Keith Rowland’s team looking to get back to winning ways and reach the first round like last season

Wingate & Finchley travel to Bostik Premier rivals Met Police this weekend in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy looking to reach the first round proper again.

Last season, Keith Rowland’s team made it through the qualifying stage into the first round and visited local side National League South outfit Wealdstone.

Despite a spirited display, the Blues eventually exited the competition following a 2-1 defeat in a replay at home to Stones, but they will aim to reach that stage again.

It will be difficult up against a Police side in decent form, having won five of their six games this month and sitting fifth in the table.

Wingate have plenty of belief, however, and will aim to avenge the 2-0 loss they suffered at Imber Court Sports Club back in October.

Rowland has seen his team produce two different type of performances this week with their three-game winning streak coming to an emphatic end on Sunday.

Leatherhead hosted the Blues and made a fast start – going four goals ahead in the first half and claimed a 4-0 win in the end.

Wingate bounced back with a spirited display at Enfield Town on Tuesday night though with Afolabi Obafemi netting a dramatic 88th-minute equaliser.

It means they’ll visit Met Police with confidence and also more options after Rowland signed Frank Keita on a month’s loan from National League side Boreham Wood late last week.

The 19-year-old midfielder made his debut on Sunday, but was an unused substitute at Enfield.