Hendon were made to work on Tuesday night away to Ashford Town (Middx) in the first round of the Isthmian League’s ‘Alan Turvey’ Trophy, eventually winning 3-2 to set up a second-round tie away to either Peacehaven & Telscombe or fellow South Central Division side Cobham.

Attacking towards the water tanks in the first half, Hendon made a flying start. After a calamity of errors from the Ashford back line, Sam SHABAN found himself through on goal inside barely a minute and calmly slotted the ball home to put the Dons 1-0 up.

Just four minutes later, the pressure was applied to the Tangerines’ nervy-looking defence once again. This time it was Bailey Lamb who surrendered possession in a dangerous area, presenting Nathan BRATHWAITE with an opportunity. The young forward still had plenty to do, picking up the ball on the edge of the area before curling an excellent effort past Liam Allen in the Ashford goal, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

It was a deadly finish from Brathwaite, who doubled Hendon’s advantage inside just five minutes.

For much of the remainder of the first half, the game quietened down. Ashford grew into the contest but struggled to find a way through the Hendon back line until the 41st minute. After two dangerous corners earlier in the half, another menacing delivery was swung into the Hendon box. The Greens failed to clear their lines this time, and Ben MULLEY was on hand to smash the ball home and give the hosts a route back into the game.

Half-time: Ashford Town (Middx) 1-2 Hendon

Ashford made a strong start to the second half, while Hendon made their first change as Dion Miftari was replaced by Reece Nicholas-Davies at the break. In the 45 minutes Miftari played, however, he looked electric down the wing, providing a welcome fitness boost after his recent spell on the sidelines.

Ashford’s spirited start to the second half was short-lived, though, as Hendon capitalised on the hosts’ defensive frailties once again. Florian Ada chased down a through ball and did brilliantly to keep it alive, rounding the goalkeeper before squaring for BRATHWAITE, who finished excellently to cap another impressive evening in front of goal for the young forward.

Brathwaite’s 58th-minute strike did not quite put the game out of sight, however. Ashford continued to attack and, in what was one of their best performances of the season so far, they got another goal back just three minutes later. Jaiden CELESTINE-CHARLES found space inside the Hendon box and tucked the ball past Josh Strizovic, setting up a nervy final half-hour at the Robert Parker Stadium.

Fortunately for Hendon, the 3-2 lead was defended well despite a spirited Ashford attempt at a comeback, meaning penalties were not required.

The Greens were far from their best on Tuesday night, but in cup football the main objective is to get through to the next round — and that is exactly what Hendon did.

The Greens will now travel to either Cobham or Peacehaven & Telscombe in the second round, with that tie set to be decided on 29 September. The date for Hendon’s second-round fixture is yet to be confirmed.

Full-time: Ashford Town (Middx) 2-3 Hendon