Wingate & Finchley produced a gutsy performance against league leaders Manford Way, but eventually succumbed to a 4-1 defeat. Captain Shai Revivo set the example with a fierce right foot drive from the edge of the area, as the home side shaded the early exchanges. The Blues were quick to close down any Manford attack, with Ben Ellis and debutant Demi Ariyo strong in central defence. Alex Flett made two excellent saves in the first half as Manford Way started to look brighter. However, another long-range effort from Anthony Bayele so nearly gave Wingate & Finchley the lead. Flett could do nothing to stop the opening goal; a close range effort at the back post and it was soon 2-0 on 35 minutes. Wingate & Finchley didn’t panic and were back in the game three minutes before the break with a brilliant strike. Terry Mereky collected the ball 30 yards out, strode forward and casually curled a left foot shot into the top corner reminiscent of Le Tissier in his prime. Unfortunately, a third goal conceded in first half injury time following some slack marking gave The Blues a mountain to climb once more. An injury to Rob Blackman meant the task became even harder, with no substitute available. Yet, the 10 men battled all the way to the final whistle and still threatened from long range with Michael Yu having their best effort of the second period. It wasn’t until the final few minutes that the potential League winners put the final nail in the Wingate coffin, as Ellis Bolger weaved through a tired defence to calmly slot home after gliding past the onrushing Flett. Man of Match: Demi Ariyo Wingate & Finchley: Alex Flett, Jahbez Essoo-Snowdon, Ben Ellis, Demi Ariyo, Sam Kaye, Rob Blackman, Shai Revivo, Terry Mereky, Anthony Bayele, Daniel Perkins, Michael Yu