A season highest home crowd of over 250 packed Hill Farm Lane to witness Binfield’s final home game of the season, but despite a spirited and chance-laden performance, the Moles were left frustrated as a single Kingstonian goal proved enough to settle the contest.
Binfield began brightly, finding some joy down the left flank in the opening exchanges, though they were unable to carve out a clear-cut chance early on. Kingstonian had their first opportunity of the afternoon on ten minutes, but goalkeeper CJ Fubler was equal to it, doing well to deny the visitors at his near post.
It was Binfield who came closest in the opening quarter, with Quincy Patterson breaking through the defensive line only to see his shot drift just wide – a big chance wasted that would feel increasingly significant as the afternoon wore on.
Against the run of play, Kingstonian broke the deadlock on 29 minutes when the unfortunate Ethan Mosdell turned a Kingstonian cross into his own net. The Moles responded with renewed urgency. Patterson went close to an immediate leveller, poking an effort through the legs of the keeper, only for it to be dealt with. The best chance of the half came just before the break when Patterson slid in Boakye, who rounded the goalkeeper, but his effort was brilliantly cleared off the line with the goal gaping. The Moles trooped in at half time trailing 0-1, left to rue a hatful of missed opportunities.
Binfield came flying out of the traps after the interval, and within minutes had fashioned three enormous chances. Smith’s effort at the back post was blocked, Daniel-Spray burst through on goal only to be denied, and Boakye struck the underside of the bar – twice – without the ball crossing the line.
A substitution on 59 minutes saw D’Cruz introduced for O. Smith as Binfield sought fresh legs to find the breakthrough. The pressure continued, with Boakye dragging a shot just wide and Ceesay forcing a corner with a goalbound effort on 78 minutes. Another change saw Stewart replace Patterson on 80 minutes, and D’Cruz got in behind the defence shortly after, only for his shot to be saved. Jones then had an effort pushed behind for a corner.
With two minutes remaining, Stewart found himself with a chance to equalise, but his shot crept inches wide of the post. It wasn’t to be.
The Moles now move onto the final match of the season when they travel to the south coast to play Bognor Regis. 25th April KO 3pm.
Photos: Andrew Spiers
