Wingate & Finchley defeated local neighbours Hendon in a very close pre-season game.

It was a match played the right way, with very few fouls, as both sides simply looked to concentrate on their football.

After a quiet opening to the match, which Hendon dominated without actually creating any chances, Wingate & Finchley took the lead with a fantastic goal.

Ola Williams had advanced up the pitch and went round a defender on the edge of the area, before playing in Leon Nelson. He beat his marker and spun away to create enough space to pass the ball into the left corner.

Hendon's best chance came through a header from James Bent on the end of a deep cross from the left wing, but he could not keep the ball down. Towards the end of the half, the Greens resorted to a few long-range shots although they all failed to hit the target, the best effort coming from Kevin Maclaren.

Ola Williams tested the Hendon keeper at the other end with a fierce drive that was held well, while Dean Williams forced a good save too, with a snapshot from a wide angle that had to be parried behind.

There were very few chances in the second half as, despite some excellent passing approach play from both sides, the defences were both well organised.

The Blues settled the game with just a few minutes left on the clock.

Nelson was sent racing clear by a superb low through ball, but he was crowded out, as was Dean Williams who had followed-up. The ball fell out wide to Dave Laird and his good control gave him time to stroke the ball calmly into the right side of the net.

PAUL LERMAN