Defender Jordan Gibbons' first-half dismissal was shaken off by a spirited Wingate and Finchley showing which still had enough in the tank to beat Leatherhead 2-1 on Saturday.
Keith Rowland's men were already a goal up when they were reduced to 10 men, through Reece Beckles-Richards' back-heeled flick from Steve Wales' cross.
A contentious foul on D'Sean Theobalds saw Gibbons dismissed 10 minutes before the break, but the Blues rode the insuing pressure – before adding to their tally through Ahmet Rifat just after half-time.
Nine minutes from time, Jimmy Bullard's Leatherhead gave themselves a shout when Daniel Carr turned in a rebound to set up a tense finale.
But the hosts belied their man disadvantage to hold on for a third win in a row - and are now seven without defeat in the Isthmian Premier League.
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