Hendon’s Ryman League Premier Division fixture against Canvey Island was postponed on Saturday morning following the midweek downpour that hit Vale Farm in the second half of Tuesday’s goalless draw with Cray Wanderers, the deluge that hit the area on Thursday and the forecast heavy rain that had already started before the referee began his morning inspection.
“I am very frustrated and disappointed that the game was off,” said Hendon manager Gary McCann, “but I wasn’t surprised. Although the squad is a bit thin at the moment, it would have been very good to have had the chance to build on the very good performance in midweek.”
McCann’s frustration was probably less than Lee O’Leary’s.
The midfielder was in line for a place on the subs’ bench on Saturday and, had he come on, he would have made his 150th appearance for the Greens.
He has been waiting a very long time for this milestone, 22 months in fact.
O’Leary was injured in January 2011 and has tried to make comebacks on two or three occasions.
Last season, he went to AFC Hayes to get some match fitness and sharpness only to break down and undergo reconstructive surgery.
O’Leary’s rehabilitation has been long and hard, but he has shown immense dedication, which was rewarded with some games at Uxbridge earlier in November. This spell ended in the middle of the month and he is now back with Hendon.
“It is now just a matter of time waiting my turn to be picked,” O’Leary said. “I can’t wait to get back.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here