Binfield suffered a narrow home defeat to Southall at Hill Farm Lane, going down 2–1 in a game that will leave the Moles frustrated at what might have been.
With Amari Fashanu returning to the starting XI from Tuesday’s match, Binfield made an encouraging start and created several early openings. Kyle Daniel-Spray was first to threaten, picking up a recycled free kick on nine minutes, though his effort sailed just over the bar. Five minutes later a big chance went begging when a short corner fell to Natty at the far post, only for his header to miss the target. The pressure continued when Daniel-Spray found space down the left and picked out Boakye, but his shot was straight at the Southall keeper.
The Moles’ persistence finally paid off on 35 minutes. Ceesay released Brady down the left, who delivered a quality cross into the box. A clever dummy from Boakye created the space, and Fashanu finished well to put Binfield ahead. The lead was short-lived, however, as Southall struck back with two quick goals before the break to go in at 2–1 at half time.
The Moles’ best spell came around the 71st minute when a wide free kick led to a Fashanu effort from the edge of the box, which was blocked, before Daniel-Spray’s follow-up was well saved. Fashanu continued to threaten – his cross on 80 minutes picked out Trotman, who did well to chest the ball down but lost his footing at the crucial moment. Four minutes later, Fashanu curled a free kick around the wall only to be denied by an excellent stop from the Southall keeper.
Binfield made a double substitution on 86 minutes, sending on Patterson and Mead for Thompson and Ceesay, but couldn’t find the equaliser. The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 defeat – a painful result for the Moles, who will feel they deserved more from a game they dominated for long periods.
After the game, Moles manager Ross Weatherstone said “On the wrong end of another tight game. Southall are the best team we’ve played in the last 6 weeks, credit to Max & his team. My players never stopped & caused them problems all game. I know if we take this threat into the last 4 games, we will be dangerous for whoever we play.”
Next up for the Moles is an away trip to Bedfont Sports in just two days time – Easter Monday KO 3pm.
Photos: Andrew Spiers
