FA Trophy

Wingate & Finchley 2 Ware 1

A goal from Craig Ellis helped Wingate & Finchley progress in the FA Trophy following a hard fought win at the Abrahams Stadium.

In high winds at the ground resulted in a great cup tie which was very competitive in the first half with chances few and far between. Ware created the first opening through Sam Berry who struck a drive across goal against the inside of the left post after some slack defending.

In the 24th minute Wingate & Finchley took the lead with a very well constructed goal. Steve Velandia played a brilliant through-ball down the right side for Dean Williams - he raced clear of the entire defence and slotted the ball confidently beyond Ware's keeper James Hoad to score his 98th Club goal.

There were no further chances of note during the first half, but the second period began with an instant goal as the Blues doubled their lead. A Tim Lees corner was swung in from the right side and after the keeper had missed the flight of the ball Craig Ellis headed goalwards and the defender in the goalmouth was just unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

From another Lees corner, Ahmet Rifat won the header but whilst under pressure he could only glance the ball and it missed the far post by inches.

The Blues started to sit back with this two goal lead, and for Ware Xaniel Doku was set free on goal but he shot very early and sliced his shot embarrassingly wide to the right of goal.

Ware came back into the game from the hour mark and even started to dominate. Sam Berry then deservedly pulled a goal back for Ware in the 68th minute. With a free kick on the edge of the penalty area he rifled the ball unstoppably into the top left corner.

Soon afterwards Berry had another free kick attempt on the edge of the area. This time he tried to curl the ball into the top right corner but Gavin King was equal to this effort and held the ball at full stretch.

Tim Lees sent a floating effort not far wide for Wingate & Finchley, however Ware continued to press but the Blues defence held firm as the win was slowly and deservedly ground out. In the next round the Blues will now face Ashford Town (Middx) at home on Saturday 18th October.

Goals:
W&F: Dean Williams 24, Craig Ellis 46
Ware: Sam Berry 68