Hendon boss Gary McCann felt he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t after leaving out Leon Smith for Saturday’s 1-0 FA Trophy defeat by Ebbsfleet United.

The Conference South side, who parted company with boss Steve Brown ahead of Saturday’s clash, progressed to the first round proper thanks to Anthony Cook’s goal.

It was particularly galling for McCann, who elected to start Sam Murphy ahead of Smith on the right-hand side in order to better equip the Greens to deal with the threat offered by Cook.

Reflecting on the decision, McCann told the club’s website: “It worked well overall in containing him, but we were shackled in attack.

“This was one of those occasions that you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. I prefer not to set up our team to stop an opponent, but there are times when you have to make a difficult decision. Had the game gone to a replay, I would probably have played Leon.”

He added: “I am disappointed in the result. Overall, I think we gave a very good account of ourselves. We played our part in containing them when they attacked us, but we were well shackled when we went forward. I don’t think we let ourselves down at all in this game – unlike the loss to Dorchester.”

The Greens did enjoy cup success on Tuesday though, overcoming London Bari on penalties to reach the Middlesex Cup quarter-final.

After a goalless draw the game proceeded straight to spot kicks, with Hendon emerging 4-3 winners to reach the last eight of the competition.

Hendon are away to Bognor Regis Town on Saturday, before hosting Enfield Town on Tuesday in the Isthmian League Cup.