Wingate & Finchley 0 Aveley 1 . . .

Ryman League Division One North . . .

Despite being the better side for the large majority of the game, Wingate & Fincley eventually lost out to table-toppers Aveley.

The Blues attacked right from the very start. In a crowded box, Chris Chase almost scored a spectacular goal with a deft back-heel, but he narrowly missed the target. Craig Ellis then had a free header from a deep corner, but his goalbound effort was cleared off the goalline.

Sam Holloway replied for the visitors with his own header from a corner but the ball fell safely into Gavin King's hands.

The game began to open up, and Wayne Grant should have finished a lovely flowing left-wing move when he received a first-time pass from Chase but he hooked his shot wide. Back at the other end, Garry Skerritt then found himself in space on the edge of the area and volleyed the ball sweetly. Once again, though, King was well positioned to collect the attempt on goal.

Wingate & Finchley continued to create the better chances, and a powerful drive from Grant was deflected over the bar for a corner.

Early in the second half, Marvin Samuel worked some space on the right touchline, before crossing towards Leon Nelson. However, being at full stretch, he could not direct his header.

Grant then had his best effort of the game. His superb shot from wide on the left side of the area was sailing towards the far corner, but was just tipped over the bar by keeper Marrable.

However, the Blues paid for not taking their chances and, just after the hour mark, the visitors took the lead against the run of play. With a couple of quick one-two moves, Neil Richmond found space in the area and slotted past the helpless King.

Injuries to the home side's starting 11, plus the sending off of Leon Fisher for dissent, took the game away from the home side and Aveley held on to take the points.

WINGATE: Gavin King, Daniel Nielsen, Kieran Street, Craig Ellis (Tim Lees 67), Bobby Aisien, Michael Sacks, Chris Chase (Jake Furman 70), Marvin Samuel, Wayne Grant, Leon Nelson (Dean Williams 76), Leon Fisher. Subs: Marc Weatherstone, Chris Bangura.

PAUL LERMAN