A battling Hendon gained three crucial points this afternoon at Silver Jubilee Park against a strong and competitive Merthyr Town side.

The visitors were given an early opportunity to open the scoring from the spot but Rihards Matrevics produced an excellent block with his legs. The Martyrs enjoyed the better of the opening 25 minutes but failed to make their superiority count.

The Greens then took control and went ahead after fine work by Liam Brooks fed Shaun Lucien who finished cutely, then a penalty just before the break saw Brooks' effort creep over the line after a valiant attempt by the Merthyr keeper to extend Hendon's lead.

The advantage was reduced after the break with a superb strike from Kieran Lewis and then the Greens came under heavy pressure but stood firm throughout to gain a vital win in their battle against the drop.