Hendon moved to within a point of safety in the Southern League Premier Division South after a surprise 2-1 win over mid-table Merthyr Town.

Shaun Lucien and Liam Brooks had the Greens two ahead at the break and although Kieran Lewis halved the deficit after the break, Hendon held on for a vital three points.

Former England C international Eddie Oshodi made his Hendon debut while Tom Smith, Keiron Forbes and Luke Brooks also came into the side.

It could have been the worst possible start for the Greens when Gethyn Hill was sent tumbling by Oshodi in the box, but on loan Barnet goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics managed to block Hill’s effort with his legs.

Instead, it was Hendon that took the lead when Brooks played the ball through for Lucien and he dinked the ball over the advancing Alex Harris.

Ten minutes later, the referee pointed to the penalty spot again, this time in the hosts’ favour after a high challenge from Jarrard Wright. Brooks took responsibility and although Harris got a touch, he could only push it onto the post before it crossed the line.

Merthyr came out for the second half with a renewed energy and they quickly got themselves back in the game as Lewis fired a terrific volley past Matrevics, who was left with no chance.

Hendon managed to see out the rest of the game, though, and they are now just one point behind Yate Town in the table.

Next for them is a visit to ninth-placed Poole Town this Saturday.