Wingate & Finchley continued their revival in the Ryman Premier Division with a 1-0 victory over promotion chasing Margate.

The Blues started the contest brightly and Anthony Thomas threatened the visitors’ goal with a curling shot which rattled the crossbar.

The winger continued to cause the Margate defence problems and he put Wingate ahead with a strike which went through the legs of goalkeeper Craig Holloway.

Thomas came close to doubling the lead on two occasions but Holloway redeemed himself with two good stops.

Despite their dominance, Margate should have drawn level on 30 minutes as the ball dropped to Tommy Whitewell but he could only shoot over from eight yards.

Wingate played the better football for the remainder of the half and Wayne O’Sullivan had a shot well saved shortly before the interval.

The second period was much tighter and both sides struggled to create real opportunities in front of goal.

The best chance of the half game shortly after the interval and it went to the visitors. Sam Long broke through on goal only to shoot wide.

The teams then traded half-chances as Margate’s Dean Pooley’s snap-shot volley from a corner went wide before Daniel Brown headed over after rising highest from a Wingate corner.

The visitors controlled possession but rarely threatened and the Blues came close to sealing the win only for Thomas’ low drive to hit the post.

Margate exerted some late pressure but they were unable to break through the Wingate defence and hosts saw out the game.