The Moles had a pause in their league campaign as they welcomed Deal Town to Hill Farm Lane for an FA Trophy First Qualifying Round tie. Although they now play in the Isthmian South East division, Deal Town are a club that we know well as we have met them several times in the FA Vase.
Manager Ross Weatherstone shuffled his team making six changes from their 4-0 defeat to Ascot with keeper Dom West making his competitive debut.
Deal took the lead in the 10th minute when confusion in the box led to a Deal player being fouled and Miller converting the penalty. The Moles had a few chances before Remel Larwood had his free-kick blocked and Lucias Vine picked up the ball and rocketed it into the top corner. The home team took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Mihail Marinescu struck his debut goal for the club.
The Moles had 45 minute between them and the next round. Despite the positive first half, the Moles were unable to keep Deal Town at bay and the away team scored three unanswered goals to win the tie 4-2.
After the game, manager Ross reflected;
“Tough one to take. 2 fantastic goals from Luc & Mihel saw us 2–1 up at HT. Unfortunately, we’ve gift-wrapped them 4 goals, at any level of football, you cant do that, the players must be better. I’ll keep demanding more from myself, my staff & the players until we get this right
Thank you to everyone who came & supported us today. Your backing is hugely appreciated. We will keep working. We will stick together & I will give everything to respond Monday”
Binfield are now 5 games without a win – bottom of the league, out of the FA Cup and FA Trophy. A challenging time for Ross and his management team as they have just 48 hours before the next league game as we face Hartley Wintney at home in the league on Bank Holiday 31st.
Photos: Daisy Spiers
