Wingate & Finchley 3 Croydon Athletic 2

Ryman League Division Three

Wingate put the brakes on runaway leaders Croydon on Tuesday. It was only the second defeat in 17 matches for Croydon and demonstrated the full potential of the home side. And they had to battle back from 2-0 down to achieve it.

Croydon went ahead after only seven minutes when a blistering break down the flank allowed Simon Liddle to power a header past keeper Andy Walker, on loan from Colchester United after making three Nationwide League Division Two appearances.

A determined Wingate defence kept the leaders at bay until just before the interval. Then Walker failed to hold a cross, allowing Liddell to grab his second.

Whatever Wingate boss Tommy Cunningham said had the desired effect as they played some wonderful football in the second period.

Danny Fitzpatrick replied in the 77th minute and Steve Forwell levelled ten minutes later.

A night of glory for Wingate was completed by Richard Baum a minute from time who skilfully dribbled round the keeper and slotted the ball home.

WINGATE AND FINCHLEY: Walker, Neilsen, Wilson (Levack 60), Donn, Pope, Olayinka, Butterfield, Fitzpatrick, Forwell, Spychola, Baum. Subs not used: Davis, Williams

At Hornchurch on Saturday, Wingate, behind twice, levelled through Robert Donn and Baum, but the home side snatched a dramatic win with two late goals.

November 21, 2001 19:09