Binfield 12 vs. Woodley Wanderers Falcons 2 

An end of season fixture pile-up attributable to a mix of bad weather and a good cup run led to our first mid-week fixture for a few years. Woodley accommodated our request for a Thursday kick-off for a match that if we won, would see us go back to the top of the table with a clear 3 point lead.

The holiday meant we were without some key players; Byron, Simon and George whilst Luke was still injured. Despite this though we were still able to field a strong side against the second from bottom team who had recently been well beaten by rivals Reeves 11-1. Their chances not being helped by the late withdrawal of a number of players meaning they we were only just able able to field 11 players.

The pitch was again in excellent condition and the playing conditions were windy but bright. Thankfully the rabbits were not in evidence again. Though there were lots of small creatures around as it was U7s and U10s training nights on the adjacent pitches.

Binfield kicked off and could have been 3 up in the first 5 minutes. A number of good chances were missed that gave an indication of the challenge that lay ahead for Woodley.  

After 8 minutes a corner taken by Dan ended up with the ball ricocheting in the Woodley area before Joshua Tighe hooked the ball home from close to the goal line.  

The second followed soon after as Robbie Rumble got his first goal of the afternoon. This was followed soon after by a Dan Collier effort from outside the area that slipped through the keepers hands and rolled over the line.

The partnership up front of Joshua Tighe and Robbie Rumble was a serious threat for the Woodley defence who were unable to cope with the pace and power from the tall attackers that were fuelled from the midfield of Dan Collier, Simmo and Dan Bardon. At the back Lewis and Chris Edwards were comfortable. This now represents a really strong spine in the team that has established itself over the last 5 weeks.

There were many more efforts on goal that were unrewarded. Some smart saves by the keeper from close range efforts kept Binfield at bay until Robbie helped himself to two more goals just before the half time whistle was blown.

The whistle when was a welcome relief to Woodley and gave them a chance to regroup. But the manager must have felt like General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Half Time 5-0

The second half got even more difficult for Woodley as the elements as well conspired against them as the wind and the sun came at them from the same direction as the team in Red.

It was really one-way traffic and Robbie had another brace of goals within 3 minutes of the restart. With the game well beyond reach the changes were made and Dan collier was withdrawn and Dan and Eddie swapped places between sweeper and midfield.

The goals continued and Robbie helped himself to another with a screamer from outside the area that would have beaten any ‘keeper and Joshua Tighe doubled his tally with a second.  

The runaway victory though was marred by lapses in concentration and incredibly Woodley took control of the later phase of the game. It was if some lads had forgotten their primary responsibilities as big gaps opened up in defence and midfield. Woodley to their immense credit kept fighting and having got a handle on the game they helped themselves to two goals late on which was no less than their spirited come-back deserved.

A late repost from the boys ended with 2 late goals. This was a record haul for the season and an incredible 9 goal total for Robbie Rumble when the referee drew an end to the uneven contest. 

Final Score 12-2

Not much was learned from this match and you can only play against the team you have got in front of you. Saturday will be very different and there will be no room for the lapses in concentration that were evident this evening.

Full credit to Woodley though who battled on and got a reward in the end. Team spirit counts for so much and they showed it today. Well done.

But the shape of the team is there now and we are ready to face Reeves and exact revenge for the disappointing defeat of a few weeks ago. 

Binfield 1st Half  line-up:   Runham              Haywood         C Edwards    Perry Cleveland     Bardon (c)                        Simmonds        Collier      Kelleher                  Tighe      Rumble

Binfield 2nd Half  line-up:

Runham              Haywood         Bardon (c)   Kelf Cleveland     Strachan                        Simmonds        C Edwards     Kelleher                  Tighe      Rumble
Scorer(s):	Rumble (9), Tighe (2), Collier,
Captain's Corner Hi everyone, Its hard to believe that we have had another match where we have gone in to double figures with our goals. Woodley were no great match for us, although they were fast on the counter attack and this threw up some challenges at times. We played again as a solid team and team work was evident right from the first whistle. One special mention this week - Robbie Rumble, HOW MANY GOALS - 9!!!!!! Well done mate! The formation of the team in the second half lost a little of the good momentum we had in the first half, also Woodley came out with a view to attack and stepped up their game. We must mark better all round. At times there were players that were not marked and this could have caused more problems. Also in the second half there were gaps in the midfield that needed to be filled. Again, this was an advantage to Woodley. The game against Reeves will be much tougher and competitive, but we MUST go out with a view to make the game ours. Commitment, solid team work, passion and drive coupled with the great ability we all have will see us bag the much needed 3 points. Remember Lads we are only a whisker away from clinching the title - but so are they!! It is crucial we come away with the win. As I was not at the game last Saturday, I would like to welcome Dan Collier in to the team in this captains corner. Anyway, that's about it for now. Lets show Reeves  "Who's the Daddy" tomorrow.