End of Season League Table 

U11 Division 1 Runners Up 2008/2009

Winners of Fair Play award 2008/2009

Well done to Adriano, Billie, Jamie, Josh, Louie, Michael, Seb, Tom.

Bracknell Town Junior Pumas 3-3 Binfield Torpedoes 

18h30 kick off.   Thursday 23rd April 2009.  

Venue : Crown Wood,  League Match.

Conditions : Dry, pitch hard

Attendance - 43.

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

The Torpedoes secured the point they needed to guarantee themselves second place in the league in a tough physical game against Bracknell.
 
First Half.
 
The boys started slowly and looked a little nervous, but still managed to take an early lead thanks to Louie's headed goal from a corner. The lead produced some over-confident play and it wasn't long before they found themselves 2 - 1 down, being hit on the break by quick counter attacking move, and a thoroughly deserved and blatantly obvious penalty decision against a Torpedo defender. Things could have been a lot worse had it not been for a superb triple save from Jamie. The boys were finding it difficult to put any decent moves together on a hard uneven pitch, the atmosphere was a little intimidating, bordering on the hostile, and things were not looking good.
 
Second Half.
 
Another goal scored from a corner by Josh  was just the start the team needed and they were now back in the game. The boys had to defend really well to keep Bracknell at bay and had to be careful not to give away any more penalties when diving into tackles near the corner flag. The Torpedoes were still finding it hard to string any moves together but eventually great midfield build up play put Billy in with a clear shot at goal that flew into the net for one of the best Torpedo goals of the season.  The lead was relatively short lived as Bracknell scored a great goal themselves powering a shot into the bottom corner of the net... Jamie had no chance on that one. On the final whistle the boys celebrated their hard earned point and discussed what to wear to the presentation evening at the Blue Mountain !

Goals: Louie, Josh, Billy

Man of the Match: Josh

Binfield Torpedoes 5 - 0 Finchampstead Athletic

9.00 kick off.   Saturday 18th April 09

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Dry, cool

Attendance - 24.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billy, Jamie, Josh, Louie, Michael, Seb, Tom 

The team are now playing with belief that they are capable of winning every game.

As with last week, the work rate and effort to regain the ball when not in possession was a major factor in today's emphatic win. More impressive was the complete lack of any panic when Finchampstead put the Torpedoes under concerted pressure at the beginning of the second half. However, by this time the Torpedoes had, in the first half, taken control of the game, after two more well taken goals from Louie, especially his second goal that was the final touch to a great team move. This was shortly followed by another 'solo special' from Tom. The Torpedoes also had the luxury of a penalty miss, but Jamie still had to make three superb saves to ensure a clean sheet was maintained. After withstanding a Finchampstead fight back Billy's powerful shot from an impossible angle that torn into the net calmed any nerves that might have been getting slightly on edge. Adriano completed the scoring after being put up front for the last few minutes only to prove he can score goals as well as stop them.

Overall a great team performance, let's hope we can continue in the same form for the two remaining games of the season. Finchampstead fought hard and never gave up, some unlucky finishing did not help their cause today, but they made the Torpedoes work hard for the victory and played their part in an entertaining game.

Man of the Match: Jamie

Goals: Louie (2), Tom, Billie, Adriano

Binfield Torpedoes 4 - 0 Pinewood Pumas

9.00 kick off.   Saturday 28th March 09

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Dry, cloudy 

Attendance - 33.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billy, Jamie, Josh, Louie, Michael, Tom 

The Torpedoes produced one of their best displays this season. They ran out comfortable winners in a match that the current league table said should have been much closer.

First Half.

Both teams took a little time to adjust to the hard pitch and the high bounce of the ball. The game settled down with good end to end play with the Torpedoes' defence of Tom and Adriano again holding firm at the back. Jamie was commanding his area, calling for the ball and his goal kicks were a good attacking weapon, forcing play down into the opposition half. There were a few half chances at both ends before the all important first goal was scored.  Billy's vision for a pass sent Michael clean through, his initial shot well saved by the keeper only for Michael to follow up and half volley the rebound into the net. The Torpedoes grew in confidence and good approach play from Michael and Josh got the ball to Louie who brilliantly held the ball up and then played Billy in for a run at goal. His left foot finish into the far corner of the net was the icing on the cake. This was the best goal of the day, not just because of the finish but nearly every team member was involved in the build up.

Second Half.

