Wingate & Finchley head coach Daniel Nielsen admitted his side’s mistakes were ruthlessly punished by Maidstone United as the Blues were beaten 5-0 in the Ryman Premier on Saturday.

Wingate started the contest brightly but fell behind in the 21st minute as Tom Mills fired an accurate shot home from 25 yards.

The lead was doubled moments later as Frannie Collin capitalised on slack defending and found the net.

United were unable to add to their lead in the first half but, four minutes after the restart, they killed off any hope of a Wingate fight-back as Jack Parkinson headed in a long throw.

Wingate again had their moments in the second period but defensive mistakes proved costly.

Alex Flisher netted with three minutes remaining and in the final stages, Zack Attwood scored a penalty after Ola Sogbanmu had committed a professional foul inside the box and was dismissed.

Nielson said: “I don't feel the scoreline represented the game, and anyone at the game would agree I'm sure. Maidstone were clinical and we were punished for our mistakes today. I felt as a team we worked extremely hard and at times played some good football.”