Author: Moley

The official mascot of Binfield Football Club. I do website posts, newsletters and digging.
Binfield youngster Ben Collins.

Let’s help Binfield youngster Ben Collins get playing again

Beneath the first team at Binfield Football Club there are hundreds and hundreds of youngsters enjoying, learning and playing the game.

Unfortunately, one of our own, 11-year-old Ben Collins, suffered an ACL injury while playing for Binfield Pumas so we wanted to raise a little awareness and hopefully a little money to help Ben with his recovery.

Ben’s mum Lisa wrote: “Ben Collins is a boy who is all about his sport. He’s suffered some really bad luck and we’re asking for a little help to get him over it. During an innocuous tackle in a friendly football match playing for his club, the Binfield Pumas, Ben suffered a ruptured ACL in his left knee, as well as a micro-fracture, a segond (not second, although it sort of is!) fracture to his tibia and a likely meniscus tear. This is very rare for a boy so young.”

Without surgery Ben won’t be able to play sports again, but surgery waiting times at the moment mean that it could be years before he is able to play again anyway.

Ben’s parents Lisa and Paul have therefore set up a JustGiving page to raise £5,000 to try and get their son the operation and rehabilitation he needs much sooner.

Lisa writes: “We’re asking for a little help from anyone who’s willing and able to give it, to literally help Ben get back on his feet and back into doing the sports he loves, especially football. Any donations will be gratefully received and will help pay for the operation and for the physiotherapy that Ben will need afterwards.”

If you are able to make a donation, however big or small, you can do so on the JustGiving page here.

Binfield tonbridge angels facup 15

In pictures: Binfield stun in FA Cup thrashing

Well, what a day. Few people gave us a chance against Vanarama National League South Tonbridge Angels in the FA Cup but boy oh boy did we show them.

I should’ve known that our Binfield boys wouldn’t let the small matter of a two division gap bother them (I said as much in this weeks newsletter), but 4-0, that’s breathtaking.

Thankfully, we had young photographer Daisy Spiers on hand to capture some memories of the day for us and she’s done it brilliantly. So for now, sit back and get scrolling down the page.

Look out for the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round draw on Tuesday.

Gabe George in action for Slough Town. Photo: George Beck

Gabe George returns to Binfield on loan

Left-sided midfielder Gabriel George has re-signed for Binfield on a month-long loan from Vanarama National League South Slough Town.

No stranger to Hill Farm Lane, George played 20 times for the Moles last season scoring one goal in the 3-1 win at Guernsey.

A graduate of Slough’s under 23 academy, the midfielder has made nine appearances for the Rebels first team following his debut in August 2021.

A statement on the Slough Town website from manager Neil Baker said: “Having missed a large chunk of pre-season, he has found it difficult so far to get minutes and we feel that a month playing will hugely benefit him.

“We wish him the best in an environment he knows, and look forward to him coming back and challenging for a place.”

George’s last game for Binfield last season came in the 2-1 defeat to Chipstead in April where he played the full 90 minutes.

Binfield goalkeeper Chris Grace. Photo: Neil Graham.

Chris Grace wins Isthmian League award

Binfield goalkeeper Chris Grace has won an Isthmian League goalkeeping award after conceding just one goal in the opening month of the season.

The Moles sit second in the Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division One table, in no small part due to the solidity of the back five which has only been breached once by William Montague in the 1-1 draw with Chertsey Town.

The Moles have won the other three league games as well as two further ties in the FA Cup, all without conceding.

A post on the Isthmian League website said: “There were very few holes in the Moles defence during August. With three clean sheets from four games- and only one goal conceded in the other- Binfield are deservedly flying high in Pitching In Isthmian South Central. Again, we don’t take such things into account, but they also won in the FA Cup without conceding a goal, so that’s four clean sheets out of five. Chris Grace has been between the posts, and Moles fans will want to change his name to Amazing!”

We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Chris on this achievement. The awards are sponsored by AB1 Goalkeeping.

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Marlow Game postponed

Tomorrow’s FA Trophy fixture against Marlow FC has been postponed following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The game will now be played on Tuesday 13th September at 19:45.

