Binfield 3 : Whitegrove Tigers 1 

This was the first ‘home’ match that we have played at Great Hollands on what was probably the best surface we have encountered to date. Our opponents were the Whitegrove second team from the 3^rd Division team, who though 2^nd in their division, should  have still been beaten comfortably. But in fact the game turned out to be a real battle. Whitegrove came into the game ready for a contest, whereas Binfield’s attitude was again somewhat lethargic.

The absence of Joshua Tighe and Robbie Rumble meant some reorganising so Simon was moved up to partner George and Dan moved into the back as sweeper. The plan was to swap them around once the game was secured but this wasn’t to be until there were just 5 minutes left.

A strangely out of sorts first Binfield struggled to get into the match. Whitegrove battled for everything and we struggled to get any cohesion into their game. The most productive areas were the flanks where Josh Kelleher and Simmo combined well on the left on a number of occasions and the same on the right with George and Kieran.

Chances were few and far between. The closest coming from a Simon Edwards effort which deflected off a Whitegrove defender but was well held low down to his right buy ex-Binfield goalie Jordan Donovan. At the back, the defensive line was disjointed but skipper Dan managed held it together with several timely interventions and last ditch tackles. 

Despite last ditch defending though it was Whitegrove who took the lead. After what seemed like to complete stand-off as Dan contolled the ball in the corner, the ball was eventually cleared for a corner. From the resulting corner the attacker goal-bound header was saved by Nick who could only the push the ball up and onto the bar. The subsequent rebound was bundled over the line to give the 3rd division club a deserved lead.

At half time it was a subdued Binfield who came off, bemused by the events of the first 35 minutes.

Half Time 0-1

The half time talk was about fight, determination and the will to win. The individual ingredients were there in the first half but if attitude was the binding agent it was sadly missing.

The second half got underway and Binfield set their stall out with a sharp piece of play in the middle from Chris Edwards to put George into space but his first time effort went high over the bar. The drive came from the back and Dan. Several times it seemed as if his frustration would boil over but he translated into vocal energy to drive the team on.

A well struck long range effort form Simon was spectacularly held by Jordan diving to his right. The midfield started to gain momentum as Simmo had a welcome return to form and he put in an excellent performance.

But it felt as if it was going to be one of those days and it was going to take something special to get Binfield back on level terms. And something special was just what Simon did. Taking a bouncing ball on his thigh, he then flicked it up with his right foot and hit a spectacular long range effort up and over Jordan in goal who could do absolutely nothing to stop it. 1-1

The belief returned and Binfield started to look more assured. At left back, Luke made many timely interventions and once again proved himself to be difficult to pass. Lewis was more like his assertive self as he threatened to break through the middle on a couple of occasions.

 Just as the spectators (and the manager!) were asking about the rules for overtime and penalties, Simmo won the ball in midfield and passed to Kieran on the edge of the box. Great close control took him free of 2 defenders and a wonderful ball slid inside the full back to Chris Edwards who took one touch to control it before finding the back of the net with a well struck effort from the edge of 6 yard box. 2-1

 George led the line well through and a feature of recent weeks has been the timing of his runs. These allowed him to get on the end of a number of chances, none of which were converted until he sealed the win with a solo effort 5 minutes from time. Running through onto a lofted clearance, he raced clear of the last defender and one on one with the keeper, he knocked it past him and ran on to hammer the ball into the undefended goal. 3-1

The final minutes ran down with Whitegrove trying right up to the end to get back on terms. But the clock ran out and Binfield ran out to win with what turned out to be a very good game.

 Full Time 3-1

This was a game that was turned around by determination. A return to form for several boys meant we just edged it. Whitegrove came into the game buoyed up from the start and this is something we need to find as we return to the league next week.

 At the back, Dan had his most influencial game of the season. Playing not in his preferred position, but maybe his best, he drove the team and spurred them on with a real captain’s performance. In the middle, Simmo showed his tenacity as he challenged time after time for first and second balls on both the ground and in the air. Both players were considered inseparable as the shared both Manager’s man of the match and parents’ man of the match awards.

 It felt that only a scare was going to shake the boys out of their complacency. They got it today and responded well to the challenge they were presented. The unbeaten run continues.

Binfield 1st Half  line-up:

Runham              Haywood         Bardon (c)   Kelf Cleveland     Strachan               C Edwards        Simmonds  Kelleher                            Dowling        S Edwards

Binfield 2nd Half  line-up:

Runham              Haywood         C Edwards   Kelf Christmas     Strachan               Bardon (c)      Simmonds  Kelleher                   Dowling      Kelleher