Hendon U18s moved to within four points (required from their final two matches) of the Cheshunt Youth League title after they completed a double over their biggest rivals for the title, Whitewebbs Eagles, at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre.

This was a superb performance from the team which had suffered a dip in form in recent weeks.

Hendon took the lead after 31 minutes, when Patrick DAVAL struck a superb curling shot with the outside of his foot and the ball nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Ten minutes in the second half, Ferhat PIRUDAK crept unseen into the penalty area and, when Daval’s cross found him, he was unmarked and converted the chance on the half-volley.

Sholto NENE made a massive contribution to the cause, five minutes later, when the centre-back was perfectly positioned to clear a Whitewebbs chance off the goalline.

In the 68th minute, a reverse pass from Corey Stewart released Hasan DUGUNYURDU and he finished with aplomb.

Whitewebbs gave themselves a lifeline when they pulled a goal back with 12 minutes to go, but Hendon made the game safe in the 87th minute when Bradley AMBROSE, who had made such a big difference as a second half substitute for the first team at Folkestone the day before, converted a penalty after Daval had been felled by a defender (he had already beaten four of them on a mazy run).

“We played some fantastic football today,” said a delighted joint manager Jason Fevrier. “Our midfield three, David Oladejemi, Steven GONZALEZ and Patrick DAVAL, were absolutely outstanding and Whitewebbs couldn’t cope with them throughout the game. And my man of the match was Patrick DAVAL, who was absolute class.”