Hendon have slipped to the lower reaches of the Ryman League Premier Division following two defeats on the spin.

The Greens followed up Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Maidstone United with a 1-0 reverse at home to Billericay Town on Tuesday night.

It was also their fourth consecutive defeat, a far cry from last season when they started so well.

The winner came as early as six minutes. Keeper Joe Welch managed to get his hands to Bradley Wood-Garness’ powerful drive from distance, but the ball slipped through his grasp.

The hosts created chances, but Billericay keeper Jack Buckfield was in fine form, making some superb saves.

Hendon manager Gary McCann summed up: “It was a tale of two keepers.”

Buckfield, who had made a breathtaking first-half save to deny Brian Haule, then kept out efforts from Lubomir Guentchev, James Bent and Jamie Busby after the interval. Sam Byfield was also inches wide.

McCann will be hoping his side can get back to winning ways this weekend, when the Greens travel to Canvey Island.

They then host high-flying Dover Athletic on Tuesday, the Kent side managed by ex-Barnet midfielder Andy Hessenthaler. The veteran, now 43, still dons his boots.