Binfield and Northwood will commence battle for the third time in 8 days on Tuesday night after Northwood came from two goals down at the Iconic Stadium to force a replay in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Despite a tough afternoon against the same opponents on Bank Holiday Monday, the Moles started the brighter with some great link-up between Noah Chengun and Dontaye Whittaker. They had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Troy Murray found Finn Harvey down the right and his cross found Rechan Esprit but he couldn’t get his shot away with the goal gaping and the chance was dealt with.

They had another chance to take the lead when Zeid Hannachi found Whittaker who laid it off to Chengun but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Northwood grew into the half eventually and had a chance to take the lead when the ball found Deago Dunbar-Bonnie in the box after some swift build-up play. The Northwood full -back got his shot away but Harvey Rackley-Hayes was able to turn it behind his front post for a corner.

Binfield took the lead seven minutes into the second half when a ball over the top of the Northwood defence found Chengun who chipped the ball over Andrew McCorkell and into the back of the net. Northwood almost responded straight away when Dunbar-Bonnie put a ball straight across the six-yard box but Dan Lewis did brilliantly to turn the ball behind for a corner.

The Moles countered from that corner when Rackley-Hayes picked out Hannachi on the left who drove down the wing and found Chengun who’s first-time finish into the bottom right put Binfield 2-0 up.

Northwood pulled one back straight away after a long-throw found Harry Gallagher at the back post and he was able to finish into an empty net. Then after a period of sustained pressure, a crazy 20 minutes ended with Northwood equalising. A 2-on-1 from a Northwood short corner led to Dunbar-Bonnie having a short from the edge of the box which went through Rackley-Hayes and into the back of the net.

Both sides had chances to win it in the last ten minutes. George Winser’s last-ditch challenge denied Dunbar-Bonnie and then Rechan Esprit could only hit the side netting after a great run.

So, both teams will face off again on Tuesday evening with the prize being in the draw for the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

As if playing Northwood FC twice in less than a week wasn’t enough, we now play them for the third time in 8 days thanks to the 2-2 draw in the FA Cup 1st qualifying round.

Matchday: Tuesday September 5th, 2023
Kickoff: 7:45 pm

About Northwood FC

A team was formed in Northwood back in 1899 but Northwood FC in its current form is believed to have been founded in 1926. Their initial history is unclear but they joined the Harrow & Wembley League in 1931 where they won an impressive six titles in a row prior to World War 2 and three more titles after the war. They spent the 1950s and 1960 playing mainly junior-level football.

The club joined the Isthmian League in 1992 via spells in the Hellenic and Spartan Leagues. This was one of their most successful periods which lead them gaining promotion to Step 3 and the Premier Division. They were then switched to the Southern League Premier Division but after relegation were moved back to the Isthmian League Division One North. Another switch back to the Southern League before they were moved back again to their current league – Isthmian League South Central.

This Season

Northwood FC beat Buckhurst Hill 1-0 away in the preliminary round of the FA Cup whilst the Moles beat Wokingham & Emmbrook 2-0 in front of a crowd of 604.

Tickets

Prices are;

• Adults: £10
• Concessions: £5
• U16s: Free
• Matchday programme: £2

Please note that it is cash only at Northwood FC.

About Skyline Roofing Stadium

Address: Northwood Park, Chestnut Ave, Northwood HA6 1HR
Please note that the Skyline Roofing Stadium is within the extended ULEZ zone.

Nearest Tube: Northwood Hills

For the second time in less than a week, it was a game against Northwood FC. This time, it was at home in the FA Cup. Photographer Daisy Spiers was there to capture all of the action for the first game at the newly name The Iconic Stadium.