The first team finally won their first league game at SJP this afternoon, beating Merstham 2-1, in a win that was dedicated by Gary McCann, the squad and the club to the memory of Geraldine Clarke, whose life was marked before the game with a minutes silence.

Gary said "On behalf of all the team management and players we would like to dedicate that win to Geraldine's memory", words that will be echoed by everyone connected with Hendon Football Club.

The first half was goalless, with the Greens best chance coming from Keagan Cole who saw his flicked volley saved by the keeper, whilst at the other end the back four were much more solid, together with Tom Lovelock in goal.

Lovelock was in fine form in the second half, making three or four excellent saves, whilst it was captain Casey Maclaren who broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a fierce header from a corner. With five minutes to go a fine move saw debutant Matt Ball deliver a superb pass into the path of Karl Oliyide, who beat his defender and slammed the ball into the net past the despairing dive of Phil Wilson.

The visitors did score a late consolation, Rae Bailey-Allen finding the back of the net, deep into stoppage time, but it wasn't enough to stop the Greens securing a much needed three points.

Gary and the squad will now be working hard this week to build on the win with a tough trip to Tonbridge Angels on the horizon next Saturday afternoon.