The Moles travelled around the North Circular for their first league game against Hendon at a noisy Silver Jubilee Park.
Before the game there was a minutes silence for Chichester City player Billy Vigar who sadly lost his life on Thursday after an incident during a game away at Wingate & Finchley.
The Moles started off the livelier time and they could have easily been 3-0 within 30 minutes as they had plenty of chances. A combination of the Hendon goalkeeper and missed opportunities frustrated the Moles. Hendon thought they had taken the lead in the 37th minute but the goal was ruled offside. At this point, the referee started to have an influence on the game. After booking two Hendon players in quick succession, for some reason he decided to keep his card in his pocket when Victor Ferrini fouled Ejiro Abbey on the edge of the box for what would have been his second yellow card. The first half finished 0-0.
Hendon substituted Ferrini at half-time to stop him from getting the inevitable second yellow card. The home time took the lead in the 47th minute when Bradley Dixon-Smith put one past the Moles keeper. Just a few minutes later, Natty Boakye was sent off for kicking the ball at the advertising hoarding in frustration after being tackle. The referee deemed that he was aiming the ball at the nearby linesman so instantly showed the red card. A decision that was met with universal confusion as the ball was nowhere near the linesman.
The Moles got themselves back into the game when Logan Coles whipped a corner straight into the goal in the 77th minute. However, Hendon instantly retook the lead when Niko Muir lobbed CJ Fubler. The visiting side looked to have the last word when they were awarded a penalty and it was slotted home by Ajani Giscombe. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of it as Hendon scored the winner in injury time when Tobi Adaje found the back of the net.
A frustrating game for the Moles on two counts; some strange refereeing decisions and their ability to defend when they have scored.
A tough game next when league leaders Leatherhead visit the Iconic Stadium on Tuesday night.
Photos: Daisy Spiers
