Wingate Match

By John Rogers3/4/2018 22:29Tue Apr 3 22:29:49 2018

Views: 2703

A couple of thoughts about the Wingate game. I thought first half, considering the conditions, we were very good. Slick passing on a slick pitch with the front 4 excellent and turning the Wingate back four every which way and other - should really have gone in at the break a couple of goals to the good.

Second half, it took ten minutes to get going and in that time Wingate had scored twice with their only decent efforts on goal of the ninety minutes. I'm convinced that we could spend 90 minutes peppering their goal with efforts and still not beat them at the moment.

Anyway, the two penalties were clearcut, well taken by Niko (although Gore was a little unfortunate with the first). I thought we should have had two others and Wingate should probably have had two as well - it's not often I'll dig out an official, but I thought yesterday's was poor.

Just a word on Niko's achievement this season - first player to score 30 league goals in more than 50 years. That is quite some effort - particularly considering some of the forwards we've had at the club in that time. The only one I've seen beat 30 was Paul Whitmarsh, who was by far and away the best I'd seen until this season. I think Niko is at least as good as Whits was - potentially a better all round striker.

The way he links with Zak, in particular, is such a joy to watch.

Whatever happens from here on in this season, these boys deserve so much credit for what they've produced. The quality of football exceeds anything I've seen for a long time - even 2014/5 where we ground out results with the occasional piece of individual class. It's an exciting time to be a Hendon fan.

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Re: Wingate Match

By Mike Cox4/4/2018 15:55Wed Apr 4 15:55:14 2018In response to Wingate MatchTop of thread

Views: 2840

Niko's achievement this season is immense - very many congratulations (PLEASE STAY WITH US!!!)

We've had a good few tremendous strikers over the years but we will never beat the tally in 1964/65 of this fabulous quartet:- David Hyde - 59 goals(!), Peter Slade 36, Jimmy Quail 35 and Danny Lakey 30. For good measure the Greens banged in 123 goals in 38 league games (only 20 teams in those far off but still never to be forgotten days).

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Re: Wingate Match

By rwakeley4/4/2018 11:22Wed Apr 4 11:22:23 2018In response to Wingate MatchTop of thread

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I arrived around 12-30-ish - shout out to their groundsman - mowing his lawn in the rain.
Post match state of mind, one of complete annoyance. Wingate, again, start a re-start with new-found zest.
Completely owned the first half, the conditions prevailing we created a half chance on average every five minutes or so. Really impressed by the lads state of mind. We do look business like.
My main take away. I maintain we are improving. More options upfront. The lad Uchechi and Ashley for me look dynamic. The star for me on the day was Zac. We must be a right handful from an opposition standpoint.
The only disappointment the goals conceded - but the lads have been outstanding.
Didn't realize Margate had drawn their last six. Their last three games are a sod and Folkestone in a similar vein.
Since the league expanded alternate years the final play-off place has been around 83-85 points - tough ask for everybody. We've been steady throughout. One last huge effort lads and we're home - maybe literally.
Let's kick some ass!

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Re: Wingate Match

By jimsredwhiteandgreen4/4/2018 11:46Wed Apr 4 11:46:17 2018In response to Re: Wingate MatchTop of thread

Views: 2544

Monday's weather was awful and despite the horrid conditions it looked like there was well over 100+ hendon supporters amongst the attendance given as 207.
As said their right back was given the total run around in the first half to the point where his "head was making him dizzy" sang the hendon faithful! Even his dad had to laugh. Did everything right in the first half apart from score a handful and should have been out of sight come half time. Came out at half guard second half and before we knew it we were 2-1 down. Rallied again and equalised from the spot again. Chucked everything at them but couldn't find a winner. 2 points dropped rather than a point gained IMO.

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