Binfield FC are this week preparing for what is looks to be their toughest challenge of the season so far with the Moles facing Truro City in the Second Round of the Buildbase FA Trophy at Hill Farm Lane.
“They are a step 3 club, so they are going to be a big test for us,” says skipper Sean Moore.
“But we enjoy games like this. Cup ties are a one-off. We have done well in them so far and hopefully, that will continue.
“Some of the teams we have played perhaps haven’t shown as much desire over 90 minutes as we did. You can be sure we will work our butts off from the first to the last minute in every game. This is a credit to Doddsy (Jamie McClurg) and Withs (Carl Withers) for the training sessions and demanding the intensity they expect from us in all games.”
‘It is nice to see the fans back in our ground’
The Moles certainly out-run and out-powered Cinderford in the last round when two goals – the first inside the opening minute – from the inspirational Moore set them up for a 3-0 victory.
That was a rare home tie in an FA competition for last season’s beaten FA Vase finalists and Moore commented: “We love the cups. We don’t mind playing at home or away but our best results have come away so far. It will be great to be playing in front of our own supporters again like it was last time.”
The Binfield skipper says there is a real good buzz around the club at the moment, adding: “It is nice to see the fans back in our ground as we haven’t had too many home cup ties in recent seasons. We have been getting crowds of 200 to 250 and hopefully, we will have at least that for Truro.
“Our good run in the Vase has certainly helped us out this season. A lot of the club’s junior players are now watching us and their parents are coming along with them. That’s good to see as we are a family club and it is nice to have seen them enjoying their day with us. That is one of the enjoyments of playing at home.”
Moore continued: “I’m happier to be playing them (Truro) at home rather than away. They are facing a three and a half to four-hour trip up in the coach. Having said that if we had gone down to their place we could have made it a nice weekend away.”
‘Isthmian League is the priority’
Whilst hoping their FA Trophy run will continue beyond this week, Moore admits the Isthmian League is Binfield’s main priority this season.
He continued: “We are not expected to win the Trophy, though hopefully, we will get through some more rounds, It would be lovely if we could get to the final, but you’ve got to be realistic at the same time.
“The league is our bread and butter and want to do well in, but the Trophy is a nice added bonus. We are taking each game one by one, it is not about ‘let’s do this, let’s do that’
“We plan just for the game coming up and looking to win it.”
Injury hit
Binfield, who crashed 5-1 at home to Hanwell on Tuesday of last week, have been badly hit by injury since the start of the season.
“We have been cursed with a few injuries and that hasn’t helped us, and that has meant we have all had to work extra hard to get the results we need,” said Moore.
“I think we have surprised a few people this season. We are not doing too badly in the league – though the game against Hanwell wasn’t a good one for us.
“This season we are in a new league with several new players. Those brought into the squad have fitted well into the squad and we have a great bunch of lads here. There is a great spirit at the club, as there was last season.
“Credit to Doddsy and With for the way they have recruited. Getting people in who are right for the club and for the team, they have done that really well.”
One new player, in particular, who has been a bit hit this season is Callum Bunting.
Following the ex-Uxbridge striker’s arrival, Moore has been given a slight change of role, playing behind Bunting and is setting up more goals than scoring himself but he did bag a brace against Cinderford in the last round.
“No matter what role I play, my main purpose is to work my socks off for the team and I’ll be doing that again on Saturday,” he said.
“This is another big day for the club and it would be great if we can get through to the next round.”
Pop-up bar at Binfield FC
Binfield will have an additional bar for their FA Trophy Second Round tie on Saturday with a Siren Craft Brew pop-up at Hill Farm Lane. More details here.
