Corinthian Casuals 0 Wingate and Finchley 1 Prolific goalscorer Ben Strevens followed up his six goals in the four pre-season friendlies with a last minute strike to give Wingate and Finchley three points in their opening Ryman League Third Division match.

But this single goal victory flattered the home side as the visitors hit the woodwork three times and went close with a whole host of other chances.

The second half began in much the same way as Wingate's Danny Piler, Richard Baum and Strevens combined to work the ball to Myers who headed against the bar following some sustained pressure from the home side.

Then followed a four man Corinthian attack which ended with Solomons relieving the home side's captain of the ball at his feet. The Blues were now finding themselves under increasing pressure with Piler and Baum clearing the danger twice from in and around their penalty area.

Corinthian's Ian Waghorn, in a one-on-one with keeper Solomons, sent his poorly aimed shot over the crossbar. Fisk was then called upon to clear another Corinthian attack off the line from another burst of pressure.

With a minute remaining Adam Hart put the ball through to Russell Brill on the right and his cutback from the by-line found Strevens who sent the ball diagonally across the keeper and into the the top right hand corner of the net from 15 yards.

With new coach Colin Pates away, manager Martin Burt was ecstatic and said: "This was an excellent performance away from home, a well deserved three points and a good start to the season."

WINGATE AND FINCHLEY: Solomons, Brill, Piler, Greenstreet, Fisk, Fenton, Kessack, Strevens, Cobb (Pearl, 88), Myers, Baum (Hart, 63). Sub not used: Kleinman.

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