Bostik Blog: Winter in Summers Lane

The sudden reappearance of winter’s most severe weather meant I spent my Saturday morning playing what’s known by some as postponement bingo. Two potential games fell before I’d even finished my bowl of Frosties (other sugar coated cereals are available). Fortunately, one game that was declared on was my closest ‘unvisited’ ground, according to the Groundhopper app. A picture on the club’s Twitter account showed a pristine looking pitch, despite the recent bad weather. It looked even better in real life. The decision was made and certainly not regretted.

Wingate & Finchley are based in North Finchley, conveniently just off the North Circular. To get there by car exit the North Circular (A406) at the exit for the A1000. Take a right off the A1000 for Summers Lane and you’ll see the ground on your right-hand side. You can find precise and easy to follow instructions on the rather excellent club website, or punch N12 0PD into your Sat Nav. West Finchley is the closest public transport option. It’s a 10-15 minute walk away. If East Finchley Tube is easier you can get a 263 bus to the traffic lights at the top of Summers Lane. Both stations are on the Northern Line.

I arrived in North Finchley in plenty of time for kick-off, despite some North Circular traffic, and easily found a nearby street to park in. I soon saw the large blue gates and entrance to the Maurice Rebak Stadium. The ground was renamed in August 2016 after the Wingate FC co-founder who passed away earlier that year. It had previously been known as Summers Lane and the Harry Abrahams Stadium. As the name suggests the club we see today is the result of a merger between two separate local sides. When the merger took place in 1991 long-time Wingate supporter Harry Abrahams was honoured by having the stadium named after him, following extensive refurbishment.

Finchley, the oldest of the two original clubs, can trace its origins back to 1874. It achieved successful periods in the London League and the Athenian League. A particular highlight for the club was reaching the FA Cup Third Round in 1953, a run which included a victory over Crystal Palace. Wingate was founded shortly after the Second World War as a Jewish club, hoping to use the football field as a way of battling anti-Semitism. The club unfortunately lost its ground in 1971 due to the M1 extension and briefly merged with Leyton. Interestingly the highlight of this nine-year merger was a League Cup win against their future mates Finchley.

Following the 1991 merger the new club began life in the South Midlands League. Restructures and league transfers meant they were soon playing in the Isthmian League They became members of the newly formed Division One North in 2003. Seven years later The Blues finished third in the North Division but were defeated in the promotion playoffs by Enfield Town. The setback was only temporary, however, as they returned to the playoffs a year later, this time to the final. A dramatic final saw them score a 118th minute winner to defeat Brentwood Town and gain promotion. It looked as if they would return to the North Division when they were relegated in 2014, but Worksop Town pulled out of the Northern Premier League and Wingate & Finchley were reprieved to restore balance to the leagues.

The Blues made the Bostik Premier Division promotion playoffs last season, and prior to kick-off they sat in ninth place in the table. They were seven points from the playoff positions with games in hand. Their visitors were in twentieth place, five points ahead of bottom club Worthing. On Boxing Day the visitors won at Brightlingsea Regent, whereas The Blues drew 0-0 with Staines Town. The club takes tremendous pride in its youth development, and their role in the community. The achievements of its youth teams and players are given pride of place on the website and in the programme. It was an appropriately youthful side that took to the field against Needham Market.

151 people came out to see their clubs contest their last league game of the year. The Maurice Rebak Stadium, almost three miles from but seemingly in the shadow of Alexandra Palace, must be one of the higher grounds in London. A blustery winter wind kept each and every one of us on our toes. The crowd were well spread around the covered areas of the ground. Many were seated in the delightful art-deco main stand. It bears a striking resemblance to the similar stand at Enfield Town. A congregation of home fans, kitted out in blue and white scarves from the club shop, took up residence in the Harvey Ackerman Stand at the far end. The Jack Fisk Stand was the final covered area available for supporters and sat below a charming clock face that helped keep everyone running on time.

The programme helpfully detailed the meeting between the two sides in August. Wingate & Finchley won that encounter 1-0 thanks to a goal from Rob Laney. It was Laney who provided some of the brighter moments for the home during the first half. He headed just wide after the visitors had taken the lead. The ball fell to Adam Mills who calmly slid the ball into the bottom corner. The home side whipped a few dangerous balls into the Needham Market penalty area but struggled to get going.

The Blues came out after the break with some renewed vigour and pushed for the equaliser. The visitors defended resolutely and looked to break quickly. Shane Gore had to be on hand to make a couple of saves to keep the home side in the game. Leyton Orient youngster Charley Barker, who had just signed on loan for Wingate & Finchley, showed some good touches in the middle of the park. Just as darkness had completely fallen on North London the home side found their equaliser. Ifil’s cross found Marc Charles-Smith who powered a header into the corner. Both sides had around 15 minutes to try and find a winner, but as the referee blew his whistle to mark full time a draw seemed like a fair result.

Wingate & Finchley are a club with an interesting history and a clear focus on youth development. Their Under-23 side are currently top of their league. The club will be hopeful they can continue to produce players capable of propelling the club towards the Bostik Premier playoffs or even the title in the years to come. The Maurice Rebak Stadium is also a great ground to visit with well-designed features, friendly locals, plenty of charm and some fine views over North London, on a clear day.

Louis has his own website, here, where he writes about his groundhopping exploits. There are a number of other Bostik League matches featured, so we recommend you check it out!