Liam Blaney on a local derby that ended all square

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

Wingate & Finchley took the short journey across into the Borough of Enfield on Saturday, facing one of their biggest matches of the season. The local derby is always a keenly anticipated clash, but this time around it was even more important given that the two sides were 4^th and 5^th place in the league table going into this game.

On a surface that survived a pitch inspection, the Blues took the first opportunity to break into Enfield’s penalty area and Zack Newton went down under a challenge leading to a penalty being awarded after just 6 minutes. Anointed Chukwu duly stepped up to convert the penalty and take his season’s goal tally to 14 in all competitions.

As the first half progressed, there were good chances for both sides, despite the difficulty of the boggy surface. Elliot Long twice went close, while Ben Goode in the Blues goal did well to save a one-on-one opportunity from the hosts. Shortly before half time, Matty Achuba burst forward from midfield and gave the ball to forward Zack Newton who beat his man and fired an excellent finish low into the bottom corner to double the Blues’ advantage.

After the interval, Towners got a goal back almost immediately through prolific forward Marcus Wyllie who controlled a pass from Sam Youngs, finshing his chance well. After 73 minutes, the roles were reversed as Wyllie turned provider for Sam Youngs as he crossed the ball for midfielder Youngs to slide home and bag the equaliser.

The Blues did have a number of chances to extend their lead including a double-save by Enfield keeper Rhys Forster from Elliot Long and then Rhamar Garrett-Douglas. Billy Cracknell also hit the woodwork with a header from a tight angle, but the game ended level and ensures both teams continue to push for play-off contention this season.

Wingate & Finchley: Goode, Seager, Cracknell, Frimpong, Frempah, Achuba, Solomon (Garrett-Douglas 68’), Newton (Carvalho 69’), Chukwu, Long (Boachie 87’), Biler.

Unused subs: Bani, Deslandes

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