Author: Andrew Spiers

Rainbow Laces at 10: ‘Lace it up to keep it up’

For ten years, players, allies and fans have been tying the Rainbow Laces in support of LGBTQ+ equality.

We’ve hit goal after goal, getting more than one million people to lace up and changing perceptions across the sporting world. But this must-win game isn’t over yet.

Large parts of the LGBTQ+ community still can’t be their true selves whilst attending or participating in sporting events. And in 2023, that just blows our minds. So while we should be proud of what’s been done so far, this is no time to take our eye off the ball. In our tenth year we have to do one important thing…

Keep. It. Up.

Keep up raising awareness. Keep up supporting each other. Keep up pushing to make sure sport is for
everyone.

Lacing up is still making a difference but only if we keep doing it, and keep making all the noise we can.

Lace up to keep it up.

Photo: Binfield captain Dan Lewis wearing the Rainbow armband in support of Rainbow Laces.

Binfield's u18s very much looking the part.

U18 Allied League Cup Win

Congratulations to our U18 Allied side who progressed through to the next round of the league cup.

They played Holmer Green away. The match ended 1-1 after the Moles had taken the lead midway through 2nd half. The goal was scored by Anjil Sunuwar. The match then went to penalties. The Holmer Green 5th penalty was saved by goalkeeper Harrison Hill and Freddie Wylie converted the winning penalty. The side winning 5-4.

In the next round they’ll be away to Abingdon. We will publish the date / time of the fixture as soon as it has been confirmed.

Match Preview: Leatherhead FC – Home

Thatcham Town FC

November draws to a close for the Moles who finish the month with a home game against high-flying Leatherhead

Matchday: Saturday November 25th, 2023
Kickoff: 3 pm

About Leatherhead FC

Leatherhead came into being in its’ current form with the merger of Leatherhead Rose and Leatherhead United just after the end of the Second World War. They based themselves at the home of Leatherhead United, Fetcham Grove. This is still there home to this day.

The merger club won the Surrey League four times in a row before moving across to the Metropolitan and District league in 1950.

In the 1970s, they had several runs deep into the FA Cup. In 1974, they beat Colchester in the 2nd round, Brighton in the 3rd round before losing 3-2 away at Leicester City despite being 2-0 up.

They struggled in the early 1980s and were relegated down to Isthmian Division 2. In 2011, they had an extra time win over Dulwich Hamlet to take them back into the Premier Division. They only survived for one season before being relegated back to Division One South. Another promoted via playoffs and relegated places them into the South Central Division.

Last Time Out

Both team lost on Tuesday night, the Moles losing 4-2 away to Hungerford in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup whilst Leatherhead lost 2-1 to Badshot Lea in the league.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on the gate. We take both cash and cards on the gate.

Turnstiles, kitchen and bar open at 1.30pm. Food is available from 2pm.

Prices are;

  • Adults: £10
  • Concession: £6
  • Under 16: £1

About The Iconic Stadium

Address: The Iconic Stadium, Hill Farm Lane, Binfield RG42 5NR

The club house and changing rooms at Hill Farm Lane. Photo: C2 Photography.

The Iconic Stadium is a modern non-league football ground with parking on site, disabled access and more including:

  • Licenced bar
  • Tea bar serving hot and cold food
  • Disabled access to pitch side
  • Toilets
  • Standing and seated covered areas to watch the match
  • Card payments taken on the gate, in the bar and at the tea bar.

There are over 100 spaces available to park at the ground.

Match Preview: Hungerford Town FC – Away

Hungerford Town F.C. logo

The Moles are back in cup action with an away trip to Hungerford Town FC in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup.

Matchday: Tuesday November 21st, 2023
Kickoff: 7:45pm

About Hungerford Town FC

Hungerford Town Football Club, founded in 1886, initially engaged in friendly matches due to the absence of local league or cup competitions. They clinched their first honour in 1904-05 by winning the Newbury Challenge Cup and continued their success by claiming titles like the Newbury League before joining the Swindon & District League. Throughout their history, they saw victories in various cups and experienced promotions and relegations across different divisions, spanning the Hellenic League, Isthmian League, and Southern League divisions.

