Hendon rounded off their 2006-07 campaign with a narrow but deserved victory over Margate at Claremont Road on Saturday afternoon. It completed a run of six games unbeaten, during which the Greens have won four times, and meant that Hendon finished the season in 14th place - a truly magnificent performance by Gary McCann, Freddie Hyatt, Bontcho Guentchev and Mark Findley in the dugout and the players themselves.

The only change to the 16 which was named at Worthing was Bontcho Guentchev replacing Franklyn Morris on the bench, but the starting line-up was unaltered. For Margate, two of three former Hendon players, Pat Sappleton and Steve McKimm, were unavailable, but Rob Haworth started the game up front.

It was a gorgeous afternoon and the crowd of 417, swelled by a large contingent of visiting fans, was entertained although there were no goals. Hendon displayed the greater purpose, but Margate offered a more direct threat. That said, efforts on target were at a premium.

A Takumi Ake free-kick was comfortably gathered by Scott Chalmers-Stevens and he quickly threw the ball downfield. It was passed to Danny Hockton and his low drive was well saved by Richard Wilmot. Daragh Duffy, Rakatahr Hudson and Belal Aiteouakrim all had efforts, but they were either off target, blocked or were easy saves for Chalmers-Stevens.

The closest Hendon came to a goal was with the last kick of the half when a fine run by Wayne O'Sullivan ended with a shot which deflected off the book of Justin Skinner and was diverted and slowed so Chalmers-Stevens, who had committed himself early, was able to gather the ball easily.

Hendon's match-winner came in the 50th minute and it was a cracker. Davis Haule looped a throw-in over Louis Smith, who fell over as he tried to cover Ake. The Japanese youngster passed inside to Aiteouakrim, taking out two potential markers.

Suddenly in space, Aiteouakrim went around Robin Trott and lashed a shot across Chalmers-Stevens and into the far corner of the net. The ball was struck so hard it rebounded out of the goal and ended up on the edge of the six-yard-box.

Margate, who had brought on Lee Protheroe for Greg Oates at half-time, were stung into action. However, Hendon's defence, with Marc Leach outstanding and James Burgess, O'Sullivan, James Parker and Craig Vargas merely excellent, were in no mood to give away this lead.

Gate had two real chances, both from crosses, but neither header was close to the target. As the match progressed, it was clear their frustration was growing, but they were professional enough not to use take it out violently on Hendon players.

After 67 minutes, Vargas limped off to be replaced by Bontcho Guentchev, who was used in a defensive left-side position, just in front of O'Sullivan, who had moved across to left-back and Burgess dropped into right-back. Defensively, Hendon barely missed a beat.

Duffy's excellent afternoon's work came to an end with about 10 minutes remaining and he was replaced by Ross Pickett, who really should have added to the Hendon lead after 86 minutes, but he lobbed the ball high over the bar. Two minutes earlier, Aiteouakrim had snatched at a shot and driven a glorious opportunity off target.

A piece of club history was made in the 87th minute, when Ake made way for Iavor Guentchev, the son of the player-coach. It is believed to be the first time in club history that a father and son have appeared in the same senior match for the club.

And Iavor almost set up the ultimate in fairy tale finishes. Deep in injury time, he went on a mazy run past two defenders and sent a cross towards his father. Bontcho would surely have scored; Aiteeouakrim, who intervened, put the ball inches wide of the target.

Mr McCann said, "I can't thank the players and supporters enough, not only for today, but for the contributions throughout the season. Today's performance epitomised our season. I thought we were easily the better side, certainly we were the only team out there trying to win. However, we were a little too intricate at times, but we were, as usual, full of workrate, commitment and effort."