Ryman League

Pinner two good for Panathinaikos

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:39:05 +0000

Watford Friendly League Green Division
Panathinaikos Youth 0 Pinner JFC 2

Strikes from Ollie Hershon and Ben Green claim an impressive victory over fellow high-flyers Panathinaikos Youth in the Watford Friendly League Green Division.

Pinner JFC travelled to Palmers Green for the top of the table clash. With results going their way, Pana found themselves in second position after four games, so it would prove to be a stern test for both sides.

On a very bumpy pitch and in slightly foggy conditions, the Sky Blues started well and applied constant pressure on the home side throughout the first half, coming close on several occasions.

Pinner broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the first half with a goal that would grace the Premier League. With the ball in their penalty area and with some slick passing from Jordan Davies and Ben ‘the Bullet’ Green, who dribbled round three players to take the ball to the by line where a left-footed cross was met by the right boo on the volley by Ollie Hershon, who slammed it into the Pana net.

The Sky Blues then came under some pressure for the remaining five minutes of the half but defended stoically to leave the score at half time at 0-1.

Pinner made three changes in the second half but continued to camp out in the opposition's half, before a long left-footed blast from Ben Green which the keeper saw roll through his legs.

The Sky Blues sit solidly on top with maximum points where they showed good depth in the squad which is pleasing as all now are progressing at the same rate.

Wingate's & Finchley's finest hour

Danny Caro — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:02:18 +0100

Aron Sharpe has described Tuesday's London Senior Cup final success as his finest hour after Wingate & Finchley completed a historic treble.

Having won the Ryman League Cup in March, the Blues earned promotion to the Ryman League Premier for the first time after beating Brentwood Town in the playoff final on Saturday.

This was followed by a 3-1 victory over local rivals Hendon in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night when Sam Sloma was one of the scorers.

Wingate chairman Sharpe said: "It's been a phenomenal end to a wonderful season that is the culmination of a few years of structure and stability.

"The set-up at the bottom end is very strong. Our youth set-up is excellent and the plan was always to get the club to a higher level. The short-term target was to maintain our position and win a cup."

Although the club's roots can be traced back to 1874, it was in 1946 that Wingate FC was formed as a Jewish football club, to combat antisemitism through sport. It merged with Finchley FC in 1991.

The club has come under severe criticism in some quarters in recent years after losing a stronghold of Jewish players. But it retains a strong identity in the boardroom and amongst supporters. Sharpe said: "When I came to the club I was fully aware of the requirements but it was hard to find Jewish boys able to play at this level. Most were not match-fit and they were unable to achieve the standard required for the club.

"I told the board to give me 10 years to find a Jewish boy able to play at this level. Sometimes you have to take a club backwards before you can take it forwards.

Sharpe, who is also joint-manager of the club's Under 18 team, said: "Success for me is making an average footballer into a very good player. You also have to be able to attract them to the club.

"Traditionally we have always been the number one club to produce the cream of the crop in terms of Jewish football. We've had Michael Stone and Adam Lee while Ben Winston remains heavily involved."

The chairman, 46, is in his fourth year with the club. He has also been impressed by Andy Zeller who acts as first-team coach and manager of the club's Under 18 team. "Andy is an outstanding coach," he said. "He has implemented a similar type of template to professional clubs."

He believes that an age old problem is holding some of the top talent back. "Unless boys go to university locally, it's very hard for them to commit. Most boys are still caught between wanting a good education and playing football at the highest level. The biggest problem is maintaining match fitness.

"It's a work in progress and we have to look at it each year."

Sharpe confirmed that Wingate will put out an Under 16 which will be 90 per cent Jewish against a Maccabi GB team in a friendly at Rowley Lane on June 12. He said: "The development is in the club at youth level. We have around 16 boys aged 15-18 who I believe are more than capable of playing Ryman League football in the next few years."

David Smouha and Liron Mannie recently signed Ryman League forms while Sharpe's son, Joel, has been invited for pre-season training.

