Hendon bowed to defeat in Essex on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat at Bowers & Pitsea when sub Samir Ali got onto the end of a left-wing cross with 10 minutes remaining to settle a tight, dour affair.

Billie Busari had Hendon's best moment when he forced a fine save from the home goalkeeper before Ethan Light was dismissed for a second caution midway through the second half.