Hendon opened their 2026/27 Isthmian League South Central Division campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Binfield at Hill Farm Lane in Berkshire.

It was a warm afternoon in Binfield, which made the intense 90-minute contest even more demanding. Hendon took 17 minutes to begin showing their attacking intent after a strong start from the home side. The early stages saw Radu Stefanoaica volley over the bar, while Dion Miftari forced a good save from the Binfield goalkeeper.

It was the 28th minute when Jordan Williams flicked on a well-delivered corner towards STEFANOAICA, who reacted quickest to get there before the defender and put Hendon 1-0 up. It was a brilliantly worked goal and a classic training-ground corner routine, executed perfectly by Adam Fisher’s side. Immediately after the corner Dion Miftari was forced off and replaced by Reece Nicholas-Davies with what initially looked like a serious injury. Fortunately for Miftari and the Hendon faithful, it now appears to be no more than a knock, and the forward is working hard to be back to full fitness for the Greens.

Stefanoaica continued his impressive league debut just seven minutes later when he went clean through on goal. This time, however, the goalkeeper made a strong save, with many Dons fans behind the goal believing the keeper had handled the ball outside his area. The appeals were waved away.

The half-time whistle blew, with Hendon heading into the break 1-0 ahead.

Not long after the restart, Binfield were awarded a free-kick 25 yards from goal. TUTTLE stepped up and curled a superb effort past Josh Strizovic to equalise for the home side.

The game remained level for just nine minutes before striker ISAAC STONES burst through the Binfield defence and produced an impressive left-footed finish, despite appearing off balance, to slot the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs and restore Hendon’s one-goal advantage.

There were several yellow cards shown to the Greens during a fiercely contested second half, including bookings for Isaac Currie and goalscorer Radu Stefanoaica.

Stefanoaica was then awarded a penalty after running beyond the Binfield back line and goalkeeper, only to be stopped from completing a wonderful solo run when the keeper caught his boot with his glove. After a short delay, STEFANOAICA stepped up from the spot and extended Hendon’s advantage to 3-1 in the 68th minute.

The two-goal lead lasted just eight minutes, however, as a free-kick was swung into the Hendon box. The danger was dealt with unconvincingly, allowing SIMPSON to poke the ball home past Strizovic and make it 3-2, setting up a nervy final 14 minutes.

Fortunately for the Dons, the game finished 3-2 thanks to some brilliant defending and several important interventions from Strizovic during the closing stages.

An away day that finished with nine bookings, five goals and two teams desperate to take home all three points ended with Hendon celebrating a crucial opening-day victory on a lovely afternoon in Binfield.

The Isthmian League is well and truly back.