Hendon remain eight points off the playoff places after an 11th away Ryman League Premier Division victory against Metropolitan Police. Although there are still six weeks remaining in the campaign, this match had a distinct end-of-season feel to it and the two teams cancelled each other everywhere on the pitch.

Michael Bryan returned to the starting line-up in place of Tony Taggart - compared to the previous League match - while Adam Wallace was fit enough to take his place on the bench for the first time in more than a month. Archange Nkumu, who impressed in his debut on Thursday night, was another of the substitutes.

Unfortunately, Hendon were forced to make a change inside the first quarter of an hour. James Fisher came up for a Hendon corner, but never returned to his defensive position as he suffered a muscle injury and was helped off. Sam Flegg slotted in at centre-back, partnering Casey Maclaren.

For the first half-hour, Hendon were the better team, but they did nothing to trouble Stuart Searle in the Metropolitan Police goal. Jose Figura, Anthony Thomas and Leon Smith all had shooting chances, but their accuracy was found wanting, most notable a drive from Thomas that resulted in Blues throw-in five yards from the goal-line.

Gradually, however, the Police began to find their feet and Tyrone Pink began to force the Blues forward. In the 36th minute, he created a great chance for Nigel Neita, who side-footed the ball towards what seemed like an unguarded part of the goal.

His celebration was stilled as Joe McDonnell produced a breath-taking save, throwing his body in front of the ball and pushing it aside. Four minutes later, McDonnell made a more routine stop, keeping out a low shot form Jordan Hibbert.

By the time of the half-time whistle, Hendon were rather hanging on, but they had made rods for their own backs by becoming sloppy with their passing. The players were also looking a bit jaded, but their defensive discipline was outstanding.

Although neither Jack Bennett nor Chris Seeby were able to get forward as much as they, or the management team, would have liked, they did their defensive duties excellently.

In front of the back four, Kevin Maclaren was, once more, a tower of strength. His play in the centre of midfield has been exceptional in recent weeks and he was as good as ever, partnered willingly by the equally good Lee O'Leary. They completely nullified the often dangerous Tyrone Smith and forced Howard Newton to attack from much deeper than he would have preferred.

Twenty minutes into the second half, the Police created another half-chance, again a shooting opportunity for Hibbert. His effort was low, but lacked the power to trouble McDonnell, who made a comfortable save.

Amazingly, that was only the third effort on target from either team, and the Met would have not have another in the match. With 15 minutes to go, Leon Smith, who had run willingly with little return, was withdrawn in favour of Wallace.

Hendon's reputation is that of a good passing team, always looking to move the ball around the pitch. In the 1-0 defeat of Bognor Regis Town two weeks ago, the complaint from both camps was that neither team had a Plan B.

In this game, Hendon did have a Plan B: knock it long, chase it hard and hope for a mistake. The result was the Greens' only shot on target and, more importantly, the game's only goal.

The ball came straight down the middle and Wallace tussled with Elliot Taylor as it bounced midway between the centre circle and the D of the penalty area. Wallace got the better of Taylor and was able to get the ball under control.

Searle came off his line and Wallace spotted him, so he rolled the ball just far enough out of his reach. There was not much power in the effort, but the ball still was well-enough struck to beat the retreating Taylor and end up nestling in the net.

The home side did have one last chance, in the fourth minute of stoppage time. A left-wing corner picked out the giant Ryan James, who appeared to have an almost empty net into which he could plant a header.

Two players leapt in front of him, which may have put him off a little, but James sent the ball inches over the crossbar. He stood motionless, just inside the six-yard box, a picture of misery, as the realisation quickly dawned on him that the game's last chance - to him - had gone begging.