Match Preview – Hendon (FA Trophy)

Following the dramatic events at Margate on Tuesday evening, City’s Trophy run continues on Saturday in NW London when we visit Hendon of the Isthmian League in the first round. Our paths have only crossed twice before, both times in the FA cup, when we played The Greens in consecutive seasons in the late 90s. We lost both ties so hopefully we can make it third time lucky!

One of those matches was played at Hendon, but we won’t be visiting their old Claremont Road ground this time as they moved out in 2008. Since then home matches have been played at the likes of Staines Town, Northwood and Wembley until they moved into Silver Jubilee Park in Kingsbury last year, sharing with Edgware Town. So this will be a new ground for City supporters to tick off.

There is a clubhouse at the ground while a Google search suggests that the nearest pub of note can be found around ten minutes walk away at McDonagh’s Bar. Local attractions are somewhat limited, but a stroll around the Welsh Harp Reservoir sounds attractive or Brent Cross Shopping Centre and the Royal Air Force Museum are possibilities if it is wet!

Getting there

The trip from Bath should take around 2.5 hours, but be aware that the M4 will be shut between junctions 12 and 13 this weekend and there will be diversions via the A4. The Supporters Club are running a coach and full details can be found by ringing Martin Brush on 07881 728689.

The train journey from Bath Spa will take just under three hours, changing at Paddington and St Pancras, with a ten minutes bus ride from Hendon station to the ground.

Admission prices (for league matches) – Adult: £10, Concessions: £5, Students: £5, Under 18’s: £1

Whichever means of travel you use to get to Hendon, have a safe journey and hopefully the reward of a victory to take us into the second round!