Hendon were defeated in their first pre-season run out 3-1 by Maidenhead United at a very warm Bisham Abbey on Saturday lunchtime.

Out of the 19 players fielded by the Greens, only 7 had appeared for the first team last season. The three new signings, Matt O'Brien, Dave Reading and Michael Peacock all played, and the remaining 9 players were trialists, although one, Jake Manzi, has been in the under 21 squad for the past few years.

Maidenhead, who fielded a similar number of players during the game, took an early lead in the 5th minute when an attacker intercepted a poor defensive pass and rounded the keeper to tap the ball home.

Hendon had a great chance to equalise midway through the half when trialist JJ Bates, the son of former player Jon-Barrie Bates, broke into the box, but his firm shot was aimed direct at the keeper.

The Magpies doubled the lead just before half time with a low drive from 20 yards and within 3 minutes of the second half starting, they were 3 goals to the good when a low shot was fired into the net.

However, Hendon put in a very positive performance throughout the game, and were rewarded in the 67th minute when the Maidenhead keeper fumbled the ball and Richmond Agyeman, who is a striker who was with Wealdstone Reserves last season, slotted the ball home from 3 yards.

Gary McCann was very happy with the performance after the game, and had plenty of positives to take away as he continues to prepare his squad for the new campaign.