Ryman League Division One North

Wingate & Finchley brought their season to a close with a strong and confident display against champions Dartford in front of a huge crowd of more than 2,500 on Saturday.

But clinical finishing was the difference as the home side held out for a slender win.

Despite neither side having anything to play for other than pride, the game started competitively and with a fast tempo.

Dartford created the first opening through Jay May who flashed the ball wide after receiving a long ball from his centre-back.

At the other end some persistent battling from Matt Batt enabled him to win the ball and he sent a half-volley goalwards but keeper Tony Kessell held on firmly.

Dartford kept testing the Wingate & Finchley goal from distance but rarely troubled Gavin King. Steve Norman came closest with a floating drive from 25 yards that was slightly too high.

The second half brought more of the same and Brendon Cass came close for the home side when he lobbed King but the ball rolled inches wide of the post.

The visitors had their best move of the match with a fast break down the right between Marc Weatherstone and Dean Nyman. Space was worked for Weatherstone to cross in to Matt Batt and his powerful header under pressure went over the bar.

Wingate & Finchley began to mount some pressure and Kessell brilliantly denied Matt Batt again as he parried the forward's swerving shot away to safety.

However, this was the moment Dartford struck, as a free kick was launched high into the box, the ball fell down kindly to Brenson Cass who made no mistake slotting the ball home from close range.

The Blues did not give up at all, though, and Kessell again stood firm when at full stretch he parried away Dean Nyman's spectacular volley from the edge of the area to keep his side in the lead.

Dartford saw the remaining minutes out and the celebrations began at the final whistle as they received the League Trophy in front of a gleeful record crowd.

Team: King, Weatherstone, Street, O'Brien, Amarteifio, Ellis, Batt, Boyce (Stanton 85), Williams, Clarke (Gershfield 68), Edmunds (Dean Nyman 46).

By Paul Lerman