Their journey reached a pinnacle in 2008-09 when Hungerford emerged as Premier Division champions in the Hellenic League, propelling them into Division One South & West of the Southern League. They consistently showcased strong finishes, qualifications for play-offs, and a significant promotion to the National League South in 2013-14 after a compelling victory over Leamington in the final. They finished bottom of the National League South in 2022-23, resulting in relegation to the Premier Division South of the Southern League.

About The Berks & Bucks Senior Cup

The Berks & Bucks Senior Cup is for mens teams that play at Steps 1-6 of the National League System and above. The higher teams come into the competition in the later round with the three league teams (Reading, Wycombe Wanderers and Milton Keynes Dons) entering in the 4th round.

Last season, the Moles lost 2-1 to Amersham Town FC.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on the gate.

Prices are;

  • Adults – £5.00
  • Concessions – £3.00
  • Children 11 – 17 £1.00
  • Under 11s accompanied by an adult – free
  • Carers – free

About Whyteleafe Sports Centre

Address: Town Ground, Bulpit Lane, Hungerford, West Berkshire RG17 0AY

Match Preview: Sutton Common Rovers FC – Away

Sutton Common Rovers

The long trip around the M25 beckons for the Moles as they visit Sutton Common Rovers.

Matchday: November 18th, 2023
Kickoff: 3pm

About Sutton Common Rovers

Sutton Common Rovers were founded in 1978 as Inrad F.C and went through several name changes before they settled on their current name. The club started playing Saturday League football in 2004-5 and progressed into the Combined Counties league in 2007. They narrowly missed promotion in their debut session but were promoted to the Premier Division the following year.

After finishing second in the league behind Chertsey Town, they were promoted to Isthmian league in 2021/22. This also coincided with them reaching the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing a reply to Jersey Bulls.

Head To Head

Last season, SCR beat the Moles 1-0 at The Iconic Stadium but the Moles ran out 3-0 victors in the corresponding away game.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on the gate.

Prices are;

  • Adult (Aged 20-59): £10
  • Concession (aged 60+ Key Workers): £6
  • Teen (Aged 13-19): £4
  • Junior (Aged 10-12): £1
  • Under 10’s: FREE

About Whyteleafe Sports Centre

Address: Whyteleafe Sports Centre, 15 Church Road, Whyteleafe, CR3 0AR

The club house and changing rooms at Hill Farm Lane. Photo: C2 Photography.

B&B Berkshire Schools FA County Representative Matches

The first game on the 13th November has been postponed. Keep an eye on the website and social media for future updates.

We have been selected and have agreed to host a number of B&B Berkshire Schools FA County representative matches at the Iconic Stadium.

The first of these will be this Monday 13th November for a 7pm kick-off between Berkshire u16 Boys and Hampshire u16 Boys. Entrance is free and the tea-bar (‘Mole-Hole’) and the Clubhouse Bar will be open for food and drink.

Please come down and support and see some potential local stars of the future and who knows…maybe even the next ‘Lewis Hall’.

Match Preview: Thatcham Town FC

Thatcham Town FC

After a two week break, the Moles are back in action with a home game against Thatcham Town FC.

Matchday: Saturday November 11th, 2023
Kickoff: 3 pm

About Thatcham Town FC

Thatcham Town Football Club was founded in 1894, playing friendly matches only for the first two years at “The Marsh” in Thatcham, England. The club joined the Reading Temperance League in 1896 and remained in this league for the next 57 years, winning Division Two in 1905–06 and winning the Reading Town Senior Cup and the Berks & Bucks Junior Cup in 1935-36.

Thatcham became a founder member of the Hellenic League in 1953 and won the Hellenic League Championship and the Premier Division Cup in 1974-75. The club was awarded the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup by default after a dispute between their opponent and the Berks & Bucks FA. Thatcham moved to Waterside Park during the 1992-93 season and under the management of Jim Greenwood, the club went 33 games unbeaten in 1994-95 and won the Wessex League Cup.

