Stubborn Wingate claim point in Suffolk
The Blues fightback to earn deserved point, writes Nikhil Saglani.
Ryman Premier League:
AFC Sudbury 2 Wingate & Finchley 2
Tuesday, 23 August, 2016
Wingate & Finchley held AFC Sudbury to a 2-2 draw at the Wardale Williams Stadium in Suffolk, after coming back from 2-1 down. Reece Beckles-Richards and Rob Laney were the Blues’ goalscorers on a night where both sides had enough chances to take all three points.
The visitors began the game on the front foot with some intricate passing and relentless pressing as their hosts struggled to get a foothold into the game. It was the Blues who took the lead on 12 minutes as further excellent pressure Laney saw him win the ball and feed Beckles-Richards, who ran in on goal and slotted under Marcus Graham. The visitors continued to push for a goal but were unable to find the final ball to potentially kill the game off early.
Shane Gore made a couple of straightforward saves in the following minutes but the hosts found an equaliser via a moment of magic on the half hour mark. Aaron Greene laid the ball off to Craig Parker, who rifled into the top corner from outside the area. The Blues then lost skipper Ahmet Rifat to a knock– adding to Keith Rowland’s growing injury list.
On the stroke of half-time, the hosts took a deserved lead. A dangerous free-kick was floated to the back post but, with Wingate unable to clear, Ryan Henshaw stabbed home at the back post to send the home fans into pandemonium.
However, Sudbury nearly extended their lead after the break through chances from Sam Bantick, Liam Wales and Greene. Another injury for Rowland’s side – this time to centre back, Tommy Smith – saw a reshuffled side push for a leveller. And the moment arrived on 71 minutes when Luke Ifil’s cross was volleyed home by Laney for his first goal since February – and it was timed to perfection. Steve Wales nearly completed the turnaround but his rasping half-volley was blocked by Henshaw.
The hosts hit the woodwork twice in quick succession from corners, but Wingate held on admirably for a good away point ahead of their visit to Harlow Town on Saturday afternoon.
Wingate:
Gore, Williams, Sellers, Mbamarah, Smith (Tejan-Sie, 62), Ifil, Wales, Rifat (Sharpe, 41), Beckles-Richards (Ogleby, 70), Laney, Bartram
Unused sub: Hastings
Sudbury:
Garnham, Robinson, Tann, Eagle, Henshaw, Baker, Bantick (Blackwell, 89), Clarke, Wales (Callander, 71), Parker, Greene
Unused sub: French, Newman, Robinson
Referee:
Paul Quick
Attendance:
245
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