HENDON EDGE OUT ENFIELD TOWN IN MIDDLESEX CUP

In the shadow of the Wembley arch it was a case of the same old story on Tuesday night in that is was another game and another defeat for Enfield Town as Ryman Premier Division Hendon finished 3-2 winners in the Middlesex Senior Cup game at Vale Farm.

There were many postitives to take from this match in that is was a good gritty performance from the team against an impressive Hendon side - the return of Andy Jones to the starting line up was another big plus.

Town's travelling faithfull behind the goal

Town took the lead through a well taken Daniel Jones goal from outside of the box but were pegged back to 1-1 by half time when a corner was swung in, glanced on and into the back of the net by a player at the near-post.

Hendon made it 2-1 with a penalty kick but the Town player's heads didn't drop helped by the marshalling and talking of Lee Protheroe playing as one of three centre backs alongside Craig McKay and Dave Kendall.

It was 2-2 when a forward run by Paul Campbell caused some panic in the Hendon box for the ball to break to Leon Osei who calmly finished passing the ball into the back of the net.

Hendon were dangerous going forward, the cold end was very impressed by midfielder Danny Dyer who was up and down the field during the whole 90 minutes. A player with a great 'engine' who caused problems going forward and tracked back in support of his team mates. Rob Blackburne had made some good saves to keep Town in the game and it was 3-2 in the 82nd minute when a cross form the left hand side was headed down and past the unlucky Blackburne.

The glory of the Middlesex Senior Cup

Town went searching for an equaliser but as has been our luck in the past month we didn't get one. Adam Wallace on as a substitute had a chance and Liam Hope did all but score when his shot in the final moments just went the wrong side of the post in front of the 20 to 30 frozen travelling supporters behind the goal.

There were some encouraging signs in this match and there is no doubt in the cold end's mind that one of Town's opponents in the next few weeks is going to be on the end of 3 or 4 goal defeat. We all know Steve and the squad have been working really hard to try and turn things around on the pitch - Maybe it'll happen this weekend where a 3 or 4 goal win will be most welcome but a 1-0 scrappy lucky backs to the wall victory will be just as good.

The cold end was going to bring you some highlights via the new camera but is still getting to grips with it so still pictures is all I can manage at present.

The Wembley arch "just" visable in the background