Author: Moley

The official mascot of Binfield Football Club. I do website posts, newsletters and digging.
Binfield - Shirt Logo

Club Statement – First Team Management

Binfield Football Club plays a truly significant role in the lives of so many people living within the Binfield/Bracknell community. We are immensely proud of both our heritage and our wonderful Football Ground Facilities here at the ICONIC Stadium, just off Hill Farm Lane in Binfield. A special place to play and watch football, the Football Club has gone through some significant facilities improvements over the years, no more so than in the last 18 months where we have achieved FA Ground Grading approval for Step 4 competition. Through the support of Football Foundation investment, local Parish Council funding, allocation of club reserves and the sheer WILL POWER of our members, we have a home that everyone can be proud of.

Our biggest success is not measured by the clubs 1st Team league position, rather it is measured by our collective ability to continue to provide football for all in our community. To this end, we are continually looking to do the difficult job of improving everything that we do and doing it in a way that is financially sustainable, both for now and way into the future. From our soccer school through to our Junior & Youth sections, Under 18’s, under 23’s and Adult Men’s team, we strive to provide high standards of coaching and development for all.

Binfield is a “Not for Profit” community asset which is run by a small group of volunteers. We take our GATEKEEPING responsibilities extremely seriously and this has resulted in us having only a very conservative budget for 1st Team operations – one which is on the low side compared to fellow league clubs and is directly correlated to our turnstile gate numbers. Non-League Football (and professional Football) is littered with examples of clubs facing financial stress and sometimes extinction – normally associated with unrealistic ambitions as when playing at a higher level this nearly always comes with financial consequences.

We have re-built our First Team over the summer, with both sustainability and player development very much at the forefront of what we do. We are not alone in this as most teams in our position are doing the same thing – sadly player loyalty is not something that any club can rely upon and Binfield FC is no different here. Our new team is full of talent with us having some excellent young players in the squad. The season start has been a tough one that’s for sure, but we have played some great football at times. Through some recent squad strengthening, the Team is now looking to be competitive and contrary to some commentary on social media and in the local press, Binfield Football club is far from a miserable place to be at the moment – in fact, it couldn’t be further from it.

I’m therefore taking the opportunity to confirm that at Binfield Football Club we would like to reaffirm our continuing support for our manager Garry Haylock, and the whole of the backroom Team. Our commitment to Garry and his vision for the club remains aligned with our own, and we want to emphasize the importance of unity and stability in achieving our long-term goals.

We understand that there may be challenges and moments of adversity in the world of non-league football. However, we are confident that with Garry at the helm, ably supported by Roger, Bowes, Salil & Carl, we will overcome these challenges and continue to grow and improve.

As a club, we urge our members, supporters, the media, and all stakeholders to stand behind the management team during this time. Your support and positivity play a vital role in our collective journey towards success. Loyalty is a two-way street, and we will always prioritise this over any short-term noise/results.

In conclusion, Binfield Football Club is fully committed to supporting Garry, his coaching staff and the whole squad. We look forward to seeing results improve, of course, but we recognise that the direction of our development is more of a measure at this time rather than simply points collection.

As a collective club management team, we will continue to look for ways to support and strengthen our team management structure with whatever resources we are able to develop.

C’mon you Moles

Andy Cotton

Chairman – Binfield Football Club

Duo Receive Award

At the recent U23 game, club Chairman Andy Cotton was pleased to present Gary and Jackie Jacobs with an “Club Thank You For Your Service” award. They were each given club awards for their outstanding contribution to the club for running the Binfield Scorpions from Under 6 all the way through to under 18’s.

For everyone at the club, thank you so much Garry and Jackie 

The FA Youth Cup.

FA Youth Cup – 1st Qualifying Round

Next up at the Iconic Stadium are our U18s Allied side who will be playing Thatcham Town in the 1st qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.

The U18 Moles are in this round following a 4-2 away win over Hartley Wintney. Whilst Thatcham had a 2-1 win over Aylesbury Vale Dynamos FC U18. The two teams had met recently in the league with the U18 Moles winning 1-0.

Date – Thursday 21st September 2023
KO – 7.45pm

Admission
Adult – £5
Concession – £3
U16 – £1

Venue – Binfield FC, The Iconic Stadium, Hill Farm Lane, Binfield, RG42 5NR

Match Preview: Hanworth Villa FC – Home

Hanworth Villa FC

After a short break following the run of cup games, the Moles are back in action with a home game against Hanworth Villa FC.

Matchday: Saturday 23rd September
Kickoff: 3pm

About Hanworth Villa FC

Hanworth Villa FC were founded in 1976. They played in various West London leagues, making their way up the football pyramid before being promoted to Division One of the Combined Counties League in 2002-03. The club were Combined Counties Premier Division North champions in 2021–22, earning promotion to the Isthmian League.

You may notice a familiar name on the team sheet;

  • Sam Merson. Sam is the son of former Arsenal legend Paul Merson who played two games for the club in 2019.

