Binfield Torpedoes 3 - 1 Pinewood Panthers.

10.30 kick off.  Saturday 16th Feb 2008. 

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Cold and Sunny.  Pitch firm.

Attendance - 22.

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

First Half.

Some great pass and move football by the Torpedoes put early pressure on Pinewood with both Brandon and Michael getting good shots on goal and unlucky not to score. Billy and Seb had their hands full in defence, up against two very fast and skilful forwards, but managed well.  Billy combined well with Steven on the left, and another flowing move involving Michael and Brandon led to Steven shooting just wide. Jamie produced a very brave save to stop the Torpedoes going a goal down, diving in where the boots were flying and taking a nasty knock to the ribs. Steven eventually opened the scoring after good approach play from Adriano, Louie and Josh, turning and shooting in one movement to beat the keeper. Pinewood came back at the Torpedoes, but the defence held firm until half time.

Second Half.

The second half started with a warning for the boys as Pinewood smacked the ball against the post. A superb left wing run from Billy ended with a cross shot that came back off the post. Seb, ever alert to the sniff of a goal, followed in to give the boys a two nil lead. Pinewood failed to clear the ball properly from another attack and the ball came out to Josh who fired it back into the roof of the net from outside the area. Adriano was tackling everything, stopping attacks and passing the ball out well to his team-mates. Pinewood got themselves back into the game as the boys committed too many players forward, but time was not on their side. Michael went on a mazy run from defence setting up another shot at goal. Brandon and Louie were having a great day both up front and in defence. Josh epitomised his overall display by appearing from nowhere to clear the ball off the line in the dying seconds.

The man who refs fear the most went beyond the call of duty as he scaled the fence to retrieve the ball from the archery field. Thanks to Pinewood Panthers for a very entertaining game, especially their coach who not only encouraged his team, but very sportingly praised any good play by the Torpedoes as well.

Man of the Match - Josh.

Goals - Steven, Josh, Seb.

Binfield Torpedoes 1 -  2 Binfield Arrows

9.00 kick off.  Saturday 2nd Feb 2008. 

Venue : stubs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Sunny & Cold, pitch frozen.

Attendance - 20.

Another defeat to the Arrows ... but we're getting closer.

Going a goal down in the first minute of the game was not the start the boys needed. An Arrows centre was headed in off the post, while most of the Torpedoes were still "easing" themselves into the game. Torpedoes supporters feared the worst but the boys started to get involved and the passing moves began to flow. The Arrows were always a threat going forward, but the Torpedoes defence was holding out. Midway through the first half a quick one touch passing move ended with Steven through on goal to calmly place the ball in the net for the equaliser. The Torpedoes seemed to be getting up a head of steam and the Arrows were briefly put on the back foot. Early in the second half, when Josh's header came back off the post and down onto the line (but not over) it was going to prove a turning point for the Torpedoes fortunes. Had that goal gone in and the Torpedoes taken the lead who knows what may have happened. In the end a close game was settled as the Arrows right back ventured forward on a blistering run that caused panic in the Torpedoes defence and led to the winning goal. Despite losing, the boys proved they can give the Arrows a good game, what we need is a bit of luck !!  We look forward to our next meeting, as this fixture seems to be a barometer on how well the whole team is improving. Well played both teams.

Cannot end this match report without a special mention for Jamie. Is there a better keeper in the whole of the under 10 league ?? To say he had a great game is an understatement. Six or seven times he produced spectacular and brave saves to deny the Arrows a goal. His kicking and calling for the ball, and his general dominance of the penalty area was fantastic... he did not deserve to be on the losing side. His performance together with that of a defence that seems to be getting the hang of it and the ever reliable Steven and Josh were the highlights of a great match.

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

Goals : - Steven.

Man of the match - Steven.  Ran his socks off for the Torpedoes, scored a great goal..