Binfield 5 vs. Purley Jubilee 4  

The final match of the season. Opponents Purley had just narrowly lost the chance of promotion through recent defeats at Whitegrove and the Reeves. We were virtually assured of the title even if defeated by virtue of the massive goal difference over Reeves. The target though was to win the game and so the title in style.  

With the title all but safe it was a chance to give all the boys a chance by moving the formation around. The approach was to start with the strongest line-up and hopefully establish a lead and then mix it up. Then revert to finish strong.

The recent rains had caused all games scheduled for Thursday and Friday to be cancelled. The Saturday fixtures only just made it through a late respite in the weather and the goals getting swept and the forked to clear the surface water. As it was, it was in bright sunshine that we kicked off.  

Purley typify the transformation in the boys that all teams are seeing. The trend towards bigger, powerful players is most apparent when one remembers last seasons home fixture  against the same team, also played at Cantley Park, when we won 5-1. Today promised to be a far tougher test. 

The game kicked off with the message load and clear. Battle from the outset, get ahead and let’s have a comfortable match. Well we got it half right.

Throughout the season Simon’s corners had been a real weapon and it was from his corner that the first goal was scored. The initial kick was defended but the clearance only saw the ball find its way back to Simon. His first time cross looked to have cleared the attacker but a huge leap from Robbie Rumble on the far side the 6 yard box enabled him to get a head on the ball and head it back firmly into the goal. 1-0

It was the same again 5 minutes later. Another corner from Simon was headed back towards goal and in the ensuing melee, Lewis bundled the ball over the line. 0-2

Dan Collier has been a great addition to the team and a real boost in the final run-in. On a number of occasions the threat on goal started with him pass the ball out wide and inside the full backs to Dan and Simon on the flanks. 

15 minutes gone and all going according to plan meant we had the chance to switch it around. The withdrawal of Simmo and Byron with Dan Bardon moving into centre midfield allowed Robbie Cleveland & Joshua Kelleher onto the pitch. A few minutes later it was Simon and Sam making way for Kieran and Dan Kelf. The final change made with 10 minutes of the first half left was George coming on up front for Robbie Rumble who had taken a knock.

George immediately got into the thick of things, being set up with a couple of early chances by Joshua Tighe and he just missed out from getting a first ever headed goal from Keller’s cross from out wide on the left but the ball glanced off the top of his head and went wide for a goal kick. But George’s efforts were rewarded when he chased down a ball put into the inside left channel. The resultant challenge form the Purley keeper ended with the ball rolling free to Kieran in the centre who maintained his composure to side-foot the ball into the empty net. 0-3

In the middle it was Dan and Dan who ran the show as Binfield saw out what had been a comfortable first half.

 Half time 0-3

The old adage of football being a game of 2 halves certainly came true. Purley came out fired up and within 3 minutes they had got on the scoresheet. A run that went unchecked down the right culminated with a pass/shot that eluded Nick to roll just inside the post. 3-1 

Lewis scored 2 goals in the game vs Sandhurst and the last time we played Purley he scored an own goal. Well he managed to repeat both feats at the same time today. A firmly struck cross from the right was deflected off his thigh past Nick in goal who had no chance. 3-2.

Things were all getting a bit close and with the threat coming down the left, it was time to shore up that side so Byron and Simon were put back on. But the lift that was hoped for failed to materialise as Purley got back on level terms after 15 minutes of the half. A cross from the right this time failed to get cleared and the equaliser came as the ball was high firmly past. 3-3

 It was all back to plan A with the original starting line-up in an attempt to get back in the game and hopefully regain the lead. The work rate was increased and the temperature rose as both sides tried to get on top. Things though went even worse for Binfield as the defence switched off and the burley Purley forward found space to run through and pass the ball wide of Nick. 3-4. 

With 15 minutes to go it was not panic stations but it was certainly an uncomfortable time. But with our strongest team on the pitch, we still had a chance to get back on level terms.  Dan Collier was running the midfield and came close getting Binfield back the lead both with his passes and shots from distance but the Purley keeper was again having an excellent day. It Dan’s ball out wide that resulted in Robbie Rumble powering his way outside the left back and a cross that travelled beyond the Purley keeper to find Joshua Tighe on his own at the far post and he was able to stroke the ball unchallenged into the net. 4-4

It was all Binfield as they strove to get the winner. Corner after corner went unconverted but the boys kept pushing forward. Robbie Rumble has been immense as of late and it was he who managed to get to a bouncing ball over the top of the defence and bravely challenge for the ball with the keeper rushing out to meet him. His header took it past the keeper to give Binfield the lead.

The Purley keeper had had a terrific game and in the final minute he brought out quite possibly what was the save of the season., a pile driver from Simon from outside the box was deflected up and over the keeper, but he managed to arch backwards and at full stretch got finger-tips to the ball and deflect over the bar.

The final whistle was blow before the restart and drew a highly successful season to a close.

 Final Score 5-4

This was a really satisfying result. The fight and determination shown in coming back to snatch a victory epitomised the spirit that exists within the team. The solidarity at the back, the drive from midfield and the pace and power up front have been a match for every team we have played this season. Including Eldon in the cup final. This season has been a wonderful effort and it has been achieved by the application and effort shown by all the boys and the support given by their parents.

Next season will see us up against better teams week after week and we shall need to prepare accordingly. But for now it is good to reflect on what has been a terrific achievement. Division winners and Cup finalists is certainly beyond anything we had considered at the start of the season.

Well done to everyone.