Binfield FC joins the nation and the rest of the world in mourning the devastating loss of HM Queen Elizabeth ll. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.

A referee ties a players shoe at the Binfield tournament.

Referees wanted (paid)

Binfield Football Club are looking to add to their pool of qualified referees for youth and junior fixtures.

The Moles referees co-ordinator Kelly Howes said: “We are looking for qualified referees able to referee up to under 18s with the focus on our under 16 to under 18 age ranges.

“Matches are at our fantastic Hill Farm Lane home ground and across at the excellent facility at Kings Academy.”

Binfield follow the East Berks Football Association referee pay scale. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please get in touch via our contact form here.

Binfield's 2022/23 Allied Counties Youth League side.

FA Youth Cup progress for Binfield under 18s

Binfield’s under 18 Allied Counties Youth League side made progress in the FA Youth Cup on Thursday night at Hill Farm Lane.

The young Moles made a ‘stoke double this week following the men’s First Team win at the weekend, beating Basingstoke Town 2-1 to reach the First Qualifying Round.

The First Qualifying Round matches are due to take place from Saturday 3rd September but as it stands there doesn’t appear to have been a draw made yet.

On the night, a clinical strike from Jamie Smith put Binfield 1-0 up before a second yellow card left the Moles with 10 players on the field. A second goal before half-time though from Ben Price gave a little bit of breathing room.

The second half saw a response from Basingstoke with Binfield having to dig in after the visitors earned and converted a penalty on 50 minutes.

It was very much ‘backs to the wall’ in the second period according to coach Martin Smith who added: “Every player put in a shift to keep our lead and we deservedly held on, we’re in to the next round!”

For more information on the young Moles this season checkout our longer interview with Martin here.

The Binfield FC badge. Photo: Neil Graham.

Girls football back at Binfield FC

Binfield FC is pleased to announce that girls football is back at the club for the 2022/23 season.

Binfield Football Club will have two teams this season, an under 12s and an under 10s. Both teams will be competing in the Berkshire County Girls Football League.

These are exciting times for womens and girls football and Binfield FC are proud to be part of the growth nationally and locally to give opportunities for girls to play football.

If you are interested in coming along for a training session, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact form.

Binfield vs Sutton United

To celebrate the return of girls football to Binfield FC, Sutton United have kindly agreed to come and play Binfield under 12s on Sunday 4th September at Binfield FC with an 11.30am kick off.

Please come along and support the girls in what is sure to be a great match and perhaps we will see some budding stars of the future.

Chris Grace. Photo: Neil Graham.

Six points for Binfield from the Bank Holiday Weekend

Binfield came away from the Bank Holiday Weekend with maximum points in the two games at home to Merstham and away to Basingstoke Town in the Isthmian League South Central Division One.

Merstham were dispatched 4-0 with two goals in each half from Harvey Harry, Liam Tack (penalty) as well as Jonathan Denton and Johnny Efedje, while second-half goals from Connor Holland and captain Sean Moore were enough to beat the ‘Stoke at Winklebury.

The six points earned puts the Moles in second place in the division at this early stage, two behind Northwood.

Basingstoke 0-2 Binfield – Carl Withers & Jamie McClurg post-match interview

Binfield’s joint management duo Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers spoke to Binfield TV’s Jack Craske after their 2-0 Win at Winklebury Sports Complex Vs fellow playoff contenders Basingstoke Town FC. Make sure you subscribe to the Moles YouTube channel.

Binfield joint-manager Carl Withers. Photo: Neil Graham.

Watch: Carl Withers on the FA Cup and start to the season

I’m sure most have been enjoying the recent sunshine and the welcome break from football, however for this club so much hard work has been going on behind the scenes improving the ground and we can honestly say it’s never looked better and hope many of you can come along over the course of the season and see for yourselves.

For any manager, reflection is always needed at the end of any season and for us coming off the back of our first season at step 4 finishing 8th would please most, but for us there were a number of games that we felt could and should have gone our way thus pushing us closer to a playoff position, but at times maybe our squad depth let us down and left us thinking what if.  This year we knew we had to improve this, and we believe we have done exactly that bringing in several exciting players, who will add to the incredible foundation that we already have at this football club.

