Binfield return to action this Saturday with a tough Buildbase FA Vase tie away to Newhaven, the East Sussex side that knocked Ascot United out in the last round, defeating them by an emphatic 4-1 margin at the Trafalgar Ground.
Joint-manager Jamie McClurg admits he has spoken to Yellamen’s team boss Jamie Tompkins, but stresses “it was more of a catch-up conversation. We keep in touch with each other.”
He continued: “To have beaten a top side like Ascot shows they (Newhaven) must be a really good side, so we know what to expect,
“If things had been normal, we would have probably taken the chance to go to watch them, but that has not been possible. It is going to be a difficult game for us, but we were on a good run before the lockdown and we will go down there in a confident mood.
“We will be short of match practice, but they are in the same boat. It should be a good game of football as both teams want to progress in the competition.”
McClurg, Carl Withers and coach Geoff Warner will have only one training session with their players before the game, but they are not expecting any fitness problems.
“Even if they were not footballers, I have no doubt they will all have kept themselves in good shape, that’s the type they are. They are a really nice group to work with,” added McClurg, his side’s energetic midfield general.
“During the lockdown, we have kept in close touch with them to see if they and their families are staying safe, which is the most important thing of all and that is all that we worry about.
“We’re all looking forward to getting back on the field. Whether it is the Vase or the Hellenic League, it makes no difference as we just want to get back on the field. We’re all pleased to be just playing again.”
Binfield, who will be without the suspended Jack Broome, are unbeaten in the Uhlsport Hellenic League, while Newhaven sit fourth in the Southern Combination League having played two fewer games than three of the sides above them.
A full list of all the weekend fixtures involving Berkshire clubs is here.
