‘Horrid result’ says Binfield boss after Abingdon United defeat

Roger Herridge. Photo: Neil Graham.
Roger Herridge. Photo: Neil Graham.

Enter your email address to receive regular Berkshire football updates in your inbox

Things didn’t quite go to plan for Binfield on Tuesday night. A strong looking side featuring new signing Damien Smith at centre back with promising you goalkeeper Sonny Wheeler between the sticks slumped to a 4-0 defeat at Hellenic League Premier Division Abingdon United.

United were third bottom going in to the fixture with Binfield looking to make the leap in to the top eight, but on the night it was the former that were playing with all the confidence.

Speaking to Football in Bracknell, Herridge said: “Horrid result, the first half especially was the worst in my time in charge.

“Too many players under performed, we are playing with a lack of confidence.”

Carl Withers. Photo: Neil Graham.
Carl Withers. Photo: Neil Graham.

On the night, Herridge saw Carl Withers limp off midway through the second half while centre back Jeff Brown was withdrawn late on.

Herridge said: “Injuries are not helping us and are mounting up with some, like Browny, playing through the pain barrier to help our cause. Our new signing Damien Smith also picked up an injury which meant he played most of the game with a suspected broken toe.

“I can’t fault any of my players for work rate during this bad run but it’s our decision making and lack of quality that’s hurting us.

“It’s plain for all to see that we need reinforcements in key areas, we are conceding too easily and the goals have dried up. That said those players don’t grow on trees so it’s important that we are patient and don’t panic.”

%CODEhlprem%

There were some positives for Herridge and the Binfield supporters who made the trip despite the scoreline, particularly with the return of Josh Howell from injury. News the Moles boss described as ‘a real boost for us, we have missed the quality he gives us’.

Binfield's Josh Howell. Photo: Ade Hone.
Binfield’s Josh Howell. Photo: Ade Hone.

According to Herridge, Howell will definitely make a return to the starting eleven for Saturday’s trip to Brimscombe & Thrupp.

There was a second start for Sonny Wheeler in the Binfield goal after Chris Grace returned to Bracknell Town to cover for the injury to Mark Scott.

Herridge felt there was little Wheeler could have done for the goals. He said: “He did well I thought, he wasn’t helped by what was going on further up pitch in front of him.”

In addition, young striker Eddie Lee was introduced shortly after the break and showed glimpses of his potential, as he did the last time Football in Bracknell saw Binfield in action at Reading City.

Herridge said: “We have some very good players in the squad but the balance hasn’t been right in the team since the turn of the year, we have lacked energy and enthusiasm. You need the right mix of youth and experience and I need to find that again somehow.

“I don’t think it will be a quick fix but let’s see what the next week brings.”

Main image: Roger Herridge by Neil Graham.

%CODEfooter%

Football in Berkshire has a Breaking News WhatsApp Channel where we’ll send you updates on all the latest football news from the Royal County. You can join Breaking Berkshire Football News by clicking here

Upcoming fixtures

Thursday 28th March 2024

Slough Town FC Ladies19:45Tilehurst Panthers Women

Friday 29th March 2024

Show all fixtures

Subscribe to the newsletter

Enter your email address to receive regular Berkshire football updates in your inbox

Leave a Reply

Search Football in Berkshire
FIB-Badgetransparent-dud.png