Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 0 Hawley Raiders.

9.30 kick off.  Saturday 20th Oct 2007.  

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match

Conditions : Mild.  Pitch firm.

Attendance:  27.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billie, Brandon, Jamie, Josh, Seb, Steven

With Louie and Michael away this week, the boys had to dig deep and put in the extra effort as there were no substitutions. This was always going to be a difficult game.

First Half

The first half started with the Torpedoes on the attack with some very good passing. The Torpedoes held possession for most of the half with clever passes and closing down the opposition. After approximately 15min of play, Steve received the ball on the left and shot at the goal from distance only for the keeper to fumble the ball, falling to Seb, who was in the right place at the right time for the tap in to make it 1-0 to the Torpedoes. A well deserved lead.

Second Half

Hawley Raiders came out in the second half looking for the equaliser, but were prevented of doing so by some solid defensive work from Josh and Adriano as well as our ever reliable goal keeper, Jamie, who produced some brilliant, brave saves to keep us in the match.  The midfield, Brandon and Billie “closed the door” on opposition not allowing them to play their game despite a nervous latter part of second half where the Torpedoes found themselves under immense pressure but who resisted well.

Today’s result was the combination of excellent team work, discipline and commitment from all. Well done!

Goals: Seb

Man of the man: Adriano (Solid in defence today)

Binfield Torpedoes 6 - 3 Whitegrove Rangers.

9.30 kick off.  Saturday 6th Oct 2007.  

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Mild.  Pitch firm.

Attendance :  21.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Brandon, Jamie, Josh,  Louie, Michael, Seb, Steven.

This match was not as easy as the score line may suggest - the Torpedoes were generally in control, but did go through a "wobbly period" mid way through the second half.

First Half.

The match started with good attacking play from the Torpedoes eventually forcing the opening goal via Brandon's close finish. Quite where the midfield and defence had gone was a mystery as the Torpedoes conceded one of the softest goals ever for a Whitegrove equalizer. More exciting attacking play, especially from Josh and Steven, pushed the Torpedoes forward, and Louie was on the end of an attack to score the first ever headed goal in the Torpedoes' history! Some great corners from Michael caused panic in the opposition penalty area. Adriano was fighting hard in midfield and Whitegrove spent most of the first half in defence. A great move involving Steven and Josh put Brandon through on goal, he unselfishly laid the ball on for Louie to hit a difficult volley into the roof of the net. Steven and Seb were in control of things at the back and the boys looked good value for the 3 - 1 lead.

Second Half.

The second half started as the first had finished. Adriano and Michael combined well and forced a Whitegrove error that Steven blasted into the net for his first goal as a Torpedo, to give a 4 - 1 lead. More attacking play forced a corner, however, with the ultra fast Whitegrove forward staying up field the boys were always going to be vulnerable to a quick counter attack as he sped away to score a good goal. Not learning from this he then scored another near identical goal. From dominating the game the Torpedoes suddenly found themselves going through a nerve jangling tense five minutes. Jamie came to the rescue on two occasions before Seb finally calmed everything down with a well taken goal. The final Torpedo goal was a great team effort as Josh cleared the ball, Michael took it forward and passed to Adriano, who rolled the ball square for Brandon to place his shot in the corner of the net. All's well that ends well.

A quick impromptu whip round took place to get enough cash together to pay the ref his match fees, but a bit like the Queen, the Torpedoes supporters don't seem to carry cash.

Goals - Brandon (2)  Louie (2.)  Steven,  Seb.

Man of the Match - Brandon.

Binfield Arrows  3 - 0  Binfield Torpedoes.

9.30 kick off.   Saturday 29th Sept 2007.   

Venue : Stubbs Lane.    Cup Match.

Conditions : Cloudy, pitch firm.

Attendance - 28.

This is starting to get a bit repetitive. Beaten again by the Arrows.

The record book and statistics will show that the Torpedoes were soundly beaten, but statistics can be misleading. To say that the Torpedoes dominated the opening spell is no exaggeration. Creating chance after chance, but just lacking that final end product that their determined approach play deserved. When on top of the game, as the Torpedoes were, you need to score. Frustratingly the Torpedoes did everything they could to breach the Arrows' defence, but just couldn't take the lead they deserved. The missed chances were to prove costly as the Arrows broke away and scored a very good goal, just before half time.

The second half saw the Torpedoes press forward in search of the equalizer but as before they were unable to apply the final finish. But luck was not on their side, exemplified by Steven's powerful shot that had the goalkeeper beaten all ends up only for it to smack against the post and away to safety. The Arrows again broke away and scored another well taken goal, as the Torpedoes were committed forward, a third and decisive goal finally killed the game.

The Torpedoes must surely get some breaks in this fixture one day !  All the  boys played well and did everything they could, literally, blood, sweat and a few tears. It is no humiliation to lose to a good team, and the Arrows are a good team. They are set up well, play to their strengths, defending in numbers with bodies behind the ball and breaking fast and finishing with great accuracy. The Torpedoes play in a different style which suits their speed, with a bit of luck in front of goal they will make the statistics look more favourable to them in the next derby fixture.

On a completely different note, the ref was a major improvement on the one who refereed the previous meeting, keeping up with the pace of the game with ease, mind you he was 40 years younger!

Binfield Players : Adriano,  Billy, Brandon, Jamie, Josh,  Louie, Michael, Seb, Steve.

Man of the Match - Josh.