It was the visitors who made a fast start to the game looking to put the home defence under early pressure, and it was working as Waltham Abbey looked panicked when in possession of the ball. The Blues’ corner count took only 15 minutes to reach double figures, and chances were being created. Craig Faulconbridge saw a header from a James Gershfield cross hit the roof of the net, whilst Craig Ellis also headed over from close range. After a goalmouth scramble, home keeper John Hickman then produced the save of his life to deny a Daniel Clarke shot when he quickly recovered from a previous save to leap up from the ground and scoop the ball away from on the goal-line.

In the 27th minute Abbey turned the game on its head with their first meaningful attack. Ian Sawyer beat the offside trap to collect a long cross from the left wing, and calmly finished his one-on-one past David Lovell. This goal understandably shell-shocked Wingate & Finchley who struggled to regain their early control of the match for the remainder of the half.

The hosts lead was doubled early in the second period, again slightly against the run of play, as Marc Sontag beat his marker to receive another long cross and shot early leaving Lovell with no chance. The Blues looked to reply instantly and stepped up the pressure again, and the much deserved goal finally arrived in the 65th minute. Daniel Clarke received a quick free kick and powered his way down the right flank. He crossed low to Craig Faulconbridge and he in turn rifled the ball home with a first-time effort. An equaliser almost came moments later as Clarke very nearly broke the crossbar with a volley.

The win was sealed for the home side with ten minutes remaining when David Ayres was left unmarked in the centre and he headed home accurately. Despite Wingate & Finchley dominating possession and chances, it was the clinical finishing on the night that proved to be decisive and sent Waltham Abbey marching on into Round 3.

Wingate & Finchley: David Lovell, Bobby Aisen, James Cole, Ahma Ahmdou (Marc Weatherstone 46), Craig Ellis, Shola Oyedele, James Gershfield (Tashan Bradshaw-Brown 70), Joe O’Brien, Daniel Clarke, Craig Faulconbridge, Elvis Balic (Hussein Isa 58). Subs Dennis Fenamore, Mus Dumbaya.