Hendon reached the semi-final of the Bryco (Ryman League) Cup for the first time for 16 years when they defeated Kingstonian 1-0 after extra time at Claremont Road on Tuesday night. Canvey Island stand between The Dons and the final, with Dulwich Hamlet or Yeading awaiting.

For the 4th consecutive cup tie, Hendon were forced to go over the 90 minutes to get a result. They needed extra time against Wakefield & Emley in the FA Trophy and Wingate & Finchley in the Bryco Cup, while the Wealdstone Middlesex Senior Cup dragged over 130 minutes and 2 days.

The Greens were much changed from the starting line-up from last Saturday. Indeed, only Iain Duncan, Rob Hollingdale, Mark Cooper and Ricci Crace were in the same position as against Aylesbury.

With a strong wind at their backs in the first half, Hendon really didn't use their advantage. However, with the two teams having managed to draw 25 of their 61 combined Ryman League matches, it hardly surprising that chances were at a premium.

In the 15th minute, Kingstonian should have taken the lead when Phil Wingfield lost his marker and was all alone when Liam Collins' cross reached him. He failed to hit the target, however, and Hendon enjoyed the let off.

At the other end, 4 minutes later, James Pinnock dived in front of Rob Haworth to divert a Duncan cross. He was exceptionally relieved to watch the ball bounce off the foot of the near post before being hacked away to safety. Dale Binns' corner was punched out by Lance Key as it curled in just inside the same upright.

Grant Payne, on his Kingstonian debut, drove a shot over Gary McCann's crossbar as the Ks did well to keep the ball on the ground with neat passing. Steve Forbes had a chance following a powerful run and a 1-2 with Paul Yates, but he scuffed his shot, allowing Key to save easily.

The second half was much more cagey affair, with both defences totally on top and the midfields cancelling each other out. Both teams realised that one goal would almost certainly settle the tie. Mark Cooper and Paul Towler totally dominated Tim Sills and Payne, while Matt Flitter, Julian Sills and Craig Lewington limited the effectiveness of Crace and Haworth.

A 77th-minute free-kick by Kieran Gallagher curled just wide from 25 yards, while a similar situation for Kingstonian didn't even get that far as Wingfield's effort was charged down.

In the 79th minute, Crace had a fine chance when put through by Lee Endersby, who had replaced Binns in a straight swap. Key did enough to deflect the shot across the face of goal and too far in front of the onrushing Haworth.

Hendon should have won the tie in stoppage time. Crace finally lost his marker and had a clear sight of goal. Key came off his line and went to ground in the hope of smothering a shot, so Crace went for power and height and blasted over the ball over the crossbar.

Eight minutes into extra time, Hendon settled the tie. Crace made a strong diagonal run from the half-way line, Endersby took over, looked up and lifted a ball into the path of Haworth. Under great pressure from Flitter and Mark Jones, HAWORTH somehow swivelled and raked a shot past Key. Referee Mr S Fay admitted that he would have awarded a penalty for shirt-pulling had Haworth not scored.

Kingstonian brought on Scott Steele for the final period of extra time, but he couldn't help them to fashion an equaliser although they did put the Hendon defence under late pressure. In the last minute, Martin Randall made his first appearance for 6 weeks after having a groin operation. He replaced substitute Evren Arkali and brought to 5 the number of players who appeared for Woking in the Conference last season.

"That was hard work," said manager Dave Anderson. "I knew it wouldn't be easy, and thought that one goal would decide it. I want overtime built into my next deal!"