Redbridge took to the field for the first time in over 3 weeks but it certainly never showed as they started the match the stronger of the two sides dominating the first half with an excellent performance full of work rate and quick passing which resulted in us taking an early lead after nine minutes. Tom Laxton picked up the ball outside the area and saw his shot beat Gavin King in goal only to rebound off the post but fortunately for the Motormen Alex Read was in the right place and reacted quickest to put the loose ball into an empty net. Captain George Alder was forced off through injury to be replaced with Lee Matson but this did not upset the balance of play and the away side looked dangerous on the break especially through Andy Edmunds who was impressing. Wingate's first real chance came after Dave Laird was tripped on the edge of the area, James Edgerley sent the free kick curling into the side netting. The game became stop-start after a succession of minor injuries, but Wingate & Finchley started to press forward. Edgerley was sent free on the right byeline and fired a cross along the six yard box but Gary Burrell just failed to turn the ball in. At the other end an exquisite one-touch passing move carved Wingate open but Gavin King smothered the close-range shot of Charlie Georgiou well.

The 2nd half saw a completely different Wingate side it was no suprise when the home sideequalised in the 57th minute through substitute Ahmet Rifat who was brought on just six minutes earlier. Redbridge failed to clear a corner and the ball was looped back over the stranded keeper by the head of Rifat and the ball bounced off the underside of the bar and behind the line. On 65 minutes Wingate took the lead after a defensive clearance was played up the right flank for Leon Smith to chase. He outpaced his marker and took the ball 40 yards into the box before slotting the ball home around the onrushing McCartney.

As the game neared the end it was Wingate who looked more likely to extend their lead whilst Redbridge started to tire and could not really muster up any real chances. The defeat leaves them sitting in 21st position but still with six matches in hand over Leyton who are 1 point ahead.

Report by Adam Silver