Match Preview

One of the most enjoyable aspects of non-league football is the opportunity to meet one-time Premiership players or people who represented their country.

(The main attraction is almost certainly affordable admission charges, however!) Ticket prices are a topic for another occasion…

Returning to the initial subject, in recent years, familiar faces such as Jimmy Bullard and Dean Holdsworth visited Longmead as managers, of Leatherhead and Brentwood, respectively.

On Saturday (October 7th), a former West Ham United defender and Northern Ireland international will be occupying the visitors’ dug-out. Keith Rowland is the boss of Wingate & Finchley. He might not be a household name, in comparison to the aforementioned duo, but the former Upton Park regular is held in high regard for achievements at one of the Bostik Premier’s smallest clubs.

The Ulsterman steered the Blues to the play-offs last term, arguably at the expense of Tonbridge, in his first full season in charge. They bowed out in the semi-finals, at Bognor by 1-2. The Rocks took the lead just after half-time, but were stunned by an equaliser in the 86th minute. Centre-back Sean Cronin levelled from the penalty spot.

The North Londoners pushed the hot favourites all the way and it required a second goal from Pearce just before the final whistle to secure a place in the win-or-bust finale.

Rowland arrived at Summers Lane in the deep midwinter of the previous campaign and his efforts soon eased worries about a relegation threat. The team produced a spirited closing months and finished half-way.

During the close-season, ahead of 2016/17, he drafted in his own people, but the Middlesex men made a slow start. However, once the players gelled they surged up the table, eventually pipping others that were expected to finish in the top five.

Seemingly content, understandably, with the squad that produced an inspiring promotion bid, much less transfer activity was required for 2017/18. That said, several additions joined the ranks, with the focus on experience and/or extra flair.

The bedrock of any side is a strong rear-guard and Wingate bolstered that department with the signing of ex-Wealdstone veteran Wes Parker. The 33 year-old centre-back has also starred for Grimsby Town and Boston United.

The Finchley-based outfit also recruited one for the future, when the promising Joe Kizzi switched from Cheshunt during the summer. He will be a rival for the same position.

It’s all very well keeping things tight in defence but a cutting edge is needed too. Rowland, shrewdly, opted for versatility when he swooped for the signature of Nathan Mavila. Usually a left-sided winger or back, the 22 year-old can also shine in various midfield positions. He was also previously at Wealdstone and, prior to that, blossomed at West Ham at both under 18 and 21 levels.

Up front, Wingate already had an effective strike-force in the form of Rob Laney and Reece Beckles-Richards. The latter arrived before last term and became the club’s top scorer, using pace that, in the past, impressed the faithful at Woking and Kingstonian.

Attacking options have been further enhanced, following the recruitment of another double-barrelled striker, Marc Charles-Smith. The 33 year-old former Burnham, Staines, Billericay and Leatherhead marksman brings valuable experience as well as goals.

The fresh faces further strengthened a squad that had benefited from a series of Rowland swoops a year earlier.

The manager’s own CV is impressive, especially at Isthmian League level. The Wingate hierarchy were delighted at the appointment and that faith has been vindicated.

As a professional, he notched up around 200 performances wearing the shirts of Bournemouth (70-plus appearances between 1989 and 1993), West Ham (80 apps. from 1993-98) and QPR (nearly 60 apps. from 1998 to 2001), plus others lower down the ladder.

After retirement from playing, the now-46-year-old proved an able assistant to Rod Stringer and Alan Devonshire at Braintree Town, chiefly in a coaching capacity.

At the peak of his career, the defender represented Northern Ireland almost 20 times during the 1990s, scoring once.
The Angels will be hoping to build on a good home display in a tough Kent derby during the week. High-flying Margate, with a host of former Maidstone men in the ranks, were kept at bay during a 0-0 stalemate. Despite a goal-less conclusion, Steve McKimm’s charges were the better side and should be content with a point from a difficult clash.
The Bostik Premier match between Tonbridge and Wingate & Finchley, at Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, on Saturday October 7th, is a 3pm kick-off.

The afternoon has been made Non-League Day, so there are much-reduced admission prices available. If you fancy a taste of semi-professional football, pop down to Longmead to see what your local community club has to offer.
The “Football for a fiver” initiative should help the pockets of regular supporters and hopefully attract fans of the future. The Angels are also supporting the crucial work of the charity Prostate Cancer UK.