Fareham suffer league awakening in Hendon defeat
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM TOWN suffered a major awakening for their Isthmian League ‘ambitions’ as they travelled away for this first time in four weeks with a trip to Hendon on Tuesday evening (September 30); eventually being overwhelmed in a huge seven-one defeat despite moments of quality throughout the ninety minutes after a ‘long journey’ to Silver Jubilee Park.
The Creeksiders however started brighter despite a delayed kick-off and saw this first chance within just three minutes; Cam Sullivan forcing a double save by Hendon’s Josh Strizovic at his near post. This opportunity sparked the hosts to life and they did see fine opportunities to take this lead; Keagan Cole and Zak Joseph going closer in rapid succession.
It took eighteen minutes for this first goal and it fell to Hendon using a very simple method; Dave Diedhiou taking a free header at a corner and guiding into the net from six yards. And it was two-nil moments later through a wondergoal from Joseph who struck a half-volley that lobbed Declan McCarthy into the corner of the goal at a distance of forty yards out.
The second goal shocked Fareham and they struggled to gain the momentum versus ‘high-pressing’ tactics as Hendon dominated; Tobi Adaje hitting the crossbar after 31 minutes and Joseph forcing McCarthy into a stop. Pressure was still building and the hosts didn’t let this slip as they made it three before this interval; Adaje blasting home after a fine pass.
To their credit Fareham came out firing despite a three-nil scoreline and had brilliant chances to score; Strizovic saving efforts from Sullivan, Matt Pates and Jamie Arnold within a period of six minutes before the hour. But their push for this goal left them open to this counter attack and Cole took full advantage as he beat several defenders to make it four-nil.
Substitutions signalled a welcomed lull for both teams with Fareham earning a reward for their efforts on seventy-three minutes through Charlie Cooper, who weaved onto his favoured foot and slotted into this far corner. But all hopes for a dream comeback were ended nine minutes later when Tahjae Anderson placed a drive at the back stick to score a fifth.
There was enough time for two further goals however to Hendon; their first coming when rapid interplay was converted inside the empty net by Nikolai Krokhin at the far post to make it six-one going into stoppage time. And it saw the home team into seventh heaven when the ball was stolen off an away defender before being rocketed home by Sam Shaban.
Victory means that Hendon are now in mid-table and did rise multiple places due to this swing in goal difference; which has meant that Fareham now sit just above this relegation zone in eighteenth position. They will be looking to halt their recent losing streak when they visit Southall for a rare Sunday league encounter to take place from 2pm this October 5.
PICTURED BY FAREHAM TOWN MEDIA: Away midfielder attempts to twist pass from Hendon defenders in thrashing.
