Hendon capitulate

Greensnet Editor
Tue 11 Jan 2005, 23:30

Hendon threw away a 3-1 lead in their Bryco Cup tie against Leatherhead to eventually go down to a 6-3 defeat after extra time. Once again the defensive frailties were there for all to see, and Leatherhead took full advantage. The Greens took the lead in the 7th minute through Ross Pickett, and Mark Nicholls doubled the lead midway through the half. Marc Charles-Smith pulled a goal back in the 34th minute, but on the stroke of half time Nicholls was fouled in the penalty area and he stepped up to score his 22nd goal of the season. Both Nicholls and Pickett worked tirelessly throughout the game.

Dave Stevens pulled Leatherhead back into the game again in the 58th minute to make it 3-2, and despite creating a few chances, Hendon were unable to put the game out of reach, not having much luck in front of goal. Their punishment came in the 89th minute when Stevens struck again to take the game into extra time. Within seven minutes of the restart, the game was put out of reach as the defence went to sleep three times in quick succession to let in Wes Harrison twice, and Stevens to complete his hat-trick, making the score 6-3. Leatherhead then held on comfortably to progress through to the last 16.