Wingate & Finchley 1-1 Burgess Hill Town by Adegboyega Shomala
Wingate & Finchley came from behind deep into stoppage time to draw 1-1 with Burgess Hill, extending their unbeaten league run to six games and climbing to 8th in the table with two games in hand.
On a cold evening at the Lane, both sides started at a high tempo and pressed hard in the early stages of the game. The game then became scrappy, with both teams giving the ball away cheaply but the visitors looking slightly more likely to get in front.
Fireworks around the ground added to the atmosphere in the 15th minute but didn't match the rhythm of the game. Wingate's best chance of the half came in the 29th minute, when the Anointed Chukwu brilliantly controlled a cross but could only hit a weak shot that a Burgess Hill defender cleared easily. George Vorster (Burgess Hill) was booked in the 40th minute for a rash challenge, and the half ended goalless.
Going into the second half, Wingate looked more comfortable on the ball after the break, and the game opened up with more forward play from both sides. Burgess Hill had the better of the early attempts, but both of their shots were driven straight at the keeper. in the 62nd minute, David Oupoh tested the keeper in similar fashion before substitute Kwadwo Bugyei-Kyei went closer with a wonderfully driven shot from the edge of the box that forced a fine high, diving save which was the home side's best effort. breakthrough came against the run of play in the 80th minute. From a well-taken corner, Burgess Hill substitute Chris Whelpdale rose to head the ball over the keeper and into the right-hand side of the goal.
Wingate responded straight away winning three corners in as many minutes as they hunted for an equaliser, but a foul in a crowded box against the home side ended the pressure. With six minutes of added time, the away fans were in full voice, urging their team to see it out.
Stoppage-time drama in the 96th minute saw Joseph Johnson's lofted cross into the box stricking the hand of Burgess Hill's Ben Pope, and the referee pointed to the spot. Second-half substitute Ryan Lowe stepped up and, from 12 yards, sent the keeper the wrong way, blasting high to the left to level the match at 1-1 in the 97th minute.
The game ended all Square leaving both sets of fans with a goal and point to cheer.
Looking ahead, Wingate may have missed out on a fourth straight home win but the boys fought hard till the end, and this point keeps the unbeaten run going. Fans, we need you behind the team once again! Wingate & Finchley host Maldon & Tiptree at Summers Lane this Saturday at 15:00. Come down, make some noise, and help us push on up the table.!
