By
Paul Lerman
1 min read
By
Paul Lerman
Wingate & Finchley forced yet another cup replay, this time in the FA Trophy Preliminary Round, as they drew in a tough game at Sittingbourne.
The first half was scrappy as both sides were restricted to playing long ball football, with a strong wind behind Sittingbourne causing problems to both teams who struggled to string passes together and create chances.
Sittingbourne forged ahead nine minutes before the break with a fortuitous goal well suited to the first half. After a corner was partially cleared out wide, the ball was rifled back towards the area, and hit Femi Omogbehin who directed it in.
The change of ends at half time brought instant reward for the Blues who now had the wind in their favour. Marc Weatherstone crossed the ball in to Dave Laird who controlled it well under pressure. His effort from six yards was blocked but it fell nicely to Marvin Samuel who turned and slotted the ball in the bottom corner.
Despite the high winds, Sittingbourne played their way back into the game by keeping the ball on the deck. Jimmy Bottle missed an open goal when he volleyed over from a right-wing cross.
For Wingate & Finchley, Leon Fisher sent a difficult volley that beat the keeper but was headed away by a defender three yards from goal.
This very even but scrappy game ended fairly as a draw, and the two sides will replay on Tuesday night at Summers Lane.
Wingate & Finchley: Gavin King, Marc Weatherstone, Daniel Nielsen, Jordan Fowler, Craig Ellis, Ahmet Rifat, Michael Lenahan (Leon Fisher 65), Marvin Samuel, Leon Smith, Dave Laird, James Gershfield (Chris Chase 75). Subs: Ola Williams, Kieran Street, Aynsley McDonald.
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