Having not played a competitive game for three weeks there was a slight concern that the Torpedoes may have been a bit rusty or not match fit. Maybe the rest did them good, as they produced their best team performance so far this season.

First Half.

The game started off brightly with both teams showing their attacking intentions. A good move from Lower Earley put their striker one on one with Jamie. He raced from his goal line to bravely gather the ball, only to concede a harsh free kick for being outside his area. The resulting free kick was played into the box and volleyed home at the far post. Going a goal down did not affect the boys' attitude, the heads did not drop.... they were determined to get back into the game. The Torpedoes have scored many goals this season, but they will find it hard to match the equalizer that Josh produced midway through the first half. Picking the ball up in his own penalty area he advanced the whole length of the pitch, skipping round tackles, using his speed and strength to keep the ball, before unleashing a left foot shot that flew into the back of the net. Five minutes later, helped by good runs off the ball, from Adriano and Billy, Josh scored his second and near identical goal, just to prove the first one was no fluke. The first half ended with the Torpedoes in front.

Second Half.

With the pitch doing a very good impression of a First World War battlefield, it was the Torpedoes who had the necessary power and muscle required in midfield. The team now seemed to click, and the strength of Michael, Louie, Seb, Ollie and Billy in midfield was proving too much for an opposition that seemed to be tiring on the heavy surface. The Torpedoes were winning the midfield battle and creating chance after chance. For long periods the Torpedoes were camped in the Lower Earley half. Michael had a shot tipped round the post with a spectacular one handed save. Josh tried to curl the ball into the top corner, and he must have thought he'd got his hat-trick only for another remarkable save to keep the game close. Billy, Ollie and Seb all had good shots, Michael had a header on target but they just couldn't get past the Lower Earley keeper, who was having an inspired game. There were at least five goal mouth scrambles with Adriano unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions, with the ball sticking in the mud. Finally in the closing stages the Torpedoes made the game safe as another goal mouth scramble was converted by Seb, his brand new white boots proving a sound investment.

Special mention must be given to Angus who easily gave his best performance in a Torpedo shirt. Great positional play, determined tackling, and covering at the back, not afraid to see the ball out for a throw or a corner ensuring that Jamie's goal was protected. His partnership at the back with Ollie was the solid platform the Torpedoes needed to go forward in search of goals. On another day he would surely have won Man of the Match..... but both Josh's goals were a bit special !

Binfield Players : Adriano  Angus, Billy, Jamie, Josh,  Louie, Michael, Ollie, Seb.