Isthmian Supporters Predictions 24-25: Wingate & Finchley

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-22 will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off. 

Chris gives us a view from our Finchley favourites

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

The whole season was a pretty special one for the club, picking up our highest league finish ever, and scoring more goals than ever before. There are heaps to choose from, but a couple really stand out:

Beating Chatham 4-2 on a miserable Tuesday night in January. Chatham are obviously a fantastic side, and turning them over in that manner really made a statement that we were going to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season

Overturning a 1-0 deficit away at Billericay, scoring two goals in second-half injury time, which not only gave us the 3 points, but probably was responsible for us getting into the playoffs. 

It was truly a special season, and we enjoyed every moment of it! 

2. And what was the worst moment?

The final whistle in the Playoff Semi-Final was a tough blow, as our season ended very abruptly. But while we were all naturally disappointed, it didn’t take long for the overall success of the season to shine through. 

In which case I would say being well-beaten at home to Folkestone on the opening day, 4-0, was possibly the lowest. We didn’t know what was in store for us at that point, and many will have foreseen a relegation dog-fight as we had had for the previous few years. 

3. Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

The front three of Carvalho, Long, and Chukwu rightly took all the plaudits for their performances, and Ruben has gone into the National League, while Elliot and Anointed have stepped up to the NLS. It’s no less than was deserved for any of them. 

For me though, Ahmet Biler was the real standout. He patrolled the left edge superbly all year, and his ability to put early crosses in caused problems for our opponents all year. He’ll be missed this season for sure! 

4. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 24-25 campaign?

We’ve had a lot of turnover this year, and so we’re still waiting to see who will step up. Everyone in the club is keen to see Luke Deslandes get more of an opportunity this year, after having been a superb replacement for Long and Carvalho last year. The same is true of Zack Newton. 

We’re also really excited by Ogo Obi up front, as he looks like such a good player. It looks like there’s going to be a lot of competition for places, and that bodes well for the squad as the games come thick and fast in during the winter. 

5. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

Obviously we’d love a repeat of last season. But given the turnover in the playing staff, we don’t really know how we’ll get on just yet. We’ve had a strong pre-season, and so we’re definitely optimistic, and want to be in the top half. Can we repeat our successes of last season? Who knows…

6. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Having Dover in this league is going to be a nice change, and it will be fun to check out a club that were pretty recently challenging for League Two. 

We also have Hendon back in our division now, which adds itself to a nice list of local derbies: Potters Bar, Cheshunt, Dulwich. It’s a shame we can’t add Enfield and Haringey to the list this year.

7. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

They’re not in our league, but we drew Whitstable away in the FA Cup last year - that was a superb day out and a beautiful ground. I really wouldn’t mind going there again this year!

Otherwise, Lewes’ stadium is fantastic, and we always enjoy our trips there (especially given that we won it with the last kick of the game last season).

8. If you regularly travelled away, which ground served the best food?

Horsham’s food was great. They have a nice ground and setup down there, too.

9. Who do you think will finish in the top five? 

Chatham Town, Horsham, Billericay Town, Hastings United, Dartford

The survey is now closed- and you’ll see the predicted league tables later this morning, prior to the big kick off, with the favourite ground/favourite food results announced on Monday!