Whitegrove Tigers 2: Binfield 4

This was a fixture arranged to take advantage of the good weather. Games against Whitegrove games are always difficult and this one was no exception. The earlier fixture was a challenging game which we won eventually by two goals and so it was again.

 The absence of Chris Edwards in midfield and Sam and Luke as wide defenders meant the quad was down to 11 players, but the new addition of Simon Edwards (no relation to Chris)  meant the squad for the day was up to 12.

 When the pitch was eventually cleared of canine residue, and the boys and spectators had finished discussing the referee’s hairstyle, it was Binfield who kicked off.

 The early stages saw Whitegrove take the upper hand. The midfield did not have it’s usual authority and Whitegrove were first to the ball on too many occasions. Most of the play was in the Binfield half as the team struggled to shake off the effects of a week away from school. Indeed Binfield could have fallen behind but for a clearing header off the line from a corner by Simon.

 However, when it finally came, the breakthrough came to Binfield. Kieran gave another battling performance and it was he who won the ball in midfield. He had the composure to hold the ball, look up and slide the ball past the last defender to George who had timed his run to perfection. George took the ball in his stride and two touches before drilling the ball across the keep and low into the far corner. A super finish 0-1

 A period of pressure with three consecutive corners eventually came to one that counted. The defensive clearance bounced outside the area and fell to Simmo running in, His first time volley was driven back low and past the keeper’s outstretched hand. 0-2

 Binfield continued to press with the strength and determination of Joshua Tighe and the pace of George up front. A number of offside decisions were given against Joshua and his frustration threatened to boil over at one stage.

At the other end Whitegrove threatened. In the previous fixture the corners were a real threat and it was the same today. However, their best effort came from a free kick. A well struck effort which was well held by Nick as the Binfield supporters held it’s breath.

 Half-Time 0-2

 The next goal was going to be critical. And it came to Binfield. It was Joshua Tighe who challenged in the air to head the ball over the last defender for George racing through. He shot low and hard into the corner and gave the keeper no chance. 0-3.

 Binfield continue to press. A free kick from Simon just cleared the head of Lewis and was side-footed over the bar by Kieran. Robbie Rumble made some of his trademark runs from the back and defensively, both he and Lewis won everything in the air.

 A throw-in on the right to Kieran was passed to George wide on the edge of the penalty box, he took the ball to the by-line and lofted the bal to the far post. The ball was met on the full by Dan Kelf who stroked the ball into the net for his second of the season. 0-4

 From being in control things suddenly became closer. A ball down the middle looked to be comfortably under control but a slip in concentration allowed the ball to roll under the foot of the defender and be picked up by the grateful attacker who ran though and held off the last ditch challenge to put the ball past Nick. 1-4 

Another effort from a corner went close as Simon repeated his first half efforts in clearing the ball off the line with another header.

 There are few really contentious areas in intermediate football but the one that is, is the off-side rule. A seemingly good goal was over-ruled when Paul, who seconds earlier had flagged for off-side, pointed out to the referee the sequence of events. The referee concurred and awarded Binfield a free kick, much to the frustration of the home supporters but much to the relief of the away contingent.

 However, it mattered little as just 2 minutes later, and before things started to boil over, Whitegrove got their second goal when the attackers were allowed to work their way onside the defence to get one on one with Nick to convert the chance and get Whitegrove back in the match. 2-4

 Whitegrove continued to push forward looking for a third and even though they threatened on a couple of occasions, Nick was never really troubled again and Binfield ran out worthy winners.

Final Score: 2-4

 This fixture was a good one to win. Whitegrove are a strong, well organised team and apart from some good finishing there was little between the sides on the day. There were only two goals difference, and for his all-round excellent performance and in particular his two headed clearances off the line, man of the match went to debutant Simon. The view was shared by the parents who also named him as their man of the match.

 This game had the lot; goals, contentious decisions, last gasp clearances and was capped with the spectacle of an injured referee. But it was not the haircut that was in trouble but a torn calf muscle. He was still able to collect his money though. 

But if we are to make a real claim to be division winners we have to get back to the competitive spirit of earlier games. Complacency appears to have set in to a degree and  wins have to be earned. The match against Reeves is looming and a greater effort will be required if we are to get anything from that game. Too many balls landed uncontested, some aimless passes and lapses in concentration could have cost us dear.

Next week it’s the cup against Whitegrove’s other team - The Predators. Predators may be a division lower than us but unless we get back on track we could suffer an early exit.

Binfield 1st Half  line-up:

Runham              Haywood         Rumble   S Edwards Cleveland     Strachan               Bardon (c) Simmonds  Kelleher             Dowling        Tighe

Binfield 2nd Half  line-up:

Runham              Haywood         Rumble   S Edwards Cleveland     Strachan               Bardon (c)      Simmonds  Kelf                 Dowling      Tighe