Wingate’s new signing Adam Bolle scored the decisive goal on his debut as the Blues earned a home win over local rivals Hendon on Boxing Day.

Bolle has scored 23 goals in 26 games for Hoddesdon FC in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division this season and, having been tracked by W&F’s director of football David Norman for the last 18 months, he has moved to The Harry Abrahams Stadium.

Bolle made his bow some 15 years after leading Wingate out as a seven-year-old mascot when his father Jon was a first-team regular – and his 25th-minute debut goal also won the game against Gary McCann’s Dons.

Norman said: “I was very pleased not only with Adam’s goal but his work ethic and all-round play. He has added a new dimension to the side which will only improve us as a team.

“Adam has proved that he has the ability to score goals at the level he was playing at, and although there is a significant difference in the levels between the Spartan Midland Premier and Ryman Premier, I believe he has the raw ability to make the step up.

“Adam is big, strong and hardworking and he certainly knows where the goal is. He has a great attitude which is rare in young players today. We know it will be difficult for him making the transition but, given time, his quality will come through.”

Wingate were suffering from injuries and suspensions against Hendon but, after a tentative opening spell in which Bobby Smith was forced to make one excellent low save, Bolle gave the Blues the breakthrough.

Lewis Jones, who was back in the side after a year-long injury, sent in a low cross from the right and Bolle slid in at the far post, directing the ball into the roof of the net.

The same two players combined again as Jones hit the post with a curling free-kick and Bolle was just unable to score from the rebound as he reacted instinctively.

At the other end, Hendon began to create some chances and the former Wingate man Anthony Thomas struck the crossbar on the volley, while Smith made a block low at the feet of Jefferson Louis.

In the second half, the Greens’ Dave Diedhiou and Wingate’s Leon Smith both missed the target with headers, and Bobby Smith was forced into a fine block before holding a long-range shot from Louis.

Leon Smith, who was playing in a deep-lying role for W&F, then released Hector Mackie and the winger – who was playing his first game for three months – cut inside and shot low at Ross Fitzsimons.

The visitors’ best chance of levelling came from a set piece, but Michael Murray’s free-kick was well held by Smith as it flew towards the top left corner.

Wingate introduced another new signing as Under-18 player Jack Read – who has arrived from Chesham United – came on for his first-team debut, and he should have won a penalty before even touching the ball as he was tripped in the box, but the referee’s view appeared to be blocked and the appeal fell on deaf ears.

Hendon also had claims for a spot-kick denied as Louis and Williams collided – and Williams then burst forward and was fouled on the edge of the Hendon box, with Jones missing the left post with his effort on goal.

Ultimately, with Bobby Smith, Marc Weatherstone and Bobby Aisien standing firm at the back, Wingate saw out the game, much to the relief of the home support.

Head coach Daniel Nielsen said: “I was very pleased with Adam Bolle on his debut and he led the line very well. Lewis Jones was also superb in his first game back in over a year. Overall it was a fantastic team performance and I do feel we deserved the three points.”