Hendon got their pre-season off to a winning start by beating Northwood 4-1 at Silver Jubilee Park on Saturday, Andre da Costa scoring a hat-trick.

The Greens dominated proceedings in the first half but could not take their chances. Hendon created three or four good opportunities to break the deadlock but they were not taken and the tie was goalless at half-time.

It was a different story after the break, though, and in the second half Hendon looked better going forward.

Yet it was Northwood who took the lead after Max Holland tapped in following a good cross from the right.

Hendon replied quickly and da Costa slipped past a defender and slotted the ball past the Northwood keeper to level the scores.

The Greens continued to put pressure on the Northwood defence and won themselves a penalty, which was converted powerfully from da Costa again to make it two for him and for Hendon.

And a third soon followed, da Costa completing his treble by side-stepping the Woods keeper and tapping over the line.

Hendon rounded off the game with a fourth through Aaron Morgan, who crashed home powerfully to complete the scoring for Gary McCann’s men.

Speaking afterwards, boss McCann said: “It was the perfect start to pre season.”

Hendon’s next game is away to St Neots Town on Saturday before a home match against Haringey Borough tonight (Tuesday).

Hendon first half: Minter; Diedhiou, N’Somi, Brathwaite, Kirby; Harris, Bettache (Da Costa, 25), Murphy, O’Leary; Smith, Cass.

Second half: Minter; Taggart, Sprague, Meta, Flegg; Shulton, Busby, Da Costa, Champion; Morgan, Ibe.