Hendon failed to hold onto a two-goal lead at Hartley Wintney yesterday, squandering the opportunity to go top of the early table.

On a dry, bobbly, dusty surface, flowing football was nigh-on impossible. So, it was no surprise that the opening goal was a scrappy number. Tyler Notley's long throw hit the inside of the Hartley post and Isaac Stones nudged the loose ball home from a matter of inches.

The lead was doubled on the hour mark when another Notley throw-in eluded everyone except Radu Stefanoiaca at the far post. The Romanian swivelled and struck the ball powerfully beyond Liam Beach.

The game's turning point came on 75 minutes when a left-wing cross was stabbed home at the far post by Dion Perreria and the equaliser arrived six minutes later when Joe Dyett poked home from a similar position.

Sam Shaban was denied late on by a fine save from Beach as both sides had to settle for a point apiece.