MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH WEST NEASDEN 2 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 2
David Garbacz believes Hendon can go into Sunday's Peter Morrison Trophy final with renewed optimism after a double from Dovi Fehler helped them conclude their league campaign with a hard-earned point against Neasden.
Dovi Fehler bagged a brace for the MGBSFL runners-up, sandwiched in between strikes from Dan Orgel and Adam Arnold but the point also gave Neasden a big lift as they now require just one point from their final game to secure Premier Division football next season.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "We knew we would be in for a bit of a battle today - Neasden had far bigger incentive than us and although we were very depleted today we were determined to give our all and it was vital for confidence and momentum not to lose before next week's cup final.
"Both teams had good chances in a very open game on a shocking pitch, but it made for excellent entertainment and an exciting match.
"We felt we had a stonewall penalty denied when 2-1 up in the second half which probably would have won us the game, but overall a draw was probably a fair result.
"We wish Neasden well in their final game next week - they deserve to stay up.
"As for us - today was a good start to the week after last week's disappointment. We feel ready now to put that behind us and we will go up North with a renewed optimism.
"We look forward to a decent training session in midweek and then we hope to represent the south with everything we've got."
NWN boss Stirling Kay told JC Sport: "It was a case of so near yet so far. In the first 45 we had four one-on-ones, but converted just one. This was very disappointing with Hendon only having 10 men for the first 25 minutes - the game should of been all over.
"But credit to Hendon - they played very well, kept the ball in that time and scored a very good equaliser.
"Once again, to the credit to my teammates, their heads did not drop, and with Scott Kay and Craig Cole dominating in the middle of the pitch, we kept on probing and eventually got a deserved equaliser through Adam Arnold.
"A special word of praise must go to Craig Cole who has spent much of the season on the bench through lack of fitness. He has worked so hard to get sharper and had his first start for a little while, and had his best game of the season. He was man of the match for his hard work and it just goes to show that a great attitude does pays off.
"In the last 15 minutes we had some glorious chances to win the game but we fluffed our lines. Hendon must take a lot of praise for there attitude to this game - they had nothing to play for and, like us, were missing a number of players, but yet did everything to win the game. We all wish them the best of luck in the final next week.
"For us, we played very well over all, but lacked that finishing touch, so we go into next week against FC Team knowing it's in our own hands."
