Gary McCann’s 200th game as manager of Hendon turned out to be a particularly positive one as the Greens ran out 2-1 winners at AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday evening, a result that lifts them to 19th in the table and just one point away from safety. The Dons face the side in 18th, Margate, on Saturday in a traditional '6-pointer'.

McCann kept faith with the same players as on Saturday, despite the defeat to Tonbridge, and that faith was rewarded by his charges.

The game opened brightly for the home side, and as early as the fourth minute former Hendon striker Dean Green could have opened the scoring but instead dragged his shot wide of Richard Wilmot’s goal. Shortly afterwards Wilmot was forced into a great save from Kris Lee.

In the 21st minute, Charlie Mapes and Jamie Turley linked up well to set up Harry Hunt, whose shot was deflected wide. From the resulting corner Brian Haule had a shot cleared off the line and from the rebound James Parker saw his drive well saved by Dale Brightley.

Shortly afterwards, Kevin Maclaren was forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury, the youngster being replaced by Lubomir Guentchev. Almost immediately the young Bulgarian was in the thick of the action when his scissor kick volley flew narrowly wide of the goal from a Mapes corner.

The Urchins had plenty of possession during the first half, but found the Hendon defence in an unforgiving mood and shots at goal were rare. At the other end Mapes fired off a fine shot from 15 yards that dipped wickedly and hit the crossbar with Brightley beaten.

Shortly before half-time, McCann was forced into another change when Lee O’Leary was substituted for Glenn Garner. O’Leary had earlier received a nasty blow to the head and appeared to be sufferring as a result.

With a minute to go before the break, Hornchurch drew first blood. The ball was floated into the Hendon goalmouth and Wilmot was unable to gain possession at full stretch. The defence didn't manage to clear their lines quickly enough and the ball was driven home by Mark Janney.

The Greens came out in the second period determined to get themselves back into the game and Mapes was the first player to have a chance but his effort flew wide of goal.

Hendon were at this stage having far more of the possession, but as has so often been the case this season chances were at a premium. Meanwhile Wilmot was forced into another good save at the other end on the hour mark.

Two minutes later a lovely quick flowing move ended with Garner shooting over the bar, while Green saw another chance to score against his former club denied as Wilmot added to his list of saves on the night.

The 77th minute saw Hendon's equaliser and it was a thing of beauty. Marc Leach brought the ball out of defence and sent a lovely pass out to the wing where Jamie Turley took it under control. The young loanee from Wycombe took the ball forward around 15 yards before delivering a lovely cross into the box, from which Garner finished the move with a vicious volley, giving Brightley no chance.

The goal shook Hornchurch, but they had a superb chance to restore the lead three minutes later. Unfortunately for the home fans Paul Shave contrived to head the ball wide of the goal when it seemed easier to score.

The Urchins were punished for the miss almost immediately as their visitors moved the ball up field to Guentchev, who broke clear of the defence and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing Brightley. If the first goal had shaken Hornchurch, this one knocked the stuffing out of them.

The night was soured slightly in stoppage time as Garner was sent off for a second caution following an offside decision against Harry Hunt. The Hornchurch keeper threw the ball forward five yards and Garner, taking exception to this, threw the ball back. As the striker had earned an earlier caution for a tackle just after Guentchev's goal he recieved his marching orders. The referee then ensured that Brightley took the free-kick from the right spot as the 'keeper tried to gain further advantage.

Despite being reduced to ten men, the Greens held on comfortably for the five minutes of stoppage time to secure the points and ensure a happy journey home for the travelling fans.

(Report by Steve Rogers - not to be reproduced in any form without the author's agreement)