Hendon had keeper Tom Lovelock to thank as they threw themselves a lifeline in the relegation battle with a 2-1 victory over Leiston, who have now lost five matches in succession.

Gary McCann made a number of changes to the starting XI, with Sam Murphy, James Harper, Keagan Cole and Kezie Ibe starting in place of Elliott Brathwaite, Daniel Rumens, Dave Diedhiou and Elliott Charles - the latter three being on the bench with Luke Tingey and 16-year-old Malachy McGovern.

There was a moment of early controversy when Leiston's debutant keeper, Harry Lay-Fulcher, appeared to handled the ball just outside the penalty area, but the referee ruled that all was ok and the game continued.

After a couple of half-chances at either end, it was the visitors who took the lead through Matt Blake's neat finish at the midpoint of the first half. Hendon were nearly two down soon afterwards but for a world-class save from Lovelock from Gareth Heath's header.
As halftime loomed, a Hendon attack saw the ball land at the feet of Keagan Cole after some excellent work by Reis Stanislaus, and the 17-year-old curled the ball into the Leiston net with a superb finish.

Within three minutes of the restart, Hendon took the lead as they took the initiative. Some brilliant skill from Kezie Ibe plyed in Reis Stanislaus who slotted the ball home with aplomb.

The goal prompted sustained pressure from Leiston, but they found the Hendon back-line in fine form and consequently chances hard to come by. There were periods when the pressure was eased, and that saw the Greens play some good passing football.

In the 77th minute, the task of keeping the lead became a whole lot tougher after Arthur Lee received a straight red card for hauling back Joe Frances who was clean through on goal.

However, with Luke Tingey and Dave Diedhiou coming on the strengthen the defence, the Greens continued to hold firm, with Tom Lovelock making two or three outstanding saves in the final ten minutes.

Ultimately the visitors were unable to make their numerical advantage tell, and Hendon held on to secure a very important three points.