Lewes preview

Wingate & Finchley travel to The Dripping Pan stadium to face bottom placed Lewes over the Easter weekend, after coming off the back of their first victory since defeating local rivals Enfield Town back on February 16th. Coincidently, that victory against Brentwood Town places Keith Rowlands' side in 11th place after 39 games played. With 55 points accumulated thus far from the season, the North Finchley outfit sit 20 points above the relegation places. However, frustratingly, they also find themselves 12 points from play-off hopefuls Dulwich Hamlet, with seven fixtures remaining. The Blues' season was looking so promising, prior to a run of form which saw them go win-less in six games, including the League Cup Semi-Final defeat on penalties to Kingstonian. Nevertheless, with motivation to finish as high up the league as possible, and to better last seasons 12th placed position, Wingate will be eager to collect the three points against Lewes. As aforementioned, The Rooks find themselves sitting rock bottom with only 29 points gained from 40 fixtures. Sitting 13 points below 20th placed Needham Market, the fight for survival looks bleak, however, being at home, they will still want to finish the season as strong as possible and give their supporters something to cheer about. Darren Freeman's side have a tough task ahead on Saturday, considering they've only accumulated six victories all season. Having only scored the same amount of goals as they've played, and conceding 78 goals, it's been more than a frustrating season. However, Lewes did pick up a rare win for the season in their last outing, also against Brentwood Town. Like Wingate, one goal was enough to take home all three points, after a Henry Muggeridge finish just after half-time settled the game. Despite the difference in position between the two teams, the home side might take some hope from the last time the Summers Lane side travelled to Lewes, on Non-League Day. The hosts took all three points, after a 3-0 victory saw 10-man Wingate leave with nothing to show for their endeavour. However, with both sides making much changes, Rowland's side should be going into the weekend's game with an almost amnesia attitude. Only six players featured that day in the defeat from the side that won at The Arena on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the season though, it took an 84th minute Billy Healey penalty to secure a 1-1 draw with Freeman's side, after an early Stacey Freeman header had the visitors on course for the three points. Speaking of Healey, the travelling fans will be hoping their 33-goal forward will continue adding to his already impressive record, and that their team can get back-to-back victories in the league for the first time since February 13th. Preview by Khalid Karimullah