Hendon came up against another top side on Saturday afternoon on their travels into Essex, and were defeated 3-1 by Canvey Island, who won the game with a workmanlike performance. However, it was not all bad news for Hendon, as the team performance was much improved, and for 75 minutes, they were in with a shout of getting something out of the game.

Hendon manager Dave Anderson made changes following the defeat at Gravesend in midweek, seeing Paul Towler and Davis Haule return to the starting line up, while Phil Ruggles made his debut after signing on loan from Woking during the week. Jon-Barrie Bates missed the game through suspension, while Ricci Crace missed out following his injury, and Ross Pickett was left out. Another debutant, Eugene Ofori joined Paul Yates and Mark Burgess on the bench.

Hendon made a much more positive start to the game than they have done recently and in the second minute Dale Binns harrassed Canvey keeper Ashley Harrison, and very nearly dispossed him. Both sides had early pressure, but were unable to capitalise on any crosses that were delivered, and in the 8th minute, Steve Parmenter had a wild shot which didn't worry the Hendon defence. A minute later, Binns made a break down the left wing, but Davis Haule was unable to put any strength on a shot.

Five minutes later, Canvey defender Mick Bodley left the field with a nasty gash to his head, and was replaced by Steve Ward. Soon afterwards, Simon Clarke delivered a free kick, but Paul Towler was unable to gain a decisive touch and the Canvey defence cleared the ball. In the 19th minute, Davis Haule won the ball, but was too selfish and shot well side when Phil Ruggles was in a better position.

Four minutes later pressure from both Haule and Ruggles forced Harrison into a rushed clearance, but soon afterwards Canvey created a good chance, but John Kennedy could only direct his powerful header towards David Hook in the Hendon goal. On the half hour mark the home side were forced into their second change when Mark Stimson limped off and was replaced by Lee Boylan.

In the 32nd minute Hendon had a good chance to take the lead when a Michael Woolner free kick was headed back across goal by Paul Towler, but no Hendon attacker was able to get the decisive touch and the ball was cleared away. Hendon continued to have the better of the possession, but Canvey's passing was probably the more accurate. Shortly before half time, Hook fumbled the ball and a Canvey player shot towards goal, but René Street was able to clear the ball off the line.

Hendon had the better of the early exchanges in the second half, but in the 49th minute Canvey took the lead. Chris DUFFY received the ball outside of the area, and sent a bending shot round a couple of defenders and just out of the reach of David Hook. However, Hendon kept their heads up, and created a number of half chances.

In the 54th minute, Phil Ruggles broke clear of the Canvey defence but shot just inches wide with Harrison beaten, and just a minute later Lee O'Donnell also shot wide. Soon afterwards Simon Clarke put a free kick on target, and from the clearance, Wayne Vaughan headed over the bar at the other end. Hendon won a couple of corners on the hour mark, but were unable to find the equaliser, and Canvey began to take a little more control of the possession.

In the 70th minute Davis Haule put Marvyn Watson into space, but the Canvey defence coped well and cleared the ball from danger. Just a minute later Michael Woolner delivered a superb crossfield ball to Dale Binns who was able to fire a firece shot at Harrison who pulled off a good save. Then from the resulting corner, Chris Sparks, who had an excellent game at the back, headed inches wide.

In the 75th minute, Paul Cobb replaced Steve Parmenter for Canvey, and within a minute COBB had put the home side 2-0 ahead when he received the ball unmarked and sent the ball past the helpless Hook. Three minutes later the game was won when Wayne VAUGHAN broke clear and drew Hook out of his goal and slotted the ball home just inside the near post.

However, Hendon still refused to give up, and from a Clarke free kick, Binns broke clear and forced a save from Harrison when he delivered a cross/shot into the box. Then from a Michael Woolner corner René Street headed over the bar as Hendon searched for a consolation goal. Chris Duffy drove the ball over the bar at the other end, before Mark Burgess forced Harrison into another save.

In the final minute Dale Binns had a fierce drive tipped over the bar by Harrison, but Hendon got their reward from the resulting corner when René Street headed the ball just over the line, which was spotted by referee Mr T Mason, who had a superb game throughout, correctly awarding the goal. There was no time for any further chances as the final whistle followed soon afterward.

After the game manager Dave Anderson was pleased with the general performance saying "We did well for 75 minutes, and were in with a chance of getting something out of the game. We have had a tough run of games, and hopefully the forthcoming games should be a little easier and we can pick up some points. It must be remembered that we drew the second half at Gravesend, and also the first half today. They are the top two sides in the league, and we knew that we were unlikely to compete with the leading sides this season."