Wingate & Finchley won their second game in a row with a 3-1 victory over local rivals Harrow Borough.

This third away win of the season, but first since August, lifted Wingate eight points clear from the relegation zone towards mid-table security.

Wingate’s games seem to have been littered with early goals throughout the campaign, and this one was no exception as they struck after just six minutes.

A long goal kick was received by Gary Burrell, who flicked the ball on to Leon Smith. The striker interchanged with David Laird before holding off his marker and beating the keeper to roll the ball into the empty net for his second goal in consecutive matches.

Harrow had a great chance to level within a minute when Tristan Toney cut inside from right and bore down on goal but he was denied by Bobby Smith's big frame as he closed the angle well.

The away side's lead was doubled after 16 minutes when Burrell floated a perfect inswinging free-kick for Gazmend Dauti to flick home amid chaotic scenes in Harrow's defence.

Wingate dominated the rest of the first half with good possession and territorial domination, though with a two-goal lead there were few risks taken and chances became scarce.

The half-time interval brought a shift in the balance of play as Harrow upped their urgency.

A long punt from the keeper ran all the way through to Rob Wollerston with a sight of goal, but his volley was blocked by Bobby Smith.

The deficit was reduced back to one goal when centre-back Wayne Walters rose to score with a free header on 75 minutes, diverting in a powerfully driven free-kick from Harrow's left touchline.

This could have resulted in a frantic end to the match but Harrow were crucially reduced to ten men after Wilson Gondwe lunged with a two-footed challenge on Ross Parmenter after losing possession in midfield.

This allowed Wingate to comfortably see the game out, and actually restore the two-goal margin in injury time as a counter-attack led by debutant Jon Douglas was easily converted.

The substitute had only been playing for ten minutes when he received the ball in his own half. He drove forward, past the defender and used the run of Leon Smith as a decoy before curling the ball past the stranded keeper.

Douglas represented the Loughborough University first team where he won the BUSA football league title, and his previous clubs include Ilkeston Town, Oxford City and Hednesford.

The 27-year-old, who can also play in central defence, is a target man good with good aerial ability, and is making his way back into football at this level after taking six months out due to work commitments.

The Blues have another free midweek and then host Lewes on Saturday afternoon.

Wingate & Finchley: B Smith, Williams, Street, Dauti, Aisien, Westherstone, Burke (Fisher 87), Parmenter, L Smith, Laird (Douglas 80), Burrell (Henry 76). Not used: Mitchell and Norman.