and Iyseden Christie. It was their extra class that showed in front of goal.

The Blue Square National side took the lead early on in the game, capitalising on a defensive error, but the Greens soon settled into the game. In the 25th minute Lubo Guentchev saw his shot well saved and he could only fire the rebound wide.

Hendon were rewarded for their effort and endeavour shortly before half-time when Sam Byfield fed the ball through to Guentchev. The Bulgarian in turn stopped the ball dead to allow James Bent to run onto the ball and fire a curling shot past the keeper. It was an excellent goal.

After the break Stevenage restored their lead in the 51st minute and ten minutes later they were 3-1 ahead after they converted a dubious spot-kick when their player appeared to just trip over the ball.

Hendon had three excellent chances during the second half. Byfield saw his effort well saved, Dave Maissa Diedhiou had a shot just tipped onto the post by the keeper for a goalkick, and then Kevin Maclaren sent a screaming shot towards goal, only to see the keeper make a fine save to tip the ball over the bar.

Stevenage's final goal came with five minutes to go after the Greens had made numerous substitutions but Hendon had one more chance on the stroke of half-time when Marc Leach drove the ball wide of the goal.

Despite the result, it was a very good workout for Gary McCann's charges as they continue their preparations for the new season.

(Report by Steve Rogers - not to be reproduced in any form without the author's agreement)