Hendon took control of their FA Cup qualifying tie with a composed 3–1 victory over Hullbridge Sports at Silver Jubilee Park on Saturday. The hosts dictated long spells of the match and used their greater experience to good effect, booking their place in the next round without ever needing to reach top gear.

Hullbridge Sports arrived with a game plan designed to frustrate Hendon and keep things tight for as long as possible. That approach worked for the opening quarter of the game, with the visitors defending deep and looking dangerous on the occasional counter. But Hendon’s patient build-up gradually carved open the defensive structure, and once the first goal arrived, the rhythm of the tie changed entirely.

Momentum shifts in Hendon’s favour

The opener came from a well-rehearsed corner routine, with a near-post flick sending the ball into the roof of the net. Hullbridge responded with a rare forward foray and managed to level the score with an opportunistic strike from the edge of the box, rewarding their persistence. The equaliser, however, only seemed to galvanise Hendon, who stepped up the tempo and regained the lead before the half-time whistle through a low finish after a mazy dribble inside the area.

Hendon continued to control the game after the interval, holding possession comfortably and restricting Hullbridge to long-range efforts. A third goal sealed the result midway through the second half, arriving from a sweeping team move that was finished coolly by the onrushing midfielder. The visitors lacked the quality in the final third to mount a genuine response, and Hendon managed the closing minutes with ease.

Experience pays off in the FA Cup

Teams from higher or more seasoned non-league backgrounds often find their class telling in FA Cup qualifying fixtures, and this game followed that pattern. Hendon will be pleased with the professionalism shown, especially after allowing their opponents a way back into the game. Hullbridge can take pride in a spirited effort but ultimately came up against a polished side with a cutting edge.

Attention now switches to the next round draw and the prospect of another cup adventure for Hendon, whose supporters will hope this performance is a sign of things to come.