Wingate & Finchley succumbed to defeat at the home of mid-table Waltham Abbey despite controlling the majority of the possession in an extremely tight affair. Wingate & Finchley came out of the blocks quickly in search of an early goal to kick-start a return to form, and were unlucky not to take the lead with two glorious chances. Danny Berg broke down the right wing and squared the ball low into Dean Williams who was lurking on the 6 yard line, however keeper John Hickman was quick to close Williams down and blocked the shot with his legs. The ball was only half-cleared, and Wingate & Finchley’s new signing Joe O’Brien whipped it back in to the unmarked Leon Osei but his header flew inches wide of the near post.

At the other end Ed Thompson made an excellent save with his legs to block from Harry Elmes, although in the 17th minute he was powerless to stop James Elmes snapshot trickle in the bottom left corner from 25 yards as the hosts took the lead slightly against the run of play. The Blues were not fazed by this and continued to attack at the other whilst the defence, boosted by the return of Billy Amarteifio and Guy Helman, held firm against any Waltham Abbey counter-attacks. In the 40th minute Craig Ellis sent a slide rule through ball into Williams who spun off his marker. Again however Hickman was alert and narrowed the angle down forcing Williams to shoot into his body.

Waltham Abbey struck a body blow in the 5th minute of the second half when James Elmes found himself free in the box and he secured his brace by rounding Thompson and slotting into the net past the desperate last-gasp lunges of the Wingate defenders. Wingate & Finchley controlled most of the possession however the game was very compact in the middle of the field which left little margin for error with passing. Unfortunately this was to be the Blues’ undoing as their final ball on the edge of the area was the persistent stumbling block. Craig Ellis tried to take matters into his own hands when his shot from 25 yards smacked the crossbar with the keeper stranded. Substitute Daniel Stanton beat his marker with a few Ronaldo-like stepovers however his shot was well parried by Hickman who was well worthy of his clean sheet.

Wingate & Finchley’s match on Tuesday 17th with AFC Hornchurch was cancelled as Hornchurch had a cup replay. The Blues host Northwood in the FA Trophy on Saturday 21st October.

Wingate & Finchley: Ed Thompson 8, Jirka Houdek 7, Guy Helman 7, Craig Ellis 7, Billy Amarteifio 7, Guy Morris 7, Joe O’Brien 7, Danny Berg 6, Dean Williams 7, Leon Osei 6 (Chris West 60 6), Anthony Limbrick 6 (Dan Stanton 60 7). Subs: Jon Ellis, Leon Wilson, Steven Badu.