Former striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale was the difference as Hendon opened 2023 with a narrow defeat in an entertaining game at Metropolitan Police.

Frank Keita grabbed his first league goal of the campaign after excellent build up from Rohdell Gordon and Joe White in the 18th minute before Herson Rodrigues Alves equalised within 60 seconds. Taylor-Crossdale pounced around the half-hour mark after Hendon failed to clear a set piece to seal the points.

Dave Diedhiou did have the ball in the net late on for the Greens, but his equaliser was ruled out by an Assistant's flag.