Wingate & Finchley return to FA Cup action this weekend on Sunday with a home tie against Farnborough FC of the National League South (Step 2).
Our opponents
Farnborough will make the journey to North London in mixed form, having taken 3 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats from their opening 9 fixtures in the National League South so far this season. Notably all 3 of their victories have come at home including a convincing 3-1 win over Hampton & Richmond earlier this month. The club returned to National League South in 2022-23 and achieved a respectable 12th position, just 8 points off the playoff positions in a competitive division. Centre back Kevin Lokko made the NLS team of the season in 2022-23 but unfortunately for the ‘Boro has moved on to National League side Maidenhead this season.
Last Time Out
Last weekend, the Blues of Wingate & Finchley faced one of the favourites for the Isthmian Premier title in Hornchurch who include players such as Sean Scannell with over 300 EFL appearances in their squad. Hornchurch were clinical in the 4-1 victory at the Maurice Rebak Stadium but Ahmet Rifat’s Blues can be encouraged by their performance as they were able to challenge resolutely and created chances throughout. Prior to that Wingate beat Whitstable Town in the FA Cup 3-2 on the Kent coast with goals from Ruben Carvalho (x2) and Anointed Chukwu. Farnborough are entering the FA Cup at this stage (2nd Qualifying Round) so have not yet appeared in the competition but their last league game was a 1-1 draw at Braintree Town with both goals coming in the first 6 minutes. During midweek, Farnborough played out a 4-3 defeat in the Hampshire Senior Cup against Folland Sports.
Head to Head
The sides have never met in the FA Cup before, last playing each other in the 2015-16 Isthmian Premier League season with two games in the space of a week, each side taking a victory in their respective home fixtures including a 4-3 thriller at the Maurice Rebak Stadium.
Players to watch
Elliot Long scored his first goal of the season against Hornchurch after a breakthrough season at this level in 2022-23 with 10 goals in all competitions. He will be looking to back that up in a frontline which has only failed to score once so far this season in 7 outings.
For Farnborough, 27-year-oldforward Alfie Pavey, who spent a couple of seasons at local neighbours Barnet, has started the season on fire with 7 goals making him the NLS top scorer so far this season; it will be an excellent for our defence!
The Match
The fixture has been moved to Sunday at 3pm due to Jewish New Year on Saturday. We would like to wish those of our fans who are celebrating a happy and healthy New Year.
The winner of Sunday's tie will be in the hat for the 3rd Qualifying Round to take place at the end of September.
We will also be showing Super Sunday in the bar including Everton vs Arsenal (16.30 KO).
Prices: Adults £12; Concessions £8; U18 £5
Please note season tickets are not valid for this game.
See you on Sunday! Come on you Blues!
By Liam Blaney
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