Hendon suffered their first defeat of the season at the sixth attempt on Saturday, losing to in-form Hastings United in the FA Trophy at The Pilot Field in East Sussex, in front of an impressive crowd of over 500. It was a below-par performance from the Greens, who ultimately saw their unbeaten start to the campaign come to an end.

Hastings started the game with plenty of intent, catching Hendon somewhat by surprise. Josh Strizovic was called into action inside the opening six minutes, getting down well to save a powerful 25-yard effort from the hosts.

Just eight minutes after the first opportunity, Hastings created another chance and took the lead. Max WALSH found space inside the Hendon box following a cross before smashing the ball into the top corner to give the hosts an early advantage.

Strizovic was called into action multiple times between the opener and the half-time whistle, although Hastings were unable to capitalise on the pressure they exerted on the Hendon goalkeeper. The pick of the bunch came inside the 22nd minute, when Strizovic produced a fantastic piece of acrobatics following a moment of pandemonium inside the box, with the resulting corner coming to very little.

Half-time: Hastings United 1-0 Hendon

Following a poor first-half performance, Hendon needed a much-improved second-half display. It certainly started that way, with both Reece Nicholas-Davies and Radu Stefanoaica threatening the Hastings goal. Unfortunately for the Dons, however, their early pressure did not result in an equaliser, meaning they were made to wait for the elusive leveller.

The task became increasingly difficult for Hendon in the 71st minute when substitute Ayo OLASIMBO found space inside the box and doubled Hastings’ advantage, putting the hosts firmly in control and leaving the Dons with a mountain to climb.

The reaction from the Hendon players was positive following Olasimbo’s goal, and their pressure finally paid off when Isaac STONES struck in the 94th minute. Stones continued his impressive run of form in front of goal with a well-taken finish to halve the deficit.

Unfortunately for Hendon, it proved to be too little, too late. Just a minute after Stones’ strike, the referee blew the final whistle at The Pilot Field.

After an underwhelming performance on the south coast in Ore, Hendon are out of the Isuzu FA Trophy at the hands of Hastings United. The defeat was their first competitive loss since an away defeat to Westfield in the penultimate league fixture of last season.

Full-time: Hastings United 2-1 Hendon