Sharpe said: "The future is bright for the club in general and exciting times lie ahead."

Massu cross over Wimbledon defeat

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:29:57 +0100

Nicolas Massu was in dismissive mood following his first-round defeat at the hands of qualifier Ilija Bozoljac.

"I don't expect much when I play on grass," said the Chilean after the four-set defeat. "I think this is a different sport. I try to fight and try to do my best, but if there is someone that plays better on this surface, it's difficult to beat him. I have my chances today, but I didn't make it."

The only man in history to win gold in both singles and doubles at the same Olympics, Massu, ranked 98 in the world, reflected on his first visit to Wimbledon for three years. "It's nice to play here. I like the club but not the surface. If I feel good in the court I try to enjoy. But I know that maybe I'm not feeling the best that I can. This is one week a year so for me doesn't matter. I'm not too disappointed. I tried to do my best and if I lost, I lost. I had my chances today but didn't make it."

A happy end

Danny Caro — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:24:31 +0100

Wingate & Finchley caretaker manager Ben Winston has been asked to stay on at the club after steering them to their best ever finish in the Division One North.

In his eight games in charge, Winston claimed five wins, a draw and two defeats, culminating in a narrow loss at Ware. “I have really enjoyed my time as manager,” said Winston. “It has been fantastic to take on this challenge and to finish in the highest ever league position for the club is really positive.

“I took over a side that had lost a few games but we have been able to lift the players and get some good results. The important thing is we build on our high finish and try to push for promotion next season. If I choose not to carry on, the chairman and I need to find the right man to take the club forward.”

Winston tastes first defeat

Paul Lerman — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:55:09 +0100

Ryman League Division One North:
Maldon Town 2 Wingate & Finchley 1

With goals at the start and end of the game, Maldon Town somehow took all three points from this game and dented Wingate & Finchey's playoff hopes.

The home side took the lead in only the second minute through a free kick that was swung in from the left wing for centre-back Nathan Fletcher who jumped in space to head the ball perfectly into the top corner.

In very high winds neither side managed to create much in the first half as the bobbly pitch also hindered passing, although Joel Barnet was denied at the near post by King after a powerful run from the right.

Wingate & Finchley looked rejuvenated after the break and created a host of good scoring chances. Chris Chase flicked the ball through for Leon Nelson but he was charged down superbly by the keeper who blocked the shot behind for a corner. Dean Williams then hit the crossbar from a one-on-one as Wingate began to turn the screw.

The deserved goal came in fortuitous but deserved fashion the 57th minute when a Chris Chase corner went straight in as the keeper flapped at the far post under pressure from a group of players.

Wingate continued to dominate the half. Craig Ellis fired superbly from 18 yards but just missed the crossbar and Chris Chase sent a free kick slightly over also. However the waves of Wingate pressure began to die down and indeed Maldon won the match in injury time when Niki Love finished off a quick breakaway from an acute angle inside the area as Wingate suffered their first defeat under manager Ben Winston.

Wingate & Finchley: Gavin King, Marc Weatherstone, Daniel Nielsen, Craig Ellis, Bobby Aisien, Michael Sacks, Chris Chase, Marvin Samuel, Leon Nelson (Jason Mason 75), Dean Williams, Chris Bangura. Subs: Kieran Street, Jake Furman, Jimmie Berry, Frankie Webb

Winston appointed as caretaker-manager at Wingate

Danny Caro — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:59:40 +0000

Ben Winston is the new manager of Wingate & Finchley after former Arsenal player Martin Hayes parted company with the club by mutual consent.

Hayes took over from Michael Stone last month after Stone moved to Rushden & Diamonds. But, with the team lying seventh in the Ryman League Division One North table and in playoff contention, they suffered five defeats in the six matches he was in charge for.

Wingate chairman Aron Sharpe said: “The appointment of Martin Hayes was always a suck it and see situation. We thought we’d give it until the end of the season but he has a full-time job in Colchester and it just wasn’t working. He’s a really good guy and a good manager and it was an amicable agreement. There is certainly no crisis. Now we need to regroup and settle the club down.

