A much improved defensive performance laid the basis for Hendon's second three-point haul in a week to climb the table to 9th after beating Basingstoke Town 2-0.

In an even contest, both sides traded blows with the two goalkeepers called into regular action, and Basingstoke hitting the crossbar shortly after the break. Niko Muir broke the deadlock with a poacher's finish from Shaun Lucien's cross on the hour mark, and he went close to adding a second when his low drive came back off the inside of the post.

Hendon then defended for their lives as Basingstoke pressed for the equaliser, but the points were sealed in stoppage time as sub Florian Envoudou-Ada's persistence was rewarded on the byline and his pull back saw Muir slide home the crucial second goal.

Tuesday evening sees Hendon take on Uxbridge in the Middlesex Senior Cup 1st round at Silver Jubilee Park, kicking off at 7:45pm.