Hendon U18s’ only defeat in the Cheshunt Youth League so far this season came when, due an administrative issue, they were forced to forfeit a match against high-flying Bush Hill Rangers.

Hendon gained a degree of revenge in the League Cup a few weeks ago, but, more importantly, picked up three League points from the game against them on Sunday.

New signing Ayodeji AKINYEMI gave Hendon the lead after 11 minutes, an advantage they held until seven minutes before half-time.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Bush Hill Rangers took the lead, signalling a double-change by the Hendon management pair of Lee Hayes and Jason Fevrier.

On came Ryan McFarlane and another newcomer, Cory Stewart, who has impressed with his attitude in training recently.

They made a rapid difference and they stretched the Bush Hill defence to breaking point allowing first-team squad member Bradley AMBROSE the chance to drive home a 73rd-minute equaliser.

Hayes and Fevrier had one more ace up their sleeve. His name is Ivan Tihati and he was sent on for the final few minutes with the express instructions of running at the defence and trying to score a winning goal.

With almost the last touch of the match TIHATI did just that and Hendon grabbed all three points.

Fevrier said: “This was probably our worst performance of the season as a team, but we still managed to grind out a win. I am giving my man of the match award to Ivan TIHATI. We sent him on with certain instructions and he followed them perfectly. I must also mention goalkeeper Sean BAZELL, who made some very important saves to keep us in the game.”