Binfield 2-3 Ascot United – By Dan Humphrey
A late Ascot winner ensures Binfield start 2024 with a narrow defeat.
Manager Ross Weatherstone gave debuts to goalkeeper Killian Barrett and centre back Jack Matton, who has recently joined The Moles on a dual registration from Woking.
Ascot started the brighter of the two sides, with Ben Harris forcing a save from debutant Barrett low down to his right.
The Yellas then took the lead in the 12th minute, as ex-Mole Liam Tack found the back of the net with a composed finish. Binfield equalised soon after, as Tyler D’Cruz nodded home a superb cross from Isiah Blankendal.
A lack of chances for the rest of the half ensured it remained 1-1 at the break.
Into the second half, and it was another former Mole in Ollie Harris, who’s whipped cross found Liam Tack, who headed over the crossbar.
The lively Ollie Harris then had a chance of his own, with his near post header just missing the far corner.
However, it was Binfield who took the lead, as debutant Jack Matton converted from close range.
Harris then looked to equalise almost instantly for Ascot, forcing Barrett into a superb diving save. Binfield made their first change just after the hour mark, as Archie Coulter replaced the injured Isiah Blankendal.
It was Liam Tack who equalised for The Yellas, stabbing home from close range to get his second of the night.
Substitute Stallard then forced Sobte into action in the Ascot goal with a fine save from a set piece.
However, it was heart break for the home side, as debutant and goal scorer Matton turned into his own net late on, condemning Binfield to a late defeat.
Binfield now turn their attention to Tuesday 16th January as they welcome South Park to The Iconic Stadium.
Binfield: Barrett, Eaton (Murray 83’), Blankendal (Coulter 62’), Jeanes, Matton, Lewis ©, Lindo, Fisher (Stallard 67’), D’Cruz, Whittaker, Drake
Subs: Coulter, Stallard, Murray
Unused: Bamgbose, Knight
Ascot: Sobte, Lock, Lalustani (Morgan 67’), Goulter, Bailey ©, Edwards, McCormack, Grant, B Harris (Laflin 67’), Tack, O Harris (Lahtinen-Kalsi 90’)
Subs: Morgan, Laflin, Lahtinen-Kalsi
Unused: Ellis, Welch
Yellow Cards: Bailey
Attendance: 261
