Match Report by Noah Bercott.
Wingate & Finchley claimed a 2-1 victory over Hastings United on Saturday, their second win by the same scoreline in the space of a few days, in a tightly contested match, featuring plenty of action and decisive moments.
The first half saw both teams exchange chances, with Hastings’ dangerman Davide Rodari coming close in the 19th minute, only to be denied by Charlie Grainger in the home goal against his former side. Ogo Obi also went close in the 11th minute for the Blues, but both sides struggled to break the deadlock. At the half time whistle, it remained goalless despite numerous set-pieces and near misses.
The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute when Zack Newton seized the initiative to pounce on some confusion in the Hastings defence after a pass backwards, Newton getting between goalkeeper and ball, and the keeper fouling the Blues attacker. Obi stepped up and converted the penalty confidently, to give the home side a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Wingate’s half time substitute Ryan Lowe doubled the lead. Man of the match Zack Newton again was involved, taking on his man on the right flank to put a cross into the box which Obi met but the rebound fell to Lowe who netted from close range to make it 2-0. A similar story to midweek, where two quick goals put the Blues in a strong position, but the game was not wrapped up yet.
Hastings kept pressing and found a late lifeline in the 90th minute when substitute Finley Chapman scored in a one-on-one with the keeper, bringing the score to 2-1. As five minutes of extra time were added, the visitors fought for an equaliser but couldn’t break through Wingate’s defence. The Blues held firm to secure a hard-earned win in a game that could have swung either way to move up a place to sit in third place.
We will be back at home on Tuesday night as we welcome Isthmian North high-flyers Tilbury to N12 in the Velocity Cup Third Round, with a tie against Hendon awaiting the winner in the next round. Tickets are available in advance online, or on the gate on matchday.
Wingate and Finchley: Grainger, Cracknell ©, Byron, Achuba, Frempah, Drakes-Thomas (Iontton 78'), Garrett-Douglas, Newton (Briscoe 72'), Obi (Ismaili 85'), Georgiou (Lowe 46'), Hernandez (Webb 88')
Unused subs: None
Goals: Obi 68' (p), Lowe 70'
Attendance: 269
Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.
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