Two errors from teenage centre-back Steve Hemmings proved costly for Basingstoke Town as they handed over an early Christmas present to Hendon at the Camrose Ground.

But the youngster cannot take full blame for the 2-0 Ryman Premier defeat because, apart from a weaving run by Neville Roach which ended in a great block by 'keeper David Hook in the 30th minute, below-par Stoke barely got a look-in on goal.

Hemmings's nightmare began in the 36th minute when he was caught in two minds some 30 yards out and in came Eugene Ofori to rob him. 'Keeper Scott Tarr rushed off his line, but Ofori easily beat him and stroked the ball into the empty net.

Hendon made the most of Stoke's generosity again in the 40th minute when Ian Duncan whipped a free-kick into the crowded goal area from 40 yards out and Hemmings, under pressure from Mark Cooper, sliced his attempted clearance into his own net.

Hendon, who go fourth on the strength of this victory, never lost control of the game, even when Stoke boss Ernie Howe introduced three substitutes for the final 15 minutes - one of them replacing the luckless Hemmings.

Mark Randall and Kieran Gallagher both missed good chances for the visitors and only a fingertip save from Tarr prevented Paul Yates making it 3-0.

Aldershot Town remain top of the Premier pack, but have had their lead trimmed to four points after a comprehensive 2-0 defeat at second-placed St Albans City.

The Saints scored twice inside five first-half minutes and, incredibly, had a penalty saved by Shots keeper Nikki Bull in between.