Hendon were beaten 2-0 at Staines Town on Saturday afternoon. The Swans, who play a level above the Greens in Conference South, were deserving of their win which was secured courtesy of two goals in the first half.

Gary McCann fielded what was probably the strongest available XI, sticking with the three central defence formation that he has been trialling throughout pre-season.

Hendon had the first chance as early as the second minute, but neither Casey Maclaren or Elliott Brathwaite could get enough of a touch onto Oliver Sprague's excellent freekick to trouble Jack Turner in the home goal.

In the sixth minute, just as the heavens opened, Staines took the lead when Chace O'Neill found the back of the net. From here, the Swans looked the better side throughout the first half, and were given plenty of room to pass the ball around.

However, chances were at a premium at both ends, with the Greens defence working very hard to keep the home side out.

In the 33rd minute, the ball was played out of defence into the path of Leon Smith. He beat his marker and took the ball into the box, but his shot was very well saved by Turner.

Just before half-time, Louie Theophanous was played onside by a Hendon defender who had failed to hold his line with his colleagues. The Staines frontman didn't hesitate to latch on to the ball and fire it past George Legg.

The Greens began the second half much brighter, and didn't give the Swans as much time to play the ball around, which resulted in more possession for Hendon.

Chances continued to be limited, although in the 63rd minute an excellent move involving Smith and Lee O'Leary set up Kezie Ibe, but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Moments later, Danny Bassett had a great chance to extend the lead further, but much to the Greens' relief he fired wide of the target.

With twenty minutes to go, Ibe was brought down just outside the area. Michael Murray was immediately introduced to replace Sam Murphy, and it was almost the perfect substitution. Murray took responsibility for the freekick, and forced Turner into an outstanding save to keep the ball out.

As both sides made further substitutions, the final chance fell to O'Leary, but he wasn't able to quite get a touch onto Aaron Morgan's low driven cross.

Whilst the defeat was disappointing, particularly the manner of concession of the second goal, there were positives for the Greens to take from the game.

The focus now moves to the beginning of the new season - which starts next weekend with a home game against Bury Town.