Give me chances and I will score, insists Pinnock

HAT-TRICK hero James Pinnock knows what to expect from Hendon’s visit to Bourne Park on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 29-year-old striker rekindled his goalscoring touch during Maidstone United’s 4-0 win at Hastings United on Bank Holiday Monday - his first goals for his new club since his summer switch from Margate.

“It was always never going to be an easy game to be fair,” Pinnock told www.kentishfootball.co.uk  after his hat-trick at The Pilot Field.

“We knew that Hastings had a good result on Saturday (winning 2-0 at Dartford), so we came here expecting a tough game.

“The first half was hard, we rode our luck a couple of times, we did well to get our noses in front and then second half we showed our class really.

Pinnock had opened the scoring after 13 minutes, hooking home from two-yards after the impressive Elliot Bradbrook, who netted the fourth in the last two minutes, looped a header towards the far post.

Pinnock completed his hat-trick inside the last 12 minutes, in a period where Hastings United capitulated, although the Sussex side struck the woodwork in the first half.

“We needed that second goal because it was always tight and as soon as we got that we great a little bit in confidence and we really pushed on from there,” said Pinnock.

And he hopes to continue that form against a Hendon side that have lost their last two games, after starting with a 3-0 win at home to Dartford and a 2-2 draw at Margate.

“Yes, I’ve got a target, I don’t like to say what it is, but obviously (after) scoring a few goals last year, I want to keep up my goalscoring target for this year,” said Pinnock.

“If I keep plugging away, as long as I work hard, and if I get chances, I’ll convert a few of them.”

After losing 2-1 at home to Harlow Town, Pinnock was pleased that their next game was only two days later.

“It wasn’t enjoyable Saturday,” admitted Pinnock. “It’s never nice to lose but we was a bit flat on Saturday, so when you have a bad game it’s always nice to have another game so quick, two days later, to get it out of our system.”

But Pinnock knows Hendon are a big and strong physical team that will make it hard for Maidstone United at Bourne Park.

“Every time you play them, they’re a strong team and you never get a lot out of them,” he said.

“It will be a tough game, but we’ll be up for it.”

Maidstone United joint-manager Alan Walker believes the fans will be flocking through the turnstiles for Hendon’s visit.

He said: “Maidstone fans, when they get behind you, are the best, without a shadow of a doubt.

“They do play a massive part and they played a massive part for us staying up last year.

“I think the facts are if we put on performances like that for them, the crowds will be there at Bourne Park.

“I’m sure if we serve up performances like that, it will help the chairman (with increased attendances).”

Visit Maidstone United’s website:  www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Maidstone United v Hendon
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 30^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Bourne Park, Central Park Stadium, Church Road, Eurolink, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3SB