MATCH PREVIEW | Kingstonian FC (H) 

Hendon can make it two wins in a row and climb right up the table away from the relegation positions as we face today’s visitors Kingstonian in a London derby. 

Kick off – 3pm. 

Need to know 

Founded: 1885  

Nickname: The K’s 

Manager: Scott Harris 

League: Isthmian League - South Central Division  

Stadium: Prince George's Playing Fields  

Capacity: 2060 

Hendon 

A win away to Bognor Regis Town is no small feat and Hendon were able to put in a magnificent performance in difficult circumstances to come away with a crucial 1-0 win to put behind a bad midweek loss and move forward with the rest of the season, where the Dons can start to look up the table rather than below it. 

In what would be a first clean sheet for Ben Bukowski’s men since the 3-0 away victory to Bedfont Sports, Sam Shaban got his 13th goal of the campaign with a tidy finish inside the box from a corner to silence the big crowd of over 600.  

After the previous cup defeat, a few players had to come into the side because of suspensions and injuries prior to the match. This meant that Hendon only had 2 subs on the bench, but this was unfortunate as Ben described how “the club tried their hardest to get players in”. A lot of it was out of Ben’s control as the league’s computer system used to sign players wasn’t working.  

 Nevertheless, the players that stepped in like Victor Ferrini and David Aderibigbe were part of what was simply a defensive masterclass, as the Dons stifled Bognor’s potent attack. Ben credited the defensive performance to preparation before the game “I don’t think we could’ve asked for more of the boys after Thursday’s debrief. The message today was making the clean sheet the focus.” 

Now, going into to this game the clean- sheet had to be the focus because we haven’t had a great record of late at keeping the ball out the net at home. However, with the returning presence of Dave Diedhiou and the promising start to his Dons career for George Butler, there is a solid foundation for Hendon to build from.  

Predicted Lineup

Opposition 

On Saturday, we face off against another London rival from south of the river, who we will be looking to claim revenge against, since they thumped us 3-1 earlier on in the season. That game seemed to be an anomaly for the K’s because they are currently languishing in 20th place and are staring down the barrel of relegation. 

In terms of their history, the K’s are one of non-league football’s most historic names, with roots stretching back to 1885 and a proud tradition that includes two famous FA Trophy triumphs at Wembley in 1999 and 2000. In recent years, Kingstonian have endured a challenging period off the pitch, having been without a permanent home since their departure from Kingsmeadow in 2017, because of Chelsea taking up the occupancy. They now share Prince George’s Playing Fields with local rivals Raynes Park Vale, in a move that has provided some stability, as the club looks to rebuild both on and off the field. 

On the pitch, Kingstonian are a side in transition but remain a dangerous opponent. Their squad blends young, energetic players with experienced campaigners like skipper Liam Allen, who is familiar with the demands of Isthmian League football. Despite the inconsistent run of form at this point in the season with no wins in 7 League matches and number of losses totalling 13, they are capable on their day of producing strong performances against anyone in the division, and their resilience often makes them difficult to break down. Harris's teams are known for playing positive, attacking football so his side will look to use their width and pace on the flanks to test The Dons defensive organisation. It’s a fixture that promises to have a few goals.  

Last five results  

Hendon                                                                            

Bognor Regis Town 0-1 Hendon  

Hendon 1-6 Leyton Orient 

Hendon 2-4 AFC Portchester 

Hendon 4-4 Raynes Park Vale 

Hanworth Villa 2-2 Hendon 

Kingstonian 

Wingate & Finchley 3–3 Kingstonian (5-3) Pens Wingate win 

Moneyfields 3-0 Kingstonian 

Kingstonian 2-2 Hartley Wintney 

Kingstonian 1-1 Raynes Park Vale 

Hanworth Villa 4-0 Kingstonian  

Club Honours 

FA Trophy Winners: 1999, 2000 

FA Amateur Cup Winners: 1933 

Football Conference - Charity Shield Winners: 1999 

Isthmian League 

Champions: 1934, 1937, 1998 

Division One South Champions: 2009 

League Cup Winners: 1996, 2016 

Charity Shield Winners: 1998 

Surrey County Football Association 

Senior Cup Winners: 1911, 1914, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1935, 1939, 1952, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1998, 2006 

Opposition Gaffer      

The K’s have a man in their dugout in Scott Harris who is woven within the fabric of the club, even though he has come and gone like a boomerang on multiple occasions. As recently as last Friday, Kingstonian once again announced that Harris was returning to the club, who had spent a few weeks managerless after leaving the previous summer. 

Harris joined the club in April 2024, and although he did also leave and then return for a few days later in the season and steered them to fifth place in the Isthmian South Central and a Play Off Semi-Final, he then departed again in May.  Harris was previously the manager of Walton & Hersham, where he achieved the incredible feat of three promotions in a row, the last of those being via theSouth-Central Play Offs in 22-23 after a long title fight with Basingstoke Town. 

This manager has Kingston in his blood with his dad Kim Harris managing the club on a few occasions. Harris's father is described as a K's legend as well as being a player for the club during the Richmond Road era. 

One to watch  

Kingstonian’s attacking ranks were bolstered this summer with the arrival of Sean O’Brien, a versatile forward whose career has taken him from the professional tiers of English football to the Isthmian League South Central Division. The 23-year-old, who comes from Teddington, joined the K’s in May 2025 and was immediately hailed by joint managers Dean Thomas and Mitchal Gough as a marquee signing. 

With experience in the EFL, O’Brien spent over a decade in Millwall’s youth system before making the leap to Forest Green Rovers, where he featured in League One during the 2022–23 season. His senior career also includes loan spells at Bromley and Gloucester City, as well as stints with Hayes & Yeading United and Carshalton Athletic. 

Capable of playing both as a central striker and attacking midfielder, O’Brien brings a blend of technical ability and positional flexibility, whilst being second in the K’s goalscoring list, bagging seventhis season. 

Written by Kyle Bodker