“We’re in a position where the team can claim its best ever finish. Ben’s more than capable of doing the job until the end of the season as caretaker-manager. Him being shomer Shabbat isn’t an issue as we’ve worked a way around it.”

Looking ahead to the run-in, Sharpe said: “The playoffs would be nice but are neither here nor there. People need to see a progressive pathway and remember how far we’ve come this season. It’s not been a negative season, it’s a great season.

“I’d like to think we’ll be settled for next season as Ben is a highly charismatic guy with a lot of qualities. He has the respect of the squad.”

Winston, 27, is relishing being in charge for the club's last eight games starting at home to Tilbury, who lie 10th, tomorrow.

He said: "I'm delighted to be manager of Wingate. It's a club I've really fallen in love with, a fantastic club with great traditions. We have a really good group of playing and I'm excited to be working with them.

"I hope to bring cohesion and unity. If I didn't think I was ready I wouldn't have taken it. It's important that we continue to make huge strides forward and I guess I'll have to be judged on the next eight games."

Not only if the former London Maccabi Lions manager one of the youngest ever bosses at Wingate & Finchley, he is also one of the fittest, walking 45 minutes to home game at the Abrahams stadium as he does not drive on Shabbat.

He has already been in charge of the first team twice this season, claiming a win and a draw. He said: "I loved working with Michael Stone. He's a fantastic guy, coach and manager, and I'm sure we'll work together again in the future. I also got on really well with Martin Hayes but believe that he was possibly not the right man for where the club is now. But he did a good job while he was here but, unfortunately, the results did not come although I feel that the whole squad needs to take collective responsibility for this."

Looking to the future, he said: "The Jewish element of Wingate is crucially important and should not be overlooked. The club really feels like it represents the community and will look at the situation from the bottom up and address it during the close season. We are always looking at ways of bringing in more Jewish players."

He remains "100 per cent committed" with his duties of helping manager Jonathan Kestenbaum lead the Team GB open football team at the Maccabiah Games in July. He said: "I'm very excited about what will be a very tough and high quality competition."

Blues claim impressive away win

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:45:51 +0000

Ryman League Division One North:
Cheshunt 0
Wingate & Finchley 1

Wingate & Finchley returned to winning ways with a very tough away win at fellow playoff hopefuls Cheshunt. Cheshunt had the first chance of the game when Ashley Taylor-Forbes was put through on goal but his shot was blocked by Gavin King. The rebound fell to Ola Akinnawo but off-balance, he scooped the ball over the bar.

Wingate & Finchley then took the lead in the 17th minute. A lovely through ball was launched forward by Marvin Samuel and a deft touch from Wayne Grant set Chris Chase free just over the halfway line. He outpaced the
defenders and slotted the ball past the keeper Ashley Harris expertly.

Cheshunt should have equalised just moments later. The tricky Akinnawo cut inside from the left wing and rounded King, but with some desperate defending his close range shot was blocked on the line by Bobby Aisien.

Cheshunt continued to have the better of the first half possession but with mostly shots from distance they never really tested King.

Wingate & Finchley's defending was organised and resolute and Chesunt rarely found a way through.

The first chance after the break fell to Wingate despite the home side still enjoying possession in the middle. A corner from Leon Fisher was drilled in flat, and Craig Ellis found space but sent his header over the bar.

The game was scrappy and chances were hard to come by at both ends.

For Cheshunt, Mervin Abraham sent a volley from 20 yards wide of the left post.

The visitors continued to defend well and it wasn't until the dying moments that Cheshunt worked another chance to equalise. After a half-cleared corner a shot on the turn was sent over the bar amidst a panicky scramble.

