Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 0 Finchampstead Athletic.

9.30 kick off.  Saturday 17th Nov 2007.  

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Cold and Cloudy.   Pitch - heavy.

Attendance - 226.

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

A victory by a narrow margin thanks to Brandon's well taken goal, a low shot ending a flowing Torpedoes attack midway through the first half. Prior to the goal the boys were making most of the chances and when the first goal went in, more would surely follow... but it was not to be. From the amount of chances the Torpedoes created they should have scored again, but great goalkeeping and on three occasions the wood work saved Finchampstead from going further behind. The cold and the heavy pitch seemed to be having an effect and the game turned a bit scrappy. Good defending from Adriano, Steven and Josh kept Finchampstead attacks at bay and Billy Mike and Brandon showed good wing play, taking on the defenders and all sending in good crosses that Seb and Steven nearly converted. The longer the game stayed at one nil the more likely it looked that Finchampstead would nick a goal to earn a draw. They forced loads of corners, but the Torpedoes defence held firm and the boys eventually earned the victory that their forward play deserved.

Special mention must go to Louie who took over in goal in Jamie's absence. Early in the game he made two good saves, racing from his line to block shots, and his handling and kicking were excellent. His positioning was very good, especially in the closing stages, when Finchampstead powered a header goal-bound that he coolly caught on the line. Next week the boys face table topping Ascot Royals, no disrespect to Louie, but Jamie get well soon !

Goal - Brandon.

Man of the Match - Billy.

F.C. Bracknell Arrows 2 - 3  Binfield Torpedoes.

10.00 kick off.   Saturday 10th November 2007.   

Venue : Bracknell.  League Match.

Conditions : Mild.  Pitch firm.

Attendance - 24.

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

With two Torpedoes not available, and therefore no subs, the team was reduced to seven. The "Magnificent Seven" rode into Bracknell and returned to Binfield with all three points.

First Half.

With the exception of Brandon, who was out of the starting blocks like a rocket, the boys started slowly and were put under early pressure by a strong Bracknell team. Only when the white ball was changed after five minutes to a luminous green ball did the Torpedoes start to move forward and give Bracknell something to think about. 

On one of their forward attacks the ball broke for Bracknell and they counter-attacked with great pace and scored a good goal. Nervous tension on the touchline was heightened to near breaking point when Jamie picked up a back pass to give away a free kick in a dangerous position. Billy, Louie and Michael formed a solid wall and did not flinch in their duty as the ball was powered in, just over the bar. A huge pitch, and no subs, this was going to be an uphill battle, but the boys dug deep and didn't seem too perturbed by going a goal down. They set about their task with true grit, and the passing started to flow. Seb fought for everything and combined well with Billy and Josh. Michael and Louie, in defence, stopped another Bracknell attack and passed the ball to Billy. He ran down the wing beating several players in a focused and decisive run before calmly playing Josh in for a goal that he took with an almost casual finish for the equalizer. Brandon was always a threat going forward with his pace and close control, he fully deserved his bit of luck as his powerful cross shot somehow found its way into the net to give the Torpedoes a 2 -1 lead at half time.

Second Half.

The next goal was going to be important. The Torpedoes continued to attack, but had to be careful of the speedy Bracknell forwards. Fortunately Brandon could match their speed and was proving an excellent defender with well timed sliding tackles. As before in previous games, the Torpedoes were at their most vulnerable when they had a corner. Committing too many players forward the boys were hit on the break, and Jamie had no chance as Bracknell scored to make it 2 -2. Again undaunted by the reversal the boys' determination seemed to increase as they battled through the last quarter of the game. Brandon ran the length of the pitch on a mazy run that caused panic in the Bracknell defence. Josh had a deflected shot that hit the post, he then had another shot that proved too hot to handle and there was Seb, in the right place at the right time, to score yet another vital tap in. With no subs, getting tired, and almost running on empty the Torpedoes were pinned back in their own half as Bracknell looked for another equalizing goal. Wave after wave of attacks were forced away by fierce tackling and dogged defending, clearances went anywhere - throw-ins, corners or just pumped up field as long as Jamie's goal was protected... the Magnificent Seven were at the Alamo ! In the final moments Michael relieved the pressure, running the ball right down to the other end of the pitch, his long range bullet shot from the resulting corner going narrowly wide. The final whistle went, most of the boys were so exhausted that they didn't seem to realize they had just won a great game.

Man of the Match -   Brandon - always a danger in attack, and solid in defence.

Goals :-  Josh, Brandon, Seb.