Wingate & Finchley venture into new territory on Saturday as they travel south to meet Whitehawk for the first time. Whitehawk have had something of a meteoric rise in recent years, as they won promotion from the Sussex County League in 2009/10, debuting in the Ryman League (Division One South) in 2010/11, before winning the title the following season, and thus, a place in the Ryman Premier Division. Wingate & Finchley should be wary of the newly-promoted side for a number of reasons, not least because they have begun life in their new terrain rather well, sitting sixth, on 11 points after six games. The Brighton-based side also boasted an excellent home record last season, winning 15 of their 20 games at the Enclosed Ground, losing just once. Their last league game on home turf saw them smash Thurrock 5-1, although a 3-1 reverse to Lowestoft Town and a goalless draw to Hendon show they are unlikely to repeat their dominance at home from last term. Dave Norman’s men will go there with some confidence though, having secured a good win against Ryman League Division One (North) high-flyers Potter Bar Town in the FA Trophy last weekend. That win, on the back of two straight defeats, will boost the side, who are desperate to really get their campaign up and running after a frustratingly inconsistent start.
Preview by Mike Carre