Wingate knocked out of FA Trophy (From Times Series)

Wingate and Finchley knocked out of FA Trophy after defeat by Hitchin Town

3:32pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Sport

Wingate and Finchley exited the FA Trophy after suffering a 3-0 defeat in their replay at Hitchin Town.

The Southern League Premier Division outfit went ahead in the 20th minute after Zak Burke fired home.

John Frendo went into the match looking to equal a club record by scoring for the ninth consecutive game but it was his strike partner who earned the plaudits.

Burke found the net twice in the second period to seal his treble and book Town’s place in the next round.

Wingate will be disappointed to exit the competition as they were 2-0 ahead in the first match between the sides, only for the Canaries to level the score and force the replay.

The Blues established a lead as Town captain Dean Chilbert’s pass back was short, which allowed Ryan Gardiner to curl the ball past Martin Bennett.

Given the pattern of the match it was a surprise lead but a minute later Wingate doubled their advantage.

A long pass was flicked on for Andersen Pinto, who cleverly rounded the keeper and slipped the ball past the defender on the line.

The Blues were suddenly in control, but a defensive error gifted the visitors a goal and a way back into the game.

Josh Bickerstaff’s looping cross from the left was misjudged by Marc Weatherstone and Frendo had the simple task of bringing the ball down and placing it into the bottom corner.

For all their possession, the visitors weren’t creating many opportunities and relied on some good fortune for their equaliser.

Weatherstone caught Jack Bennett with a high boot and the referee pointed to the spot.

Frendo made no mistake from 12 yards though, firing high to the keeper’s right to ensure the replay.