Hendon boss upbeat over play-off final

Hendon boss Gary McCann believes the confidence gained from a long unbeaten run leaves his side in good shape ahead of Sunday’s Ryman League play-off final.

The Greens came from behind to beat Met Police 2-1 in the play-off semi-final on Thursday night, making it 25 games without defeat.

They will also have home advantage after finishing ahead of big-spending opponents Margate in the final table.

Hendon have not lost in any competition since 31 January, just as McCann was about to celebrate 10 years in charge of the club.

In three matches against Margate this season, including one in the Ryman League Cup, Hendon have won twice and drawn once – and McCann is keen to see that record extended in the promotion showdown.

He told West London Sport: “We’ve not experienced defeat in a long time. It’s not in our DNA at the moment.

“We’ve not been beaten at home since August, which is some feat in itself.

“Margate were the favourites at the start of the season. Have they underachieved? I think their players and management would say they possibly have.

“The three games [against Margate] probably count for a bit mentally but do they count for the prize on offer on Sunday? Probably not.”

Margate are managed by former Hayes boss Terry Brown, and their squad features several ex-Hayes & Yeading United men, including centre-backs Charlie Wassmer and Ben Gerring, left-back Sam Rents and striker Freddie Ladapo.

Ex-Hayes keeper Nikki Bull, former Hampton & Richmond players Lewis Taylor and Ryan Moss, ex-Hendon full-back Jack Bennett and one-time Wealdstone and Harrow defender Adam Cash are also in Margate’s ranks.

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