Strong performance sees Blues to Velocity Cup victory

By Aaron Toubian

Wingate & Finchley moved safely through to the last eight of the Isthmian League Velocity Cup, thanks to a 4-1 win over a youthful Cheshunt team.

After a dominant start, Ahmet Rifat’s men eventually broke the deadlock, as Sam Cornish’s effort found its way in, with returning teenager Tommy Roberts providing the final touch.

However, just five minutes later, the visitors restored parity through former Leyton Orient man, Reon Smith-Kouassi, who found his second goal in this season’s competition.

The Ambers’ joy was short-lived, as moments later, Cain Keller restored Wingate’s lead, completing a wonderful, one-touch move and calmly slotting past Henry Blackledge.

The hosts began the second half as they ended the first, as Alfie Cue netted his second goal for the club. The striker made perfect use of Rhamar Garrett-Douglas’ pinpoint delivery, glancing his header into the top corner, to double the Blues’ advantage.

Twenty minutes later, Cue put the victory beyond any doubt, pouncing on Tommy Roberts’ excellent strike and heading into an empty net, for perhaps the easiest goal he will ever score.

The second half also saw the introduction of Blues’ youth defender, Juan Fernandes Quejada, who recorded his second first-team appearance in as many weeks, having featured for almost an hour in the third-round triumph at Walthamstow. After the win, Manager Ahmet Rifat praised Juan’s recent exploits: “Good experience for him (to come off the bench)! He has been doing really well in the under-18s, so he deserved that!”

Cheshunt were unable to work any pathway back into the tie, and the boys from Summers Lane secured their progression through to the quarter final.

Following the victory, Blues boss Rifat expressed disappointment on the way his team started the match: “We just had to do things properly. I thought in the first half, we didn’t.” However, he went on to commend the second half performance: “I felt we were better. More on the front foot, more aggressive, more intensity, more ball speed, and scored two good goals.”

After a fantastic return to the team, Tommy Roberts spoke on the recent mood in the training camp: “The team morale is so high!” He added that it would mean “a lot” to win this season’s Velocity Cup. “I came up through the youth, so, great to just play for this club again!”

The Blues aim to carry this winning form into Saturday’s clash with Carshalton Athletic, at the Maurice Rebak Stadium (3:00pm kick-off). Tickets for the match are now available for purchase on our website.

Photos courtesy of Martin Addison.