A poor first half display proved costly for Wingate & Finchley as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Leiston in the Ryman Premier. 

The pitch was heavy after the recent rain but was never a candidate for postponement.

Leiston's Craig Parker fired an early shot from distance narrowly wide of of the right post whilst Gareth Heath blazed over from inside the area after a short scramble.

Joe Francis then hit the post from a wide angle for Leiston.

Wingate weathered the early pressure but, after an even spell, Leiston opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

After good work on the right side a low deep cross found Francis who side-footed the ball home into the roof of the net. 

Leon Ottley-Gooch then fired wide after being released down the right side and defender David Head headed narrowly past the post after a delicious whipped cross.

Wingate's brightest spark was Ola Williams. After playing a one-two with Dean Mason he then cut inside his marker but his shot from close range was saved by Danny Gay..

Lewis Jones then tested Gay with a low shot but this was as close as Wingate came in the first half.

Leiston should've doubled their advantage just before the interval but Bobby Smith denied Parker with an incredible fingertip save.

After the break, Gay denied Lewis Jones and Wingate created a better chance from a Marc Weatherstone cross.

Adam Bolle had a free header from the swirling delivery but could not get enough power on his effort.

The second period was much more even than the first as Wingate pressured the visiting back line, however, they created little after a succession of crosses.

Leon Smith was inches away from diverting one of these crosses home but could not reach the ball.