Wingate and Finchley have made it into the FA Cup third qualifying round – the furthest they’ve advanced in the competition since 1999 – after a 3-0 win against Hitchin Town on Saturday.

The Blues were on the defensive early on as Hitchin, who are flying high in the Southern Premier League, controlled the early exchanges.

However, the hosts were undone by a swift break in the 11th minute which changed the match.

Leon Fisher fed the ball to David Knight, who scored with a fine drive into the top right corner.

The visitors’ lead should have been doubled when Karl Oliyide broke down the left wing and chipped the onrushing keeper. However, the ball missed the target.

The second goal did arrive in the 28th minute. Oliyide was again released down the left wing, he outpaced his marker and squared inside to Nico Muir. The striker timed his run well and half-volleyed home.

Hitchin tried to hit back with some heavy pressure but a superb third goal was scored by Ahmet Rifat shortly before half-time.

There was an early chance after the break for Hitchin but the home side lost their momentum and Wingate saw out the remainder of the second half fairly comfortably.

In the final moments Knight was pushed over inside the box but the referee decided not to give a penalty.

“I am extremely pleased with the professional display that the team showed today,” Wingate director of football David Norman said.

“I spoke to the players regarding their mental preparation, work rate and resilience and they have listened, followed instructions and executed the game plan perfectly.

“We have had several clubs from a higher level make enquiries about a number of our players but both myself and (head coach) Danny (Nielsen) feel confident that players will remain Wingate players.”

Wingate will host Havant & Waterlooville in the third qualifying round on Saturday, October 11.