Why Binfield FC’s double win is great for the Hellenic Premier League title race

Binfield FC celebrate their win against Flackwell Heath. Photo: Colin Byers.
Binfield FC celebrate their win against Flackwell Heath. Photo: Colin Byers.

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I might have been a bit over excited last night on twitter when I exclaimed that ‘Binfield had blown the title race wide open’ with their win at home to Thame United last night, but let me explain.

At this point 14 days ago, Thame had four games in hand and were a point behind leaders Thatcham Town in second place.

The Hellenic Premier League on 14th November 2016.
The Hellenic Premier League on 14th November 2016.

If they’d won all four games they’d have been miles ahead (10 points clear of Thatcham), and even in November it would have been hard to see them being caught at that point – bear in mind their last three games should have been Bracknell Town, Thatcham and Binfield as well giving them extra breathing room.

As it stands, the Oxon side have lost to Bracknell and Binfield and saw their Thatcham game postponed, but more on that later.

Cue looking in on the others. Binfield’s beating of Flackwell Heath as well as Thatcham’s defeat to Bracknell closes things right up at the top of the table.

The Hellenic Premier League on Tuesday 29th November 2016.
The Hellenic Premier League on Tuesday 29th November 2016.

Thatcham have the Buildbase FA Vase on their minds at the weekend while two wins for Bracknell will see them top the table on Saturday regardless of what happens elsewhere.

That lines up very nicely the re-opening of Larges Lane on Tuesday 6th December when the visitors are.. you guessed it, Binfield!

Points on the board

Bracknell Town's Joe Grant takes a tumble against Thame United. Photo: Mark Pugh.
Bracknell Town’s Joe Grant takes a tumble against Thame United. Photo: Mark Pugh.

Without wishing to utilise a footballing cliche, and then doing so anyway you get the feeling this season’s title is going to be decided by points on the board.

Which is obvious except to say that we all thought with Thame’s games in hand they were the favourites. That’s no longer the case.

Then there is Thatcham who are top by virtue of playing more games than anyone else – whatever the reasons for their game at home to Thame being called off at the weekend it almost certainly didn’t do United any favours despite the extra rest days with their defeat on Monday night.

Thatcham now of course have the FA Vase tie at Bristol Manor Farm to contend with, and you have to think at this stage it is the Blues best chance of any glory this season – or the League Cup.

And everything could change again tonight if Bracknell don’t get a result at Ardley United..

Who’s going to win it?

Mark Tallentire (right) pictured with Thatcham Town coach Keith Pennicott-Bowen. Photo: Neil Graham.
Mark Tallentire (right) pictured with Thatcham Town coach Keith Pennicott-Bowen. Photo: Neil Graham.

Everyone will say that the league isn’t won in November and that is true of course, but the momentum gained from a good winter and Christmas period is essential and currently it’s swung the way of Bracknell Town.

You can’t discount anyone BUT if Mark Tallentire’s side can go into the Binfield game next Tuesday with another six points behind them after fixtures at Ardley and Burnham then they are certainly in the driving seat – and back at Larges Lane they aren’t going to have many games called off meaning points on the board!

Main image: Binfield FC celebrate their win against Flackwell Heath by Colin Byers.

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