9:31am Monday 8th March 2010
by Paul Lerman
Potters Bar Town 1
Wingate & Finchley 3
Ryman League Division One North
Wingate & Finchley completed the double over their biggest rivals Potters Bar Town, and in doing so extended their unbeaten league run for the calendar year to a club record 11 games.
There were few clear chances early on at either end. For the Blues Ahmet Rifat shot from 25 yards but aimed high over the bar and James Edgerley’s curling effort from a similar distance found the side netting.
The game was even in terms of territory but Wingate were creating the better chances. Leon Smith was played in on the right side and could have shot hinself, but instead squared the ball when through on goal but it ran under Rifat’s foot.
Ten minutes into the second half the home side took the lead with their first shot on target. As Potters Bar launched a quick counter attack, Jake Parratt shot with a moment of inspiration from 20 yards sending an unstoppable drive that nestled in the top right corner of the net.
The in-form Wingate & Finchley were not fazed by this and just five minutes later the scores were levelled, with Chris Chase volleying home an uncleared corner through a crowd of defenders from ten yards out.
The home side went close as Jordan Watson driled a shot wide of the far post from a tight angle on the right of the area. At the other end Gary Burrell shot beyond the keeper but Guy Helman had recovered to block the ball on the line to deny his former side.
The game became more stretched in the latter stages as the players tired on the heavy pitch, and at the end of a great flowing Wingate & Finchley move Marc Weatherstone crossed in and Chase connected well with a firm header but his effort went over the crossbar.
With only six minutes renaining the visitors took the lead that on the balance of play was probably deserved. A measured attack down the right wing saw the ball played square into the box to the advanced Rifat, who took his time and with great composure waited for the perfect time to rifle the ball home.
Not even a minute had passed after the restart and Potters Bar should have levelled the scores. Chris Doyle was sent clear on goal straight through the middle but his one on one saved was brilliantly saved by Gavin King.
Rifat settled the game two minutes later with another goal of superb composure. There were gaps in the home side’s defence as they went on the offensive, and from a counter-attack Rifat received the ball inside the area and with his left foot neatly found the bottom corner.
The win further boosts Wingate & Finchley’s playoff chances, and they will look to extend the unbeaten run when they travel to Cheshunt on Thursday night this week.
Lineup: King, Weatherstone, Wright, Henry, Nielsen, Craig Ellis (Ajet Shehu 64), Edgerley (Lenahan 85), Rifat, Smith (Laird 76), Chase, Burrell. Subs: Gershfield, Angus McLachlan.
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