Chris Cummings on growing success for the Summers Lane-based club

Players from Wingate and Finchley football clubs celebrating a goal — Wingate and Finchley celebrating a goal – (Credit – Martin Addison)

The Blues from Summers Lane are currently enjoying one of their best seasons in recent history, sitting in the playoff places of the Isthmian Premier League, with a genuine shot at playing football in the National League South next season.

Manager and club legend Ahmet Rifat has got the team playing some fantastic football, with plenty of goals being scored, thanks to an especially prolific front three: Elliot Long; Ruben Carvalho; and Anointed Chukwu. The goals, some of which are superb (you can check them out on @WinFinchleyFC socials), alongside some gritty wins against big clubs in the division, mean that the final half of the year is set to be a classic.

With games against the top sides still to be played, the Maurice Rebak stadium, near to the Finchley Bowl is not somewhere you’ll want to miss. Alongside some fantastic burgers, there is a full bar in the clubhouse, and an atmosphere that is rivalled by very few teams in the area – where else can you enjoy a pint by the pitch?

The club is focused on community, and it’s not too late to come along to witness the squad push towards the National League as the season enters the business stage. You can find our latest fixtures at WingateFinchley.com, with Lewes the next side to visit Summers Lane on Saturday 3rd February.

It promises to be a rollercoaster between now and May – come along and join the ride!

This is one of a series of reports on local football clubs – you can also read updates from Hendon and Hadley.

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