Hendon Under016s won a dramatic nine goal Harrow Youth League encounter on Sunday morning, just seeing off Harlington.

There was no hint of the drama to come in a first half completely dominated by Hendon. They took the lead with an own goal after four minutes and doubled the advantage after 22 minutes when Michael Adeyemi smacked in a 40-yard drive. A minute before half-time Zola Massimanga made it 30 and the game appeared to be over as a contest.

But, full credit must go to Harlington, who fought back magnificently and within five minutes of the resumption were trailing just 3-2. Hendon then hit back with two goal in a minute midway through the half, Massimanga, again, and Sharif Malik the marksmen. Harlington still weren't done and goals after 62 and 64 minutes again cut the deficit to a single goal.

Earlier this season, and last, Hendon would almost certainly have caved in, but not this time. With five minutes to go, after more than 10 minutes of incessant pressure, a Harlington shot struck the underside of the crossbar, bounced on the goalline and back into play. That was as close as the hosts came, and a very relieved and happy Hendon team trooped off the pitch victorious.

"We hung on by the very skin of our teeth," said delighted manager Paul McGreal. "We were excellent in the first half and showed real grit when put under pressure in the last few minutes. I think we just about deserved the win on the balance of play. Michael Adeyimi was an absolute colossus at the back, breaking up a lot of the Harlington attacks as well as scoring that spectacular goal and making two others. He was my man of the match."