City’s FA Trophy hopes disappear in the Hendon gloom

City exited the 2017-18 FA Trophy this afternoon with a 2-1 defeat at Bostick League Premier Division Hendon FC. For the fourth successive City away trip the match was played on an 3G surface, although this one was more black rubber than artificial grass, and the regular showers didn’t help the quality of the game. Possession wise there was little to choose between the sides during the first half, although City looked the more threatening up front. Twice Opi Edwards had a sight of goal but couldn’t test home keeper Lovelock, then debutant Rhys Kavanagh directed a header straight at the shot stopper. However, it was the home side who opened the scoring on 39 minutes from their first effort on goal, Corcoran heading a corner toward goal for Lee to stab it home. City were level within two minute of the restart though, when a great run by Edwards saw him set up Tom Smith to sidefoot home. City briefly threatened to take control of the game, Edwards almost repeating the move and Frankie Artus looping a header onto the roof of the net. Kavanagh also had a couple of decent long range efforts but Hendon were also looking a greater danger going forward and on 74 minutes Muir was allowed to turn and cross for Cole to make it 2-1. City tried to get back in the game but Hendon denied them any further clear chances and should have grabbed a third in stoppage time, Luke Southwood denying Muir, before the final whistle ensured another disappointing entry in City’s FA Trophy history.