Wingate and Finchley
Formed as a merger between Wingate and Finchley, the Blues have spent all but six years of their existence in the Isthmian leagues. Starting as Wingate and Finchley in 1991, they switched from the South Midlands to the Isthmian Division Three after four years. Aside from a two-year spell in the Southern League East, the Blues have one playoff promotion to their name up to the Isthmian Premier in 2011, where they have stayed since.
2023/2024 Season
Isthmian Premier: 4th
F.A Cup: 2nd Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 2nd Round
Top League Scorer: Elliot Long (22 goals)
Playoff semi-finalists last season, Wingate and Finchley were consistent enough to record their highest league position in seven years. Hanging around just outside the top five, the Blues really pushed on from February losing only two games until the end of the season. In that time Wingate and Finchley picked up nine victories and five draws to cement a place in the playoffs where they lost to eventual winners Enfield Town.
Manager – Ahmet Rifat
A long serving former Wingate and Finchley player, Ahmet Rifat come through the academy at Reading as a midfielder. At the age of 33 he broke the record for most Wingate and Finchley appearances when he reached 460 games during the 2019/2020 season. After hanging up his boots, Rifat turned manager in October 2022 and last term guided the club to their first playoff campaign in 13 years.
Head to Head
Dartford wins: 3 / Wingate and Finchley wins: 2 / Draws: 2
Previous Six Meetings
Dartford 1 – 0 Wingate and Finchley (26/04/2008 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 0 – 2 Dartford (03/11/2007 – Isthmian Division One North)
Wingate and Finchley 3 – 2 Dartford (18/03/2006 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 1 Wingate and Finchley (17/12/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Wingate and Finchley 2 – 2 Dartford (28/03/2005 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Dartford 2 – 2 Wingate and Finchley (27/12/2004 – Southern League Div 1 East)
Next Meetings
Dartford v Wingate and Finchley – Saturday 19th October 2024
Wingate and Finchley v Dartford – Saturday 18th January 2025
Statistics
- Dartford have won three of their last four games against Wingate and Finchley (L1)
- The Darts are unbeaten in the three home matches against the Blues (W2, D1)
- Dartford recorded their first away win over Wingate and Finchley last time they visited Summers Lane (D1, L2)
Match Highlights – 2007/2008