THIS EVENING’S MATCH PREVIEW – WINGATE & FINCHLEY (HOME)

Third entertains fourth in the clash of the night as Wingate and Finchley come to Champion Hill.

At the end of last season this was a fixture that looked to have been scrubbed from the lists but, after being reprieved from relegation at the death after the resignation of Worksop Town from the Northern Premier League in May, the Blues have been as if they were condemned men pardoned.

After losing a ding-dong battle in an opening day 4-3 defeat at home to Leiston on a day when the fates seemed to conspire against them, woodwork rattled, penalties denied, it was all systems go as they roared up the table into the playoff places. Of their next six games, five finished in victory for Wingate, convincing ones too as the likes of Hampton & Richmond Borough, still on a downer after last season’s heady rush, and Tonbridge Angels, late of Conference South. Only a scoreless draw with another of the early season dark horses, East Thurrock, spoiled a perfect run to see out August.

September dawned bright but not for the Blouse who slipped to back-to-back defeats away to promoted Witham and struggling Lewes, failing to score in either. A return to The Harry Abrahams Stadium brought a return to form as Harrow Borough were put to the sword 3-1 before attention turned to the pursuit of glory in the FA Cup and a cracking duel with Ipswich Wanderers. Nothing could separate the two antagonists in North London and, after a 2-2 draw; the Blues hit the road to Suffolk last Wednesday night for a second dose of thriller football. Three up at the break and seeming on cruise control, Wingate found themselves hanging on for grim death to the end as four goals in ten minutes left them with a slender 4-3 lead.

Last Saturday it was back to the bread and butter of the league campaign but once more the Wingate players kept their traveling faithful on tenterhooks before bagging all three points away to Billericay, a goal from substitute Nico Muir securing a 3-2 victory in stoppage time.

This evening’s game kicks off at 7.45 pm at Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, London SE22 8BD.

The turnstiles will be open from approximately 6.30 pm with refreshment facilities available in the ground for early arrivals. As a very healthy crowd is expected, why not avoid the late rush and relax. Before the game enjoy a drink or snack in our cosy clubhouse with live sport on the big screens, conveniently situated just a short walk from the turnstiles?

ADMISSION PRICES

• £10 for Adults
• £4 for Concessions (Seniors - 60+, Under 18s, Unemployed (UB40, Full Time Students and Members of the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services. PLEASE present valid ID)
• Under 12s FREE accompanied by a paying adult.

Correct change would be appreciated in order to speed admission. Many thanks!

Programmes: £2.00