Wingate & Finchley relish being the underdogs. This side has outdone everybody’s expectations of them this season (except perhaps their own), and has performed at its best when facing the biggest sides in the division. But facing a Concord Rangers side who have not won since February, and who sit rock bottom of the division (albeit with games in hand), the Blues were expected to win.
Not only was a win necessary to pick up points, but also to keep pace with the brilliant form of everyone in and around the playoff places. With Enfield, Carshalton, Hastings, Horsham, and Billericay seemingly all picking up points each week, each game from here on in is crucial.
If youre reading this, you'll know by now that this side, after playing some brilliant football against Hornchurch last weekend, was able to adapt to the opposition and the pitch and do what was required to pick up all three points against Concord Rangers, emerging 2-0 victors.
Both goals came from Ruben Carvalho (only his third and fourth in the league away from home), and in truth they were the only two champagne moments from a game that was gritty and tense. Concord were persistent in fouling the Blues players as they looked to break forward (as evidenced by the fact that they finished the game with 9 men), and they were quick to hassle their opponents, forcing the Wingate & Finchley boys to be quick on their toes.
And quick they were, as Ruben’s first came as Elliot Long managed to nip in front of the defender to flick a ball on, allowing Carvalho to rifle the ball past the helpless goalkeeper. His second was more routine, taking advantage of Elliot’s cutting ball to bend it round the goalkeeper when through one on one.
The two goals proved to be enough and a professional job for the full 90 ensured that it’s now 3 wins on the spin for the Blues, and 5 wins from the last seven.
And so we’re in fourth place with four games to play, and crucially, with our fate in our hands. Win and you’re in.
God only knows what could happen from here, but wouldn’t it be nice to pick up three points on Tuesday at home to Hastings?
Don’t miss out on the action and join us in backing our local team, as we finish the season strong with Hastings (9th April), Haringey (13th April), and Carshalton (27th April) all yet to visit the Maurice Rebak.
For anyone that’s nervous, you can take solace in the wise words of the Beach Boys (not Concord Rangers): Don’t Worry, Baby
Wingate & Finchley: Goode; Seager; Cracknell; Bani (Frimpong 67’); Frempah; Achuba; Garrett-Douglas; Carvalho; Chukwu; Long (Deslandes 77’); Solomon (Hernandez 73’)
Unused Subs: Webb; Newton