Defeat yesterday means the Blues’ final game next Saturday will be a crucial one reports Liam Blaney

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

There was no “Jolly Boys’ Outing” for Wingate & Finchley in Margate on Saturday as they fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the relegation-threatened Kent coast side. The equation remains the same, the Blues need one point from their final league fixture to ensure a playoff place, regardless of other results.

The Blues had a handful of players missing for Saturday’s game, meaning a slightly disrupted lineup in defence and midfield, but there was no sign of any loss of momentum in the first half for the Blues who came into this game with just one defeat in their previous 14 matches. The first half ended goalless but both sides had their chances, the main chances for the Blues falling to centre forward Anointed Chukwu who was denied twice by the home keeper when through on goal.

After a goalless first half, the second remained goalless for less than five minutes as a debatable penalty was awarded to the home side within a minute of the restart. Goalkeeper Ben Goode saved the spot kick but the rebound was converted by Jeremiah Pinder, giving Margate an early lead in the second half. The pace of football after the interval continued, with Ruben Carvalho bundling home immediately after the restart, making the scoreline 1-1 after 50 minutes.

The Blues had Ben Goode in goal to thank for numerous saves throughout the game, but he was powerless just five minutes later when Mo Kamara smacked a shot against the crossbar from distance but thankfully the ball bounced off the line and away to safety. Shortly after, however, Ben Greenhalgh converted from the edge of the area, smashing the ball into the top corner and Margate were able to see out the 2-1 victory which keeps their hopes of safety alive.

For Wingate & Finchley, the Blues are at home next Saturday (27^th) for their final game of the normal season and face Carshalton Athletic, knowing that just one point will be enough to secure a playoff place. We need your support, come and get behind the boys and be part of this vital match in the club’s season.

Wingate & Finchley: Goode, Webb, Cracknell (Deslandes 62’), Seager, Frempah, Frimpong, Garrett-Douglas, Carvalho, Chukwu (Newton 46’), Long, Solomon (Boachie 71’)

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