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Blues’ imperious home form continues in the rain

Updated: Feb 7

After scoring 12 goals at home in your last three games (Whitehawk: 5, Lewes: 3, Chatham: 4), it would be easy for the plaudits to go to a front line that have been, frankly, superb all year.


But tonight's game, much like Saturday's, was won at the other end of the pitch.


Chatham, flying high in second place, having scored in every game they have played since early November (!), came out of the blocks like a steam train, if you'll permit a mixing of metaphors. They were composed, fired up for the game, and had the advantage of the conditions in what was quite honestly horrific weather.


They threw themselves at Wingate & Finchley's goal, and they were repeatedly rebuffed by Goode and co., the Blues' defensive unit. Bobby Webb, having not started since Boxing Day, and Alex Solomon, deputising at RWB, both acquitted themselves superbly against one of the most lethal attacks in the league. They, along with their teammates, stood firm and emerged from a frantic first 15 minutes with their clean sheet still intact.



It was a decisive period so early in the game, particularly when you contrast it with the start of the second half. The Blues, now attacking into the wind where passes held up and were easier to get on to, scored three times in six minutes after half time to bury the game before the visitors even knew what had happened.


Ruben Carvalho got two - a flick from Ahmet Biler's whipped free kick; and a cool finish after some neat work from Elliot Long presented him with the ball 6 yards out, unmarked and with the net gaping.


Elliot himself got one of the three second half goals, his coming after the defender slipped in his own half, presenting Long with a 1-1 opportunity that he duly converted. It was a nice addition to his first of the game, and perhaps his worst of the season, bundling one in from short range after a scrap from a ball into the box just before half time to give the Blues the lead.



The clinical finishing in clusters that once again was on show from the Blues (see also: Canvey at home; Hastings away; Whitehawk at home etc), coupled with their ability to withstand periods of intense pressure and remain intact (see also: Lewes at home; Lewes away; Hastings away etc), saw a fully deserved three points delivered to the North London side.


And it was deserved to a man.


Anointed Chukwu was his usual industrious self, being repeatedly kicked and held all game, and working incredibly hard in a thankless role. His value to this side should never be understated.


Alkeo Bani and Christian Frimpong in midfield covered attacks well and were an important screen in front of a back six who, as they have done all season, won headers, made tackles, and hassled their opponents.


And we all know by now what Mssrs Carvalho and Long can do when given half a sight of goal. Tonight was no different.


It pulls the Blues back into the playoff places, and once again shows that this side is capable of beating anybody on their day.




That theory is next tested away at Horsham on Saturday, before the side travel to the near-impregnable home of Bognor Regis next Tuesday. Their next home game is against Hashtag United on 17th February.


Your support was brilliant in the wind and rain, and we'll need you every step of the way in this one.


Wingate & Finchley: Goode; Webb (Williams 82'); Cracknell; Bani; Frempah; Frimpong; Solomon; Carvalho (Newton 87'); Chukwu; Long (Ifil 90'); Biler


Unused Subs: Hale-Brown; Roberts




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