Hendon, three days after producing possibly their worst 45 minutes of the season, came up with the goods and dealt a mortal blow to Concord Rangers' Ryman League Premier Division top-three hopes. The 2-1 victory at Thames Road was deserved if only for the gutsy, disciplined performance in the face of a confident and dangerous attacking force.

With the crazy schedule the Greens now face, each match will see multiple changes as players are given a few extra days to rest their tired bodies. However, the Thursday availability of Darren Currie certainly boosts the squad as it did on this evening.

The appalling weather on the day of the game, left fans in doubt as to whether it would go ahead. And those travelling to the game will have felt an ever-growing sense of foreboding as they went along roads with three to four inches of snow on the pavements less than 10 miles from Canvey Island. However, once they crossed onto the Island those fears dissipated as it appeared the snow had not ventured across the water!

Concord Rangers started the brighter and they took the lead in the fifth minute. Another strong raid resulted in the ball being played across the edge of the penalty area, from where it was laid back to Jason Hallett.

Needing no second invitation to strike the ball, Hallett sent it screaming past Thomas. It promised to be a long evening for the Greens, who went into the game without a recognised striker and at a ground where they had lost badly on their previous visits.

It was different this time. Hendon continued to weather a multitude of storms as the Beachboys looked to add to their advantage. However, Sam Flegg and James Fisher, ably assisted by Howard Hall and Scott Cousins kept them at bay, while Kevin Maclaren in front of the back four, and Thomas behind them, were equally reliable.

Concord did suffer a blow when Leon Gordon went off after 20 minutes, but they had a more than adequate replacement in Danny Spendlove. Given the cramped fixture schedule, Spendlove turned out to be the only change made by the Beachboys, but he soon forced a good save from Thomas.

Carl McCluskey ploughed a lone furrow up front for Hendon, but Dean Cracknell and Casey Maclaren were both willing runners in support with Lee O'Leary and Currie playing slightly deeper roles.

Just before half-time, and a little against the run of play, Hendon drew level when Cracknell found himself in space after a good move had opened up the Concord defence and, after receiving a superb pass from Currie, he fired past Dale Brightly.

Hendon went into the dressing rooms at half-time buoyed by their equaliser and they began the second half much better. The game was played at a very good pace and both teams created openings which they failed to take.

Max McCann took over from the tiring O'Leary for the final ten or so minutes and Hendon used his fresh legs to good effect. With just a few minutes remaining the Greens raided down the left and when Cracknell sent the ball across the penalty area, Casey Maclaren arrived to supply the coup de grace.

Concord were shell-shocked by the turn of events and could not find a way past the resolute Hendon rearguard to rescue even a point.