Blues into Velocity Cup Final with hard-fought win over Redbridge

Tuesday night saw Wingate & Finchley, in their pink away shirts, in Velocity Cup semi-final action, just two wins away from taking home some silverware, a trophy the club last won in 2010-11. The game didn't start to plan on Tuesday night, a well worked move from Redbridge saw them take a lead as early as the 9th minute as Ayodeji Olukoga rose unmarked at the far post to give the hosts an early advantage. The Isthmian North side will not have been underestimated by Ahmet Rifat's men, with the Motormen just three points outside the playoffs, and second in their league's form guide over the past 10 games.

Within just a couple of minutes of the opening goal, Wingate thought they were level, with Gianluca Botti's header striking the post and then easily gathered by the home keeper. Shortly after this, a robust challenge from the home side led to Blues' substitute Ben Watt receiving his marching orders despite being not being on the field of play for voicing his defence of his teammate slightly too much to the referee.

Shortly after the half hour mark, debutant Ruben Bartlett-Antwi drew the Blues level, the forward had been announced earlier that day as having joined on a dual-registration from Enfield Town, collected a neat pass from Ryan Lowe to the left of the goal, cut inside and calmly slotted home, much to the delight of the travelling Blues contingent.

Redbridge continued to show their clear ability, and challenged the Blues defence all night, without truly troubling Charlie Grainger in goal. As the game looked to be reaching a conclusion level, substitute Remy-Lee Bennison came up with a moment of magic, turning the tiring Redbridge defence inside out, gliding past his man, and providing a neat finish. That goal sends the Blues to the final, which will take place at Aveley on Wednesday 15th April - tickets can be purchased directly from the league here.

Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.