We can’t make a typo with this one because Hendon is only one letter away from becoming a “hen do” – a very different thing. We’ve just come to that staggering realisation and it’s not like we’ve been starved of the opportunity to discover it sooner. Anyway, we’re getting far too off the beaten track here. Our head-to-head record against the Greens is helpfully spotless; plenty of goals being scored in the process. Our first five meetings against couldn’t have gone better either.
After playing in the Diadora League Premier Division together for two campaigns (1992-3 and 1993-4), our most recent encounter to date came 10 years later in 2004; Boro’ winning 5-0 in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.
Hendon: The Facts
Silver Jubilee Park,
Townsend Lane, Kingsbury, London, NW9 7NE
If you rewind the film back far enough, you’ll stumble upon a Hendon side that were a formidable proposition. We’re talking a two-decade-long stretch between the Coronation year of 1953 and the, well, non-Coronation year of 1973 to be as specific as we can get. There were two Athenian League titles, two Isthmian League championships, and an excellent hattrick of FA Amateur Cup victories. But, sadly, there was nowhere for them to go.
There was also an appearance in the FA Cup 3rd Round against Newcastle United in 1973-4. Now there’s something that sounds a bit familiar…
Non-league can be a cruel mistress; the Greens’ aura long fading by the time we first shared a pitch with them. The first meeting between us and them took its time in coming round. That’s mainly our fault, given that we weren’t in a position to get promotion to the Diadora League Premier Division until 1992. By that point, Hendon were knocking around there for quarter of a century and, at 25 years, that was pretty much the entire duration of our existence.
Not since 1977 and that time Hendon first landed in the Premier Division of the Isthmian/Ryman/Diadora/whatever you want to call it league had the Greens budged. Well – on the pitch, at least. They said goodbye to their former Claremont Road ground in 2008. After a move to Barnet’s Copthall Stadium fell through, they shared a few venues around the place – including Wembley, Harrow Borough, and Edgware & Kingsbury.
How to get to Hendon – Travel Information – Distance: 25 miles
By Road
The trip to Silver Jubilee Park is a simple one; taking the A1(M) and A1 south until you reach Apex Corner. At the roundabout here, take the second exit for the A5109. Follow this over the next two roundabouts, which are in close succession to each other.
At the third roundabout, however, go straight across for the second exit and take Orange Hill Road. Turn right onto Watling Avenue as you come to Burnt Oak library, before turning left onto the A5. You’ll be making an immediate right, however, onto Stag Lane from here.
Go through the first roundabout you come to, and then take the second exit at the next; onto Roe Green. At the end of the road, turn left for the A4006. In half a mile, it’s right onto Townsend Lane and left in another 0.2 miles where the ground will be.
On-site parking is at a premium and the Greens’ car park is often shut well before kick off. If that’s the case, you should find plenty of side street parking.
By Rail
Station: HENDON
Services to: LONDON ST PANCRAS
The walk from the station is just over a mile and takes around 25 minutes. Go out of the station and head southwest on Station Road. If you are crossing the path of the M1, you are heading in the wrong direction.
Turn left onto West Hendon Broadway (A5) and then turn right onto Cool Oak Lane. This will take you on a path cutting across Brent Reservoir and past West Hendon Allotments. As you come to the houses, take a sharp right to remain on the tree-lined path.
