Hendon preview

Following Tuesday night’s defeat to Billericay Town at the Maurice Rebak Stadium, in a game which was overshadowed by an injury to Wingate & Finchley’s Tommy Cummings, Keith Rowland’s side will be eager to pick up their first three points of the season at home to rivals Hendon. As aforementioned, Tommy Smith’s equaliser had given the Blues the momentum before a horror tackle just before the break left everyone’s focus and concern on Wingate’s all-action left-back. A slumbered second-half saw a solitary goal fall the way of a less-concerned visiting team. When something like that happens in football, the result becomes secondary. However, there’s no doubt that come Saturday, everyone who wears the Wingate badge will be fully focused on getting the three points – for the fans, and Cummings. Hendon will be coming into the game in similar form, having only picked up one point from their first two fixtures. A 1-1 draw at the Kingsmeadow against Kingstonian followed a crushing 3-0 home defeat to Worthing. The Greens will have the option of fielding former Blues; Spencer McCall, Nico Muir and Karl Oliyide. Manager Gary McCann overlooked his side taking four points from six last season, a 4-3 home victory came before a 1-1 draw at Summers Lane. However, with only five, and six players respectively, who featured in last years squad’s against the team from Silver Jubilee Park still involved, the Blues’ supporters will be hoping for a completely different outcome. Billy Healey grabbed himself a goal apiece in both fixtures and will be looking to get his first of the season, whilst fellow strikers Rob Laney and Reece Beckles will be eager to stake a claim for their place, as the North Finchley outfit look to build momentum. Still in the midst of adversity, Saturday will provide Wingate a great opportunity to look for something positive, and what better way to start than against an old foe. By Khalid Karimullah