I think we’d both be lying if we said we weren’t happy with the start to our campaign this season, 4 points from 6 in the league, and being in the next round of the FA Cup, which following the draw Monday has provided the club with a fantastic local derby in a week’s time against near neighbours Holyport and one the club, players and staff can all look forward to.  In terms of the league and our bread and butter we find ourselves with a number of tough fixtures over the coming weeks, but we will look forward to these and continue to build on a recent success.

Now watch Withers reaction following the FA Cup win over Kidlington

The FA Youth Cup.

Young Moles chasing FA Youth Cup run

Our young Binfield Allied Counties Youth League side begin their 2022/23 FA Youth Cup campaign next week when Basingstoke Town are the visitors to Hill Farm Lane on Thursday evening.

Binfield received a bye to the Preliminary Round with the fixtures set for Thursday 1st September (7:45pm).

Coach Martin Smith told us a little bit about the side: “This is our first season back in the U18 Allieds League Central division and FA Youth Trophy with a squad of 15,16 and 17 years olds who come from Binfield and local grassroots teams.

“As with the introduction of the U23 team this year under the guidance of Andy Harvey the introduction of  the u18 Allieds allows us to offer a pathway from the Youth section through to U23 and the First Team.

“The squad is managed by Nick White with coaching support from Ade Hone and myself who have all been at the club for over 10 years. In addition, Connor Reeves, who started his playing days at Soccer School progressing through to the First Team has returned to the club to assist in coaching the boys.

“We have a tough opponent in Basingstoke on Thursday, followed on the 5th of September when we start our league campaign away to Fleet Town.”

Binfield squad from: Ellis Smith, Leo Reed, Billy Linnett, Harvey Woodley, Calum Batty, Adam Fielding, George Leakey, Max Hone, Bradley Worsfold, Jack Elliot, Ben Newman, Antonio Pitter, Vincent Lowe, Jake Cook, Benjamin Miller, Joe Reid, Joseph Jacobs, Jamie Smith, George Jones, Martim Ribeiro da Silva, William Thorndike, Thomas Henry, Benjamin Price, Ryan Filkins

Fa Cup

Binfield handed derby day in FA Cup First Qualifying Round

Well it was always going to be another away day, wasn’t it?

This time though it’s a little closer to home as Binfield have drawn Holyport in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round.

The Moles reward for a 3-0 win at Kidlington on Saturday is a trip to the Combined Counties League side who have already knocked out Step 5 heavyweights Risborough Rangers and Ascot United this season.

More details to come as we look to equal our best-ever run in the FA Cup. Fixtures are due to be played on the weekend of Saturday 3rd September 2022.

Binfield pitch

Volunteer Ground Staff Wanted!

Binfield FC are looking for volunteers to join the grounds team to help maintain our pitches and the surrounding grounds at Hill Farm Lane. Anyone interested in the role would require no experience just someone who is enthusiastic about helping their local community club!

Tasks will include but are not limited to:
– Cutting/strimming public area grass.
– Assist with cutting & watering the playing surface.
– Assist in keeping the stadium clean.
– Assisting with general maintenance.

Please contact lewis_binfieldfc@yahoo.com for further information

Binfield line up at Wembley. Photo: Neil Graham.

Binfield FC’s New Senior Player Pathway

Binfield FC would like to announce our new Male Player Pathway, with the introduction of an U23 and Development Squad, in a bid to develop local talent at Hill Farm Lane.

Having seen the Under 18’s have a successful year last season, the Moles are looking to attract players aged between 18-23 who have an ambition and great potential to create an enhanced player pathway into First Team Senior Football.

Under Andy Harvey, the under U18 Spitfires made history last season when reaching and winning both the U18 East Berkshire Football League and the EBFA Cup. Since the progression and succession, a number of youth players have now progressed along the pathway towards our new U23 and Development Squad for the First Team.

The Under 23s have applied to join a very competitive Thames Valley Premier League, alongside a number of other strong development sides.

If interested, please contact Andy Harvey on 07854942559 or andrew.harvey@deanfieldhomes.co.uk!

Trials are on Tuesday the 5th & 12th July but please keep a eye on our social media in case of any additional sessions or changes.

COYM!