Hendon had to play the final half an hour of their 2-0 defeat at Isthmian Premier Division leaders Leiston with ten men after midfielder Sam Murphy was dismissed.

Murphy was sent off in the 59th minute after lashing out at Joe Francis following a foul by the Leiston player. That made the task facing the Greens, already trailing 1-0, even harder and the Suffolk side scored a second at the death to seal all three points.

Kezie Ibe might have put visiting Hendon ahead early on with a presentable chance and the Greens continued to push their hosts with Leon Smith and Ibe lively.

On 25 minutes the Blues went in front when Gareth Heath prodded home from close range after Hendon goalkeeper Joe Wright had repelled Ottley's Gooch's initial low shot.

After the break Hendon saw their hopes of overturning a one-goal deficit shorten dramatically as Murphy, scorer of 11 goals from midfield last season, was red carded for his reaction to Francis' challenge.

Hendon refused to give in, though, and their efforts were not duly rewarded as the home side made the points safe in the 90th minute when Patrick Brothers caught Wright off-guard with a looping cross.

The Greens 'host' landlords Harrow Borough at Earlsmead on Bank Holiday Monday.

Times Series: Wingate & Finchley's goal comes under pressure. Picture: Martin AddisonWingate & Finchley's goal comes under pressure. Picture: Martin Addison

Wingate & Finchley also played the final 30 minutes of their home game with Staines Town with ten following the dismissal of Ahmet Rifat, but held onto a goalless draw.

The central defender was also given a straight red in the 59th minute for a poor challenge on Luke Wanadio.

Simon Lane's Blues had the first chance when Billy Healey collected Karl Oliyide's lay-off before shooting narrowly wide.

The Swans responded through striker Pat Cox, who saw his effort from a Wanadio cross blocked by Brad Hewitt.

Cox glanced a header wide for the visitors soon after whilst Wingate's Healey nodded a Leon Solomon cross onto the roof of the visitors' net.

Former Enfield Town forward Michael Kalu looked to have broken the deadlock after the break but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Rifat's red left Lane's side on the back foot but the Blues were able to resist their visitors and clinch a hard-earned point.

Wingate & Finchley go to Metropolitan Police on Monday.

In Spartan South Midlands Division One, Edgware Town were 3-2 winners over Woodford Town.

Goals from Hendon pair Mark Kirby and Tony Taggart, signed on dual registration deals this week, were added to by Stu Blackburne to give the Wares victory.

Michael Roache's side head to Hatfield Town on Tuesday in the Division One Cup.