Heybridge Swifts 1 Hendon 2

Ryman League Premier Division

Hendon ended the 1999-2000 season in style with a late decider in a victory over Heybridge Swifts on Saturday. It means the Dons finished eighth, the second-highest position for 13 years (Hendon were fourth in 1987 and fifth in 1998).

Hendon should have been awarded two early penalties within the space of two minutes.

Heybridge keeper Kingsley Banks had his leg high and caught Paul Whitmarsh, causing him to land heavily.

While Whitmarsh was still receiving treatment off the field, Banks claimed his second Hendon scalp. He went in two-footed, catching Davis Haule on the thigh, but referee Mr J Pearce allowed play to continue.

In the 12th minute, Heybridge nearly opened the scoring, but Kris Lee spooned the ball over the bar.

It was from the spot that Hendon deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute. Haule skipped past Ian Wiles and attempted to do the same with Colin Wall.

The tall defender, however, lifted his leg and sent Haule crashing to the ground. The assistant referee had no hesitation insignalling for a penalty which Freddie Hyatt duly converted with a fine lowdrive past Banks' dive.

Ten minutes later, Hyatt produced one of the finest pieces of skill by a Hendon player ever seen.

He collected a pass from the excellent Warren Kelly on the left, flicked the ball up with his heel, high over defender Mark Cranfield and ran on to trap it as it landed five yards behind him.

The midfielder could not finish with a goal but the crowd, to a man, applauded in appreciation.

Bontcho Guentchev, Hendon's Bulgarian World Cup star, said: 'I have played with some of the best players in the world, Hristo Stoichkov, Luis Figo, and I have never seen such a piece of skill in a game.'

Whitmarsh, denied by Banks with a brilliant double save, had to retire with a dead leg before the break, and Dominic Gentle took over.

Within a minute, Heybridge replied in controversial circumstances. Nicky Simpson, pushed Paul Towler over and knocked the ball past keeper Andy Iga.

Incensed Hendon defenders surrounded Mr Pearce, who had given the goal, but their protests were in vain.

The second half was not as good as the first. Haulle wasted two good chances, and Towler shot over when well placed, before Hendon snatched victory in injury time.

Gary Fitzgerald sent over a perfect cross, Banks collided with Clarke, and Haulle headed home from four yards.

'We played some lovely stuff today,' said happy manager Frank Murphy. Freddie's bit of skill was exceptional, but we battled hard.'

HENDON: Iga, Howard (Fitzgerald, 71), Clarke, Daly, Bartholomew, Towler, Guentchev (Watson, 60), Hyatt, Whitmarsh (Gentle 40), Kelly, Haule.