Hendon boss Gary McCann says his side's 3-2 win over high-flying Margate is proof of their intentions this season

Victory means the Greens are four points clear in third, but trail new league-leaders Maidstone United by seven points.

Speaking to the club’s website, McCann said: “It was only three points and it does not define our season, but it was great proof of our intent. It also shows where we are at, that teams are now setting themselves out to counter us.

“We played against the best team we have come against this season and there is no doubt that we stood toe to toe against them. I think we certainly deserved something from the game and – for all but the first 15 and last ten minutes – were more than a match for them.”

A hat-trick from Leon Smith settled a thrilling encounter at Earlsmead on Saturday, with the Greens twice coming from behind.

Charlie Allen – son of Barnet boss Martin – put the Gate ahead after 12 minutes, only for Smith to eqaulise with his first in the 39th minute.

However in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Allen restored the visitors’ lead. But, just two minutes later, Hendon were on terms once more when Smith capitalised on a slip by Charlie Wassmer to equalise for the second time.

Hendon settled the contest just after the hour mark when Smith completed his hat-trick – the club’s first in a league game since Isiah Rankin in the 7-1 win at Aveley in 2012.

The game ended on a sour note for McCann’s side, who saw midfielder Kevin Maclaren sent off for a second bookable offence.

Hendon extended their unbeaten league run to ten Ryman Premier Division games on Monday night by drawing 1-1 against Billericay Town.

Harry Baker handed the Essex outfit the lead, but the Greens secured a point with a 17th-minute own goal.

And for the second game running, Hendon were reduced to ten men after defender Elliott Braithwaite was dismissed after half-an-hour. Billericay also had a player sent off – Dylan Casey picking up a second book with 15 minutes remaining.