With only seven players available the boys had to put in extra effort, and their work rate when then hadn't got the ball was a major highlight of the performance. No one exemplified this more than Louie. He ran tirelessly up front, chased a lost cause, forced an error and set up Josh for the third goal, which seemed to put an end to Pinewood's gallant attempt to get back into the game. Louie was unlucky not to get on the score sheet on a couple of occasions, the nearest of which saw his shot rebound off the post. Adriano and Tom were now playing full of confidence at the back and Jamie only had one notable shot to stop. Josh was now running the midfield and he was spreading the play well using the wings. Billy had been playing really well on the left wing all match and he capped an impressive display by powering in a shot that hit the cross bar, Michael following up to head the ball into the back of the net. Michael missed the chance of a hat trick when the goalkeeper smothered his shot in the last seconds of the game

Goals.  Michael (2),  Billy, Josh.

Man of the Match: Jamie

10:00 kick off.   Saturday 28th February 2009 

Venue : Sandhurst.  League Match.

Conditions : Dry, Mild

Attendance - 18.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billy, Jamie, Josh,  Louie, Michael, Seb, Tom

The defensive duo of Tom and Adriano were so strong at the back that an Ascot team that had consistently scored plenty of goals in this fixture were reduced to a couple of long shots.......... now all we had to do was score a goal.

First Half.

Having never beaten the Royals in three years of trying, the boys were reminded before the match that this was their last opportunity to get any points off the current League Champions. Without being particularly fired up, they took to the field and started playing not only with determination, but a calmness that was  a major surprise, and a welcome change to the blind panic that they are susceptible to. There weren't many clear cut chances, but Billy and Michael had good shots well saved and Seb and Louie were doing a great job up front.  Josh, as usual, was the engine of the team, breaking down Ascot attacks and providing the impetus for Torpedo forward moves. Jamie had to come off his line to smother the ball a few times, but had not a shot to save thanks to the great positional play and tackling of Tom and Adriano. A very encouraging first half ended nil nil.

Second Half.

Tom and Adriano continued to be solid in defence, not diving into the tackle, thwarting Ascot attacks. Billy, Michael and Josh started to win the midfield battle. Seb and Louie ran their socks off in alternating stints up front. The Torpedoes started to force corners, but this time did not over commit players forward, both Tom and Adriano staying back to stop any fast counterattacking that we know from past experience  Ascot are very good at. Eventually it was a counterattack from the Torpedoes that broke the deadlock.  Michael ran the ball out of defence and passed to Josh who in turn found Louie in front of goal unmarked. Torpedoes supporters were expecting a shot, but Louie cleverly drew the keeper and squared the ball to Josh, who had continued his run, to pass the ball into an empty net. A calm set up from Louie and a cool finish from Josh. With fifteen minutes still to play now was the time the Torpedoes played at their best, good possession football, slowing the game down keeping the ball and most importantly of all..... no panic !!  Jamie had one scare from a long range free kick that he tipped over the bar, otherwise very little else to do.

On the final whistle the boys were absolutely thrilled and celebrated their victory, not in an arrogant way, but in recognition that they had finally managed to beat the best team in the league.

It was a very close call between Tom and Adriano for man of the match...... with the pocket battleship taking the trophy home.

Goals: Josh

Man of the Match: Adriano

California Bears 1 - 5 Binfield Torpedoes   

10:00 kick off.   Saturday 17th January.  

Venue : Finchampstead.  League Match.

Conditions : Muddy, cold.

Attendance - 28.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billie, Jamie, Josh,  Louie, Michael, Tom

Heavy rain the previous night meant there was a chance the game would be called off,  fortunately the game was played after a last minute pitch inspection.

First Half.

Both teams were finding the pitch difficult to play on, the ball sticking in the muddy central area for a large percentage of the first half. Having not played a competitive game for nearly seven weeks the Torpedoes were a little lethargic and took some time to get going. Of the few chances that were created it was  California Bears who looked more likely to take the lead as the Torpedoes struggled to overcome a competitive opposition on a very muddy pitch. Both defences played well, and the Torpedoes midfield, especially Billy, worked really hard to create chances, but nothing clear cut. One of the spectators predicted a nil nil draw....... just shows what he knows !

Second Half.

The half time team talk 'suggested' that the boys "raised their game".  Mostly importantly they were politely asked to use the mud free wide areas of the pitch. The advise was taken on board and  the Torpedoes began to take charge. Toms' opening goal was coolly taken, and very importantly gave the boys a lead they were determined to hold on to. Louie and Adriano fought for everything in defence but a second goal was clearly needed to ensure a nerve free final third to the game. Jamie had to make two great saves to keep the Torpedoes in front. Eventually the wing play of Michael and Billy helped set up goals for Josh and Adriano, and Billy scored a  poachers goal himself to give the Torpedoes a commanding lead. Some slack play crept in as California scored probably the best goal of the match. Disobeying management orders to use the wings Tom then decided to bull doze his way through the mud and defenders to score a type of goal that is becoming his trademark.

