Benni brace sees Hendon defeat Donetsk

Hendon climbed several places up the table as they claimed a much-needed three points against Donetsk to end their poor run of form.

MGBSFL Division Three:
Shacharit Donetsk 1 Hendon United B 3
Sunday, 9 November, 2014

The day didn’t get off to a great start when the referee didn’t turn up, but luckily the Donetsk manager stepped up and offered to take charged.

Hendon boss Adam Glekin had stressed the importance of getting off to a good start to his team, and his prayers were answered in the first minute. James Neidle played a long ball forward, Ben Glekin flicked on, Benni Sluckis rounded the goalkeeper and his shot had just enough power to creep over the line.

They doubled their lead before there were ten minutes on the clock when as a corner fell to Ben Glekin, his excellent touch set up Neidle to slam home. Donetsk pressed towards the end of the first half, but the Hendon defence was superb – Gideon Caller in particular was magnificent in completely nullifying the threat of Donetsk dangerman Adam Ellis.

Donetsk were given a lifeline early in the second half when they were given a dubious penalty which was converted, but after surviving a period of pressure, Hendon restored their their-goal lead with a wonderful goal on the counter-attack. Chaim Kormon went on one of his jinking runs down the left, before feeding Jono Nesbitt to lift over a great cross and Benni Sluckis rose like a salmon to power in a header. Donetsk pushed to find a way back into the game, but the Hustlers continued to defend excellently.

A delighted Hendon manager Adam Glekin said: “I made a big point of telling the lads we’d scored the opening goal once the whole season – so they scored after 30 seconds to shut me up! Many thanks to their manager for refereeing so we could have a game. We were a bit unhappy with the penalty he gave his team but other than that he was very fair. I have to give special credit to my defence today. Chaim Strom, James Neidle, Ezekiel Jacob and Gideon Caller – they were all outstanding. Avi Mocton had his best game of the season in midfield, Ben Glekin gave us something different up front, and Benni Sluckis has provided us with the goal threat we’ve been missing. All in all a pleasing performance, and we must continue this next week against Boca in what is another huge game.”