Table topping AFC Hornchurch came to the Abrahams Stadium looking to increase their lead at the top of Ryman League Division 1 North as their push for promotion continues. In what was going to be a tight game with the two best defences in the League on show a draw was a fair outcome on a night of few chances.

AFC Hornchurch opened he scoring after only nine minutes when a cross from Tomlinson was met by the head of SIMON PARKER and he finished well, prior to this Mark Janney drove a long ball across the face of the Wingate goal but no AFC Hornchurch player was on hand to finish the move. On 25 minutes Mark Janney was clean through and with only Thompson to beat fired his effort over the top. The Blues created chances and from a Joe O’Brien corner Darren Assiamah at the far post directed his header goalwards and as Williams challenged Dale Brightly held on well to the header. Brightly was on action again just before the interval when he was well positioned to save a Leon Osei free kick.

AFC Hornchurch turned the screw early in the second half and Amos Foyewa turned Billy Amarteifio and slammed his shot against the post, such was the pace of the shot that the ball bounced back to the edge of the Blues area where it was cleared to safety. With 21 minutes remaining Wingate & Finchley substitute Mark Gradosielski drove an effort across the face of Dale Brightly’s goal but there was no-one on hand to bring the Blues level. With six minutes left Wingate & Finchley captain Craig Ellis headed onto CHRIS WEST who turned and drove home the equaliser.

Wingate & Finchley: Ed Thompson 7; Jirka Houdek 7 (Daniel Stanton 81); Guy Helman 7; Craig Ellis 7(Captain); Ahmet Rifat 8; Billy Amarteifio 8; Darren Assiamah 8( Mark Gradosielski 67); Joe O’Brien 8; Dean Williams 7; Chris West 7; Leon Osei 7( Tashan Bradshaw-Brown 67). Subs not Used:- Danny Berg; Stephen Badu.