Ian Hendon has brushed aside the disappointment of the first three goal defeat of his managerial career to concentrate on Tuesday's League 2 home game against John Still's high riding Dagenham & Redbridge.

Hendon acknowledges that the former Barnet manager's side are "strong and organised" but has spent Monday's training session propogating the theme: "If we want to do well this season we have to do well against top sides like them".

The manager is delighted that the Dagenham game follows so quickly on the 3-0 defeat away to Rotherham United and has the luxury of a fully fit squad at his disposal as he looks to move on and upwards.

After the Rotherham game Hendon said that skipper-for-the-day Mark Hughes and Paul Furlong, 41 on Thursday were the only players able to walk away from the Don Valley Stadium "with heads held high".

He faced criticism after that game for making three changes in defence following a run of eight games unbeaten.

The answer is that he restored both first team regular full backs Joe Devera and Kenny Gillet, who had lost their places through injury, and brought back Daniel Leach when his plan to bring back Gary Breen floundered.

In addition, skipper Micah Hyde had to be sent home before the team travelled North on Saturday because of an abscess that led to a badly swollen face.

Don't expect wholesale changes tomorrow. "The lads have got a chance to put that Rotherham defeat right", said Hendon -- and he is hoping that the eleven he chooses to start the game all come off with their heads held high.


Dennis Signy