Fri 19 Aug 2022, 09:33
Hendon go into Saturday’s game against Southern League South Premier Division newcomers North Leigh still looking for their first point of the season. The visitors from Oxfordshire find themselves in a similar position after losses at Dorchester Town (2–1) and at home to Metropolitan Police (2–0) and Winchester City (4–2).
Unsurprisingly this is the first time the two teams have met given the relatively recent rise of North Leigh. Like Hendon, the Millers were formed in 1908 but it was not until 1990 that they entered senior league football, joining the Hellenic.
Two promotions after a number of years saw North Leigh reach step 4 and, in 2021–22, they finished sixth in Division One Central. They earned a playoff place only because of the exclusion of Welwyn Garden City, who finished three points ahead of them, and playoff wins away at Berkhamsted and Ware gave the Millers promotion to the Premier Division.
Managed by Eddie Odhiambo and Michael Alexis, under Director of Football Craig Dore, the Millers are an interesting mix of youth and experience, though they have the benefit of most of the squad having played together in their run to the playoffs and ultimately promotion.
Striker Levi Steele, who was prolific at Hellenic League level last season, netting 57 goals in 36 appearances for Easington Sports, has already been on target twice, but the honour of North Leigh’s first goal at step went to defender Ben Brown, who had experience at Hayes & Yeading United.
Discounted advance tickets are still available to purchase online from the link below.