MATCH DETAILS:-
EMIRATES F.A. CUP 2ND QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY
Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Wingate and Finchley v Hemel Hempstead
Cost:- £13
Over to North London for this replay held on a Tuesday night and it was a most enjoyable and entertaining game.
A crowd of 350 attended on a warm autumn evening and I have to say, Wingate and Finchley is a friendly club that certainly caters for its local supporters, as it should do.
Located close to North Finchley bus station, the ground houses one main stand that doubles up as a rugby stand for the ground behind. There is a small cafe/bar for liquid or edible refreshments and a PA announcer that did his best to get the crowd going.
As far as the football pyramid is concerned, Hemel Hempstead are one step higher than Wingate and Finchley but that means precious little in Cup football.
It was an excellent game, superbly controlled by Surrey based referee Tom Berry and the home side, having gone 2-0 up, were hanging on somewhat at the end after Hemel got a goal back.
The referee didn’t have to caution anyone until right at the very end, when both sides indulged in a very unsightly brawl which in fairness, was more like handbags. Four players, two from each side, were cautioned. This detracted somewhat from a game otherwise played in an excellent spirit. Standard of the football on show was of a very acceptable standard.
Wingate and Finchley won 2-1 and it was time to get back home. A word to the wise, walk to North Finchley Bus Station and there you have plenty of choice of carriages. I was back home in about 35 minutes.
All in all, this is why I love this version of the beautiful game.
