Wingate & Finchley’s play-off hopes took another dent following a frustrating 1-0 defeat to a determined Leatherhead outfit battling relegation.

And the frustrations were increased after the game once the realisation that, as has been the pattern in the Ryman League Premier Division this campaign, a win would have seen Keith Rowland’s side finish the day inside the top four.

They find themselves in 10th but only eight points separates them from third.

Leatherhead’s win lifts them out of the relegation zone.

After a quiet opening 20 minutes, Steve Wales’ free-kick sailed wide prior to Daniel Carr looping the ball over Shane Gore from the right but seeing his attempt trickle wide.

Gore then pulled off a palm-stinging stop to tip Jerome Federico’s piledriver from making its way into the top right.

The game swung back and forth and chances for Ahmet Rifat and then Reece Beckles-Richards went begging, although the second of these saw the striker under plenty of pressure.

And it was following this that the Tanners took the lead with half-an-hour played as D’Sean Theobalds was given time and space to pick his spot.

The second half saw Wingate push for an equaliser. Rob Laney headed inches over from a central position ad Steve Wales was robbed at the last second by Joe Howe.

Leatherhead though almost grabbed a second late on as Kadell Daniel turned Alfie Young and hit his shot across goal where Jerome Federico was inches away from turning in.

The Blues will be looking to quickly put this result behind them as basement strugglers, Grays Athletic, visit the Maurice Rebak Stadium on Saturday.