We travel to Wealdstone FC this Saturday for the FA Trophy First Round Proper.
Wealdstone play in the National League South, a tier above Wingate, and needed a replay to dispatch top of the league Maidenhead United in the previous round. They come into this game off the back of consecutive home victories over Maidenhead and East Thurrock United. Wingate, meanwhile, suffered a blip in their form as they lost away at Lowestoft Town.
The Stones have a good record against Wingate, winning the last competitive fixture between the two sides in March 2014 - a 2-0 victory in the Ryman League Premier Division. But they are no strangers to each other as the pair last met in a friendly before the start of this season.
Elliot Benyon is the home side’s player to watch. The prolific striker has netted 16 times so far this campaign. Wingate have their own man in form. Reece Beckles-Richards has notched up an impressive 10 goals in his last 11 games and will be looking to get back on the scoresheet at The Vale this weekend.
Wingate are one of six Ryman Premier League sides to qualify for the First Round. The Blues have already played three games in this season's competition. A replay was required to beat league rivals Grays Athletic in the First Qualifying Round, before defeating Ware FC in the following stage. Up next was Slough Town, where Wingate came out on top again, this time winning 4-2. For the fourth consecutive FA Trophy game, Wingate have been drawn away from home.
This is only the second time that Wingate and Finchley have reach this stage of the competition. The Blues went out to Farnborough Town in the First Round back in 2008. Everyone at the club is hoping they can make history and go one better this weekend. By Sam Jones
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