Wingate & Finchley extended their unbeaten run to six games with a hard fought and well deserved victory over a Witham Town side who pulled nine or ten men behind the ball every time the Blues threatened. It was the visitors who created the first chance when Darren Saffer was left in space but fired into the side netting when he should have tested Ed Thompson, Thompson had arguably his quietest game for the Blues not having to make a save throughout the ninety minutes which is also great testimony to the control the Blue shad on the game.

Indeed minutes after Saffer wasted his chance for the visitors Kevin George released Daniel Stanton whose shot was deflected behind for the first of numerous corners won by the hosts during the game. For all the Blues dominance the visitors insistence on pulling as many players behind the ball as possible left the Blues to try long range shots with Jirka Houdek firing over whilst at the Summers Lane end of the Abrahams Stadium Andre Humphrey blazed over and Darren Saffer’s free kick after a foul by Craig Ellis sailed harmlessly over the bar. Two minutes before the break and Blues joy was quickly stopped as Joe O’Brien fired home a cross but the assistant referee had his flag up for a foul and the effort was ruled out.

The second half continued in the same vain as the first with total Blues dominance without being able to hit the target until in the 55 minute Kevin George blocked a drive and recovered well to beat visiting keeper Crumpen but a defender was on hand to clear the danger. On the hour the deadlock was broken as Jirka Houdek intercepted a clearance and squared the ball to JOE O’BRIEN who rifled home from inside the area. With the deadlock broken the Blues increased the stranglehold on proceedings and a swift interpassing move involving Billy Amarteifio, Joe O’Brien & Daniel Stanton ended with Chris West having a shot saved.

Eleven minutes from time and the second goal arrived from a Danny Berg corner to the far post where BILLY AMARTEIFIO rose to head home. Five minutes from time and Chris West was fouled in the area giving Joe O’Brien a chance to finish the night off but his penalty was well saved by Crumpen. This was a hard fought but well deserved victory for the Blues who next welcome local rivals Wealdstone to the Abrahams Stadium for a London Senior Cup match before resuming League action with a trip to high flying Enfield Town.

Wingate & Finchley: Ed Thompson 7; Billy Amarteifio 7; Jirka Houdek 7; Craig Ellis 8; Ahmet Rifat 8; Guy Morris 7; Daniel Stanton 7 (Danny Berg 76 n/a); Joe O ‘Brien 8; Chris West 6; Kevin George 6 (Tashan Bradshaw-Brown 66 6); Leon Osei 7(Leon Wilson 80 n/a). Subs not used: - Stephen Badu; Darren Assiamah.