Wingate claim elusive October win
Wingate & Finchley claimed their first win of the month as they ended a run of five defeats in a game, writes Nikhil Saglani.
Ryman League Premier Division:
Wingate & Finchley 2 VCD Athletic 0
Saturday, 25 October, 2014
Barnet’s Ifeanyi Allen, on loan at Wingate, looked a threatening presence from the start and began the half creating chances – joined on the right flank by Mark Goodman. However, the home side’s first notable chance came from the left hand side when Ronayne Marsh-Brown’s long ball was flicked on by David Knight to Rob Laney, who’s header was pushed away for a corner. Minutes later, Ahmet Rifat hit a volley from 30 yards out but his excellent effort flew just over the bar.
Ten minutes later, midfield enforcer Ola Sogbanmu ran through the heart of VCD’s team, played in Knight and his cross was met by a looping Laney header – again just over the bar. Wingate’s domination continued with Marsh-Brown and Goodman crosses causing panic in the VCD box. VCD’s first notable moment of pressure came on the hour mark when Lewis Perkins’ cross was poorly punched by Bobby Smith but the resulting corner was skied over the bar. At the end of the first half, Knight had two shots on goal; the first blocked and the second saved easily by Nick Blue.
The second half began perfectly for the hosts. Knight whipped in a free kick, Laney could not control but Marc Weatherstone spun and smashed his shot into the corner with his left foot – sending the Harry Abrahams Stadium into delirium. Minutes later, two Marsh-Brown crosses resulted in two corners and the latter resulted in a Weatherstone header saved easily. VCD brought on Orlando Smith to bolster their attacking options but neither side was able to hold onto the ball for long enough to create a goal scoring opportunity. A great passing move between Dean Carpenter, Smith, Michael Power and Lea Dawson led to the latter crossing perfectly to Karl Dent but his effort produced an incredible reflex save from Bobby Smith.
A scuffle in the 70th minute led to bookings for three players and the heat was turned up on the game. Tommy Tejan-Sie ran at the heart of the VCD’s midfield but his shot from the edge of the box flew over the bar. Ten minutes later, Tejan-Sie hit a half-volley from 30 yards out but it flew wide of VCD’s right hand post. An aesthetically pleasing move began with Rifat sending a long ball to Knight, who’s flick on played Laney in on goal but his attempt at rounding the keeper was prevented by the on-rushing Blue.
The game was sealed in stoppage time as Laney squared to Knight, who could have finished himself but squared to Karl Oliyide who finished emphatically and ensured the three points would stay in North London. The hosts did have a chance to make it 3-0 but Knight blazed over after coolly rounding the goalkeeper.
Wingate & Finchley:
Smith, Goodman, Marsh-Brown, Lake, Weatherstone, Rifat, Knight, Tejan-Sie, Laney, Sogbanmu, Allen (Oliyide 70). Subs Street Muir Fisher Graham.
VCD Athletic:
Blue, McDonagh, Basey (Deen 81), Reeves, Tozer, Dawson, Carpenter, Perkins, Power, Bremner (Smith 54mins), Green (Dent 62)
Attendance:
105
Referee:
A Parker
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