Hendon boss Gary McCann admitted a number of his players produced sub-standard performances as the Greens suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat against Ryman Premier strugglers East Thurrock United on Saturday.

Sam Higgins scored an early opener and the Rocks dominated the opening 45 minutes. Higgins grabbed his second of the game shortly before the interval and Neil Richmond then struck a third in the final minute of the half.

There was a small glimmer of hope for the Greens after the restart when Leon Smith netted. However, Higgins clinched his hat-trick and a brace from Mitch Gilbey completed the rout.

“I think that this was a game too far for us,” McCann said. “A number of players looked like they were running on empty. But we were very poor today and got what we deserved.

“This was a 6-1 result that was entirely merited. Sam Higgins was unstoppable today, scoring a hat-trick and setting up another goal too. He showed why he has spent most of the season playing in the Conference South.

“I don’t think there was one player who won his individual battle against his East Thurrock opponent. And there were a number of players whose performance was completely sub-standard.”

Hendon take on Bury Town this evening (Thursday) and face Carshalton Athletic on Saturday.