In 1995-96, Thatcham won the league title and reached the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. In 2002-03, the club was awarded the FA Community Standard Charter. Thatcham joined the Southern League in 2005-06 and won the Basingstoke Senior Cup in 2008-09. Thatcham won The Basingstoke Senior Cup in 2011 and won the FA Vase in 2018. After eight seasons in the Southern Football League, Thatcham was placed in the Hellenic Football League Premier Division.

Last Time Out

In their last game, the Moles lost 3-0 at home to Badshot Lea whilst Thatcham lost 2-1 to Westfield FC.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased on the gate. We take both cash and cards on the gate.

Turnstiles, kitchen and bar open at 1.30pm. Food is available from 2pm.

Prices are;

  • Adults: £10
  • Concession: £6
  • Under 16: £1

About The Iconic Stadium

Address: The Iconic Stadium, Hill Farm Lane, Binfield RG42 5NR

The club house and changing rooms at Hill Farm Lane. Photo: C2 Photography.

The Iconic Stadium is a modern non-league football ground with parking on site, disabled access and more including:

  • Licenced bar
  • Tea bar serving hot and cold food
  • Disabled access to pitch side
  • Toilets
  • Standing and seated covered areas to watch the match
  • Card payments taken on the gate, in the bar and at the tea bar.

There are over 100 spaces available to park at the ground.

The club house and changing rooms at Hill Farm Lane. Photo: C2 Photography.

Job Vacancy – Kitchen Cook Role (Paid)

We are seeking a friendly person to work in our lovely new fully equipped Kitchen on match days. As a Kitchen Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking Beef Burgers, Hot Dogs, Pies and Chips whilst also helping to serve hot and cold drinks to supporters.

Working in a small team, we’d ideally like you to have completed the Level 2 Health & Hygiene Certificate but we are happy to help you attain this if you don’t have it.

Job Type: Part -Time 5 Hours 1.30pm to 6.30pm Saturdays
Flexibility to work during the odd week-night fixture would be very helpful but not a showstopper.

Location: Binfield Football Club, The Iconic Stadium, Hill Farm Ln, Binfield, Bracknell RG42 5NR

This is a paid role.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and cook a wide range of pre-made items such as Burgers/Hot Dogs/Pies/Chips and Pasties.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, including equipment and utensils.
  • Ensure all food is prepared and served in compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations.

Qualifications:

  • Have some experience as a home cook or as a cook in a restaurant or similar establishment.
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques and cooking methods.
  • Familiarity with kitchen equipment and utensils.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work well in a team and under pressure.
  • Food safety and sanitation certification is a plus.

About Us

Binfield FC is a Community Focussed football club who play at the ICONIC Stadium off Hill Farm Lane – our Ground and facilities offer a wonderful backdrop to either play or watch football. Our Adult Men’s 1st Team and Under 23’s play, most Saturdays from August through to April.

Interested?

Please contact Angela if you are interested in applying for this role;

Email: angelaknightley@binfieldfc.com
Mobile: 07958 444479

Binfield - Shirt Logo

November Fixtures

As we move into November, we take a look at the fixtures coming up this month. As always for games at this time of year, they are all subject to the British weather – check on our Twitter / X feed before travelling.

First Team

Sat 11th 3pm – Thatcham – Home @ The Iconic Stadium, Binfield
Sat 18th 3pm – Sutton Common Rovers – Away @ Whyteleafe Sports Centre
Tues 21st 7:45pm – Hungerford Town – Away @ Bulpit Lane (Berks and Bucks Senior Cup)
Sat 25th 3pm – Leatherhead – Home @ The Iconic Stadium, Binfield

U23 Development

Sat 4th 2pm – Goring United – Home @ The Iconic Stadium, Binfield – This game has been postponed
Sat 11th 2pm – Burghfield Reserves – Away @ Civil Service Club #2
Sat 18th 2pm – Tadley Calleva Reserves – Home @ The Iconic Stadium, Binfield