A.F.C. Crowthorne 2 vs. Binfield 1 

A long lay off since the last match on December 16^th was a cause for concern and so a friendly was arranged against old rivals AFC Crowthorne. After 3 postponed fixtures in 2008, the prospect of going in cold against 1^st Division opponents Woodley Hammers was not good. Crowthorne, also from the 1^st Division would be a good test and a barometer of how we would fare against such lofty opponents.

The weather was bright and strangely spring-like after the rain of recent weeks and the biog sloping pitch at Crowthorne’s new venue looked likely to test the lungs of even the fittest of the team. Let alone those still carrying traces of Christmas pudding. 

It was a welcome return to the side for Sam after a long break. The only absentees being Robbie Rumble (School duty) and Dan Kelf (sick). Absent from the kick off was Joshua Tighe but another charge from Dad Nick promised to get him to the game not too long after the start.

The first goal of the game came from a hefty clearance from Lewis at the back. The ball clearing the last defenders with Chris running on to get one on one with the keeper and his side-footed effort rolled over the line. 0-1

Initial forays down the right from Kieran brought a chance for George. Running round the last defender he pulled the ball back to George running but though his flashing shot was well struck it went high over the bar without threatening the goal.

It was Kieran again who featured as a hasty clearance failed to make touch. Collecting the ball wide, he cut back inside the left back and dragging the ball back onto his right he shot across the face of the goal.

Most of the efforts were at the Crowthorne goal but it was the opposition who came closest without actually scoring. A poor clearance was picked up and passed in to the middle where a lone strike lifted the ball away from Nick. His effort struck the post and bounced safely away from goal.

A good work out in the first half. Centre defense coped well with Lewis standing firm and Dan covering whenever Crowthorne broke past the defensive line.

Half-time 0-1

Joshua Tighe had arrived and joined his usual strike partner up front. Chris moving back into centre-mid.

The first attempt of the half came from a Simon Edwards corner. A great ball into the box was met with full force by  Joshua Tighe but it just cleared the bar with the keeper well beaten.

After that it was all Crowthorne as they got to grips with their game and muscled their way in and took control to the game. With the exception of a few boys, Binfield failed to match the aggression and tenacity shown by the opposition and so we were unable to get any grip on the game.

Chance after chance went begging from Crowthorne as they failed to convert. Scrambled clearances, shots just going wide and ricochets off the post was the story of  the following 20 minutes.

Just as it seemed Binfield might hold out, another wicked corner from the right. The ball was allowed to drop into the 6 yard box and seemed to bounce of the shins of the Crowthorne winger and roll into the net. 1-1

Five minutes later Crowthorne took the lead. Again starting from a corner. Apoor clearance fell to a Crowthorne player on the edge of the penalty area. He drilled the ball straight through the mass of players in front of him and into the back of the net giving Nick no chance. 2-1

Defeat looked a certainty until in the final seconds Binfield broke clear. A ball through the middle from Simon allowed Joshua to run on and his strength took him clear, but just as he was about to shoot and gain what looked a certain equaliser he was blatantly tripped from behind. The ref blew for a free-kick but had this been a league match the reaction from the spectators would have been a lot stronger and a red card would have been politely requested.

But as it was it was to be just a free kick just outside the box. Simon went for placement rather than power but the ball was comfortably held by the goalkeeper and the last chance had gone.

The final minutes passed without incident and a disappointed Binfield left the pitch having suffered their first defeat of the season.

 Final Score: 2-1

As a work out it was excellent but as a team performance it was very disappointing. With the exception of a few individuals performances this left a lot to be desired and a game that was there to be won was given up without too much of a fight. More determination and desire will have to be shown if the cup Qtr finals vs Woodley Hammers is not to be a similar disappointing. 

The mark of how good this team is will be how we respond on Saturday. We shall see.

Binfield 1st Half  line-up:   Runham              Haywood         Bardon (c)   Perry Christmas     Strachan                                Simmonds           S Edwards  Kelleher                        Dowling                C Edwards

Binfield 2nd Half  line-up:

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