Wingate & Finchley: Gavin King, Daniel Nielsen, Jimmie Berry, Craig Ellis, Bobby Aisien, Michael Sacks, Chris Chase (sub: Jake Furman 86), Marvin Samuel, Wayne Grant, Chris Bangura, Leon Fisher (sub: Tim Lees 79). Subs: Frankie Webb, Dean Williams, Marcel Jones

Wingate beaten by leaders

Paul Lerman — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:30:20 +0000

Ryman League Division One North
Wingate & Finchley 0 Aveley 1

Despite being the better side for the large majority of the game, Wingate & Finchley 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.

The hosts continued to create chances early in the second half; Samuel worked some space on the right touchline before crossing in towards Leon Nelson. However being at full stretch he could not direct his header.

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

However they paid for not taking their chances, and just after the hour mark the visitors took the lead arguably 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.

Coupled with a few injuries to the home side's starting 11, a sending off of Fisher for dissent took the game away from the home side who now faced a near impossible task, and Aveley's 11 men were able to nullify Wingate for the closing stages who only had one goalmouth scramble to show for their efforts.

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

'My boys will fight until the death,' says Stone

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:03:29 +0000

Wingate & Finchley 2
East Thurrock United 2

Wingate & Finchley manager Michael Stone was delighted with the character shown by his team as the blues maintained their playoff push with a hard-earned draw against fellow high-flyers East Thurrock United.

“I thought we had a great start and in the first 25 minutes caused East Thurrock all sorts of problems. We scored one during this period and if we had added another I really feel that it would have been difficult for them to come back.”

Stone, who will coach the GB open team at July’s Maccabiah, said: “We are standing up to be counted amongst a tough run of opponents which shows we deserve to be where we are. But valuable points are escaping and at this stage of the season its wins that are needed to keep putting pressure on those teams above us.”

Sixth place in the table, Wingate travel to Enfield Town tomorrow.

Blues target new talent

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:39:10 +0000

Wingate and Finchley are holding their annual Open Day to find the top talent for the new intake to their Football Learning Excellence, or ‘FLEX’ Scheme.

The club are recruiting boys aged 16-18 to join up to the programme in time for the start of the 2009/10 season.

The joint venture with educational partner Barnet College has so far been a resounding success and has given this year’s squad the fantastic opportunity to move up into the club’s Capital League team.

Many have so far made this achievable step, and are well on the way to realising the potential of becoming a member of Wingate and Finchley’s high-flying first team. Each member of the scheme will also receive a qualification awarded by Barnet College, so FLEX also represents a rather unique way of gaining further qualifications whilst developing your football.

The scheme is run by Richard Marchena and club captain Marvin Samuels, both of whom will be on hand at the open day on January 24 to answer any questions from potential players and parents.

Several current members of this seasons’ inaugural FLEX Scheme squad will also be available explain their experiences and successes before all prospective players are given a coaching session.

The club’s Vice-Chairman David Thrilling is excited by the way the FLEX Scheme has worked in its first season and sees it playing a major role in the Ryman League club’s future.

He said: “The FLEX scheme offers an excellent pathway for young people to develop their football skills and education in a harmonious environment. The club has developed in a variety of ways in the last 18 months and the FLEX scheme is a key part of our future growth and desire to become a true community club.

“Our Head of Youth Development and First Team Captain provide a first-class coaching set up for students, also allowing them the perfect opportunity to impress and break into the First Team.

“We hope to have state of the art facilities including classrooms on site in the very near future, which can only enhance the scheme in the coming years. Several of the boys this year have represented our Capital League Team and have been inspired onto bigger and better things by the tremendous progress of our First Team. These truly are exciting times at Wingate & Finchley”

The afternoon of events kicks-off at 1pm and includes entrance to the Ryman Division One North encounter between Wingate & Finchley and East Thurrock. Afterwards there will be a further opportunity to meet club chairman Aron Sharpe and the club’s first team coaching staff led by manager Michael Stone.

Anybody wishing to find out more should contact Assistant Club Secretary Ricky Deller on 07725 984 595 or e-mail him at ricky.deller@soccerkits.com