United suffer setback as Howard bags a brace (03.04.04)

SATURDAY'S defeat at Claremont Road put the Magpies’ precarious season back in the balance, as promotion rivals Basingstoke and Kettering cranked up the pressure by both notching wins.
The result also saw Hendon tighten their grip on the runners-up spot, as they extended their unbeaten run to an impressive 16 games.
In an archetypal game of two halves, the hosts began with the strong, gusting wind at their backs and took the lead on 18 minutes, when Eugene Ofori slammed Forbes’ cross in off the underside of the bar.
Clearly unsettled by the goal, United conceded a second just three minutes later, when former Magpies midfielder Andy Cook set up Anthony Howard, who squeezed a shot under keeper Nick Hart.
Within a minute of the restart United got themselves back in the game, when a good run and cross from Danny Bolt was matched by superb header at the far post from Lawrence Yaku. However, Hendon continued to dominate territory and possession and restored their two-goal lead on 33 minutes, with slow-motion defending allowing Howard in for his second goal of the day.
With the wind working to their advantage in the second half, United pushed Hendon back but failed to produce many clear-cut chances.
The closest they came to scoring was through Danny Bolt on 65 minutes, whose dipping shot beat the stranded keeper but not the crossbar.
Apart from that, Hendon’s big back three dealt comfortably with any direct attempts on goal, while King utilised a combination of punches and catches to cut out the numerous crosses.
Former Hendon favourite Rob Haworth did have a chance to narrow the deficit late in the day, but headed wide from a good position.