Wingate & Finchley’s play-off hopes took a blow as their trip to the south coast ended in disappointment following a 1-0 defeat to Folkestone Invicta.

Joe Taylor’s prodded finish proved to be the difference – and the margin could have been bigger if not for an inspired Shane Gore.

The first save came very early on.

Sam Hasler played his free-kick deep to the far-post towards Taylor, who headed back across for Frankie Chappell to force Gore into a superb one-handed tip over the bar.

Sam Beale’s cross was then met by Taylor who headed straight at Gore from no more than six yards.

The opening goal arrived after 12 minutes and although Gore saved Jordan Wright’s initial header from a Hasler corner, Wingate couldn’t prevent Taylor poking home.

Gore got the better of Taylor shortly after with the striker’s effort from two-yards guided to safety.

Wright’s low drilled cross was met by Taylor from two-yards out whose near-post attempt was magnificently guided away by Gore. And Taylor was next denied by Sean Cronin.

Wingate did have chances in the first period. Reece Beckles-Richards ran almost the full length of the pitch, prior to cutting inside and dragging his shot wide of the right-hand post.

Rob Laney then controlled a Spencer McCall flick but his shot on the turn flew over.

Luke Ifil went close and a delightful pass from Tommy Tejan-Sie sent Beckles-Richards away again but his low cross was taken off the toes of Laney by the keeper.

Folkestone started the second half as bright as the first and a Hasler free-kick skipped just past Gore’s left post.

The Blues’ search for an equaliser almost came in the best move of the game. Laney and Tejan-Sie recycled possession and the former played the ball out wide to Tanasheh Abrahams.

His deep cross to Afolabi Obafemi was guided towards McCall but his header found Tim Roberts in the right place.

Tejan-Sie had the final chance with a free-kick from 25 yards. But that was curled wide and with it went any hopes of a comeback.

Despite the result Wingate remain fifth and will hope for better luck on Saturday when they host Metropolitan Police.

Wingate & Finchley: Gore, Ifil, Abrahams, Williams, Cronin, Rifat, Laney (Dawkins 80), McCall, Pattie (Obafemi 45), Beckles-Richards, Tejan-Sie

Subs (not used): Sharpe, Wales, Vanderhyde

Folkestone: Roberts, Vincent, Beale, Friend, Chappell, Wright, Hasler (Cornwell 75), Blanks, Draycott, Taylor (Sahadow 90), Starkey

Subs (not used): Brisley, Madden, Brabham

HT: Folkestone Invicta 1 Wingate & Finchley 0

Attendance: 347

Referee: Shaun Farrer