Capital League Western Division leaders Hayes & Yeading United were held by Wingate & Finchley but nevertheless managed to extend their lead at the top of the league to seven points.

United’s goal came in the 12th minute. Josh Andrew hit a cross in from the right and Daniel Mehmet flicked the ball on to Andre Costa at the far post, who controlled the ball before rolling it past Callum Horton in the home goal.

Minutes later, Charlie Wassmer headed just over and then Scott Orphanou hit a snap 25 yard volley which Horton saved acrobatically having been initially caught out of position as United threatened to stretch their lead.

But just as it seemed like becoming a one sided affair, Wingate & Finchley capitalised on a defensive error to equalise. Alex Tokarczyk’s roll out to Jamie Di Guiseppe gave the left back little room and he was dispossessed by Jose Espinosa who hit a thunderbolt shot back over Tokarczyk’s head.

Soon afterwards, Mehmet had a shot at goal direct from a free kick which Horton held onto and at the other end, the impressive home centre half Leon Skinner headed a corner just over.

It was a long while before either goal was threatened again, although Junior Boakye Yiadon had a great chance for the hosts just after half time but skewed his shot well wide.

It was the 69th minute before another chance arose, this time for United as Ollie Fayed’s free kick just cleared the crossbar. Then, rather ironically, the next chance followed almost immediately as Thomas Mustapha laid the ball off to Orphanou whose low drilled shot was first spilled and then collected by Horton.

Report by Nick Bell.

Website United Man of the Match: Aga Briandt.