The Blues suffered a heavy defeat in their first match of 2008 to remain at the foot of the Eastern Alliance Central League. The visitors fielded three players with first team experience and their class told. But for Alex Elf in the Wingate & Finchley goal the score line could have been far worse. Wingate & Finchley had a bright opening and a strong burst by Oliver De Wan won an early free kick, which failed to threaten the Enfield goal. However, just two minutes later Enfield opened their account with a neat far post header from a corner. Within 25 minutes the game was over as a contest. Striker, Luke Marshall ran riot with a first half hat trick as Enfield raced into a five-goal lead. Matthew Mitchell capped an inspired performance in midfield with a terrific goal to give Enfield a 6-0 half time lead. Wingate & Finchley produced a more encouraging display in the second period but the athleticism of Alex Elf kept the score down to eight as Enfield comfortably saw out the game. Elf made numerous stops in an accustomed display with his most memorable save a full-length dive to prevent Mitchell adding to his tally from a well-judged lob. The Blues threatened to get a consolation goal towards the end. First, Mohammed Bekbouki’s left foot strike forced a good save after a neat passing move, and then Shai Revivo forced a point blank save from the Enfield goalkeeper from 6 yards out. Luke Marshall netted his fourth and Enfield’s eighth to cap a fine team performance. Wingate & Finchley will require a much improved display to progress in The Ryman Youth Cup next weekend as they travel to Bury Town. Man of The Match: Alex Elf Wingate and Finchley ;- Alex Elf, Sam Kaye, Rob Blackman, Anthony Bayele, Oliver De Wan, Daniel Perkins, Michael Yu, Matt Langley, Daniel Glaude © , Mohammed Bekbouki, Shai Revivo Subs: Cullen French (for Daniel Glaude), Jahbez Esoo-Snowdon (for Matt Langley)