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In sweltering conditions, Lionel Morgan’s youthful outfit produced some entertaining football to crush Bedfont 7-1 at The Harry Abrahams Stadium, maintaining their unbeaten start to their Surburban League campaign.
Strikers James Gershfield and Craig Falconbridge stole the headlines, but The Blues gave an all round team performance with seven changes to the starting line up from the midweek victory over Borehamwood.
The home side were in control from the opening whistle and it took just 11 minutes to break the deadlock as James Gershfield pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area. A second goal seemed inevitable and 7 minutes later Matt Rae doubled the lead with the goal of the game – a sweet strike from 20 yards, which flew into the net.
David Lovell in the Wingate goal had a quiet opening as Rae and captain, Danny Berg dominated the central midfield area. James Gershfield’s pace was a constant threat and he was rewarded with his second goal on 34 minutes with a cool finish.
Bedfont got themselves a lifeline just before the break as Steve Ponel broke the offside trap and produced an excellent lob over the onrushing Lovell.
Bedfont opened the second half with newfound spirit but rarely threatened a Wingate defence ably marshalled by Lloyd Mitchel. Marcus Sawyer’s sweet left foot was a threat from set pieces, although it was Craig Falconbridge who was unlucky to clip the crossbar with a dipping 25-yard free kick.
James Gershfield completed his hat trick on the hour, evading a challenge and calmly slotting home past the visiting goalkeeper, Joe Marshall. The fourth goal ended any potential comeback and with confidence high, the home side continued to exploit gaps in the Bedfont defence.
Not to be outdone by his striking partner, Craig Falconbridge also staked a claim for first team selection with three goals in 23 minutes. A close range header on 66 minutes made it 5-1 and a tap in from a pinpoint Gershfield cross on 75 minutes left Bedfont praying for the final whistle. Ex Wycombe and Wrexham man, Falconbridge completed the rout a minute from time with a superbly controlled side foot volley.
Wingate & Finchley: David Lovell, Bobby Ansien, Chibueze Anyeagbu (Alfie Bartram 75 mins), Danny Berg (Captain), Lloyd Mitchel, Ajibola Olatunbosun (Lee Flavin 45 mins), Joe Killingback (Peter O kechukwu 58 mins), Matt Rae, James Gershfield, Craig Falconbridge, Marcus Sawyer. Subs not used: Lee Hatten, Ben Barton. Booked: Berg, Ansien, Falconbridge
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