Head To Head Record

In the corresponding fixture last season, the Villans won 1-0 and the away game at Hanworth finished 2-2 back in November.

Hanworth Villa sit two positions about the Moles in 19th place with the same number of points.

Tickets

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

Prices are;

  • Adults: £10
  • Concession: £5
  • 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.

U23s

U23s In League Cup Action

Our U23 Development side have a Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup game against Burghfield FC at The Iconic Stadium on Sat 16th Sept KO 2pm. With the first team not having a game, this is a great opportunity to come down and support our development side.

Free entry and the bar will be open.

In the league, U23s started with a narrow defeat to much fancied Newbury Town and a great performance in a 3-0 win at Maidenhead Town Reserves. This will be a tough test for the side as Burghfield FC play in the Premier Division – one league higher.

Match Preview: Ashford United FC – Away

Ashford United

Following on from our heart-breaking 1-0 defeat against Northwood FC in the FA Cup, we now follow that up with an away game against Ashford United FC in the FA Trophy.

Matchday: Sunday September 10th, 2023
Kickoff: 3 pm

About Ashford United FC

The ‘new’ United was formed in 2011, resurrecting the name used by the town’s football club between 1891 and 1907. Following the demise of the original Ashford United club in 1907 and through to 1928 Ashford was represented by Ashford Railway Works FC and after that between 1930 and 2010 by Ashford Town F.C.

Ashford United are currently members of the Isthmian League South East Division following their record-breaking promotion from the Southern Counties East Football League in the 2016–17 season.

This Season

Ashford United currently sit 7th in the Isthmian League South East Division with two wins. They were knocked out of the FA Cup in the Preliminary Round by Beckenham Town – a team that knocked the Moles out of last season FA Cup.

Tickets

Prices are;

  • Adults: £10
  • Concessions: £5
  • U16s: Free

About The Sports Ground

This game is being played at The Sports Ground, home of Chatham Town FC. Directions can be found on the Chatham Town website.

Address: The Sports Ground, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 6LR
Nearest Station: Chatham

FA Trophy

Binfield and the FA Trophy

Did you know that this is only the third season that the Moles have been competing in the FA Trophy? The FA Trophy is for teams competing in Steps 1–4 of the National League System so we only entered it following our promotion to the Isthmian League South Central Division in the 2021/22 season.

As we now start our journey in this years FA Trophy, we take a look back at how we got on in the FA Trophy in the last 2 seasons.

2021-22 Season

Our first ever game in the FA Trophy was away to North Leigh in the 2nd qualifying round. The game finished 2-2 with The Moles coming back from being 2-0 down after 20 minutes. We progressed through to the next round with a 4-1 win in the penalty shootout.

In the 3rd qualifying round, we were drawn away to Herne Bay. In front of a crowd of 260, the Moles won 2-0 to qualify for the first round. The Moles drew Cinderford Town for their first FA Trophy home game. They came away as 3-0 winners to continue their impressive debut FA Trophy season.

In the second round, The Moles were drawn at home against Truro City. The Moles were 3-0 down by half-time and despite second half goal from Ollie Harris and Josh Howell, it couldn’t stop The Moles from exiting the FA Trophy.

2022-23 Season

Our 2022-23 FA Trophy run started with an away game against Marlow Town FC.  First half goals came from Johnny Efedje and Jonathan Denton and there were two more in the second half from Sean Moore and Brandon Curtis. A strong performance had The Moles winning 4-0.

In the 2nd qualifying round, The Moles had yet another away cup game – this time away to Thame United. Roger Herridge’s first match in caretaker charge saw Binfield overcome Thame United thanks to goals from James Beauchamp and Taylor Morgan. The game finished 2-1 to The Moles.

In the 3rd qualifying round, The Moles drew Hendon away. In a tight game which finished 0-0, The Moles progressed with a 5-4 win on penalties.

Progressing through to the 1st round proper, The Moles had the long trip to Tavistock AFC. The Moles were 2-0 down after 30 mins and despite a late goal from James Beauchamp, they were unable to close the gap and lost 2-1.

2023-24 Season

In this years FA Trophy, we have drawn Ashford United away. The game will be played on Sunday 10th Sept at 3pm at Chatham Town FC. Come down and see how far The Moles can progress this season.

U7 – Mascot

We were pleased to welcome players from our U7s teams to The Iconic Stadium as mascot for the first team games against Chipstead and Northwood.

The players has the opportunity to train and play on the main pitch before walking out with the players. We hope you all had a great day and look forward to seeing you at The Iconic Stadium soon.

FA Cup

FA Cup – 2nd Qualifying Round Draw

Following our 2-2 draw with Northwood on Saturday, we were in the hat for the 2nd qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.

We have drawn Cray Valley FC at home who beat Uxbridge 3-0 in the previous round. The game will be played on the weekend of Saturday 16th September.

We first need to beat Northwood in the 1st qualifying round replay which is being held at Northwood Park Stadium, Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1HR on Tuesday 5th September at 19:45.