Man of the Match - Tom.

Goals -  Tom (2) Josh, Billy Adriano.

Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 4 Ascot Royals

9.00 kick off.   Saturday 22nd Nov 2008.  

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Dry, cold.

Attendance - 26.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billy, Jamie, Josh, Michael, Seb, Tom 

After last weeks heroics it was back down to earth again today.

First half.

Creating loads of chances but failing to take what might have been a confidence boosting lead the Torpedoes then went behind to a wonder strike from the Ascot forward. You could only watch and admire as an unstoppable shot found the top corner. Still the Torpedoes heads did not drop and they continued to play good football and were worthy of their equaliser as Billy's shot went through a crowd of players into the net. For the first time in this fixture the Torpedoes thought they had a chance, and were unlucky not to go in at half time in the lead as a shot smacked against the post.

Second half.

Early Torpedoes pressure forced a corner, but with too many players committed forward Ascot broke at speed and retook the lead. This was a massive blow for the Torpedoes, but worse was to follow as the Ascot winger weaved his way through the whole team to score a brilliant solo goal. Despite this the boys still created many more chances but could not put any end product to their good approach play. A little bit of frustration crept in and some tackles were a bit borderline. A rather harsh penalty rubbed salt into the wounds, but by then the better team had won the game. Well played Ascot Royals.

To win against a top side like Ascot the boys needed to make more of their chances. The positive thing was that we created more chances than Ascot, but they converted nearly all of theirs, and we didn't. Also in this fixture we never seem to get that magic ingredient ........ a little bit of luck ! 

Goals: Billy

Man of the Match: Josh

Binfield Torpedoes 3 - 3 Bracknell Town Junior Pumas.

9.00 kick off.   Saturday 8th Nov 2008.  

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.

Conditions : Rain.

Attendance - 18.

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

The early start and rain kept the attendance down this morning.  Good job so many Mums were missing, they did not have to witness what there 'little angels' were capable of!  This was a tough match not for the faint hearted, one for after the watershed. 

First Half.

The Torpedoes had the better of the first half, going ahead through a good strike from Billy, only for the goal to be equalized as the Torpedoes defenders could not decide amongst themselves who should clear the ball, so the Bracknell forward took charge and smashed the ball home. Despite the set back the Torpedoes were playing good football and went ahead again as Josh headed in a corner from Michael. A great solo run from Tom set up a goal for Seb and the Torpedoes looked good value for their lead. The last five minutes of the first half were a warning sign that Bracknell had by no way given up the game, and only two great saves from Jamie kept the lead intact.

Second Half.

The Torpedoes started the second half really well but could not increase their goal tally. Bracknell were very fast on the break and the danger signs were evident long before they clawed a goal back. A little bit of panic set in and the Torpedoes were put under concerted pressure. Towards the end of the match Bracknell eventually equalized, and the game ended just in time as the tension on and off the pitch reached boiling point.

Man of the Match - Billy.

Goals - Billy, Josh, Seb.

Pinewood Pumas 0 - 3  Binfield Torpedoes.

9.00 kick off.  Sat 25th Oct 2008. 

Venue : Pinewood.  League Match.

Conditions :  Cold.   Pitch firm.

Attendance - 22.

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

Coming into the game on the back of three defeats in a row and playing one of the top teams in the division, some improved play was required. Today they did play better..... much better.

First Half.

The Torpedoes started slowly but soon got into the tempo of a game that was end to end attacking football. Tom and Adriano were strong and tough tackling at the back and kept Pinewood at distance. Even so, Jamie had to be in control of his area and his calling for the ball and shot stopping injected the whole team with belief. Not only is Jamie a great keeper, he is a brave keeper, diving at the feet of an attacker saving a certain goal and taking a blow to the head for the Torpedoes cause. Riding out the storm of early Pinewood pressure the team now started to put some good attacks together, Louie had a snap shot well saved and Josh and Billy combined well to make a chance for Seb and then another for Michael that scuffed the post. The game was hotting up and the first goal was going to be vital. Michael picked the ball up in midfield and ran straight for goal, his shot was punched out by the goalie to Josh who hit another shot, again the goalie parried, and there was Seb, in the right place and the right time to score a typical poachers goal that ended a three and a half hour barren spell, much to the relief of the whole team and supporters.

Second Half.

Pinewood reacted strongly to going a goal behind and threw everything at the Torpedoes. The Torpedoes defending was fantastic to watch, Seb and Louie closing down from the front Billy and Michael tracking the midfield runners, Tom and Adriano resilient at the back, Josh sweeping up behind the defence. Even then Pinewood had one last obstacle to try to overcome.....Jamie.  A one handed diving save quickly followed by a full stretched dive that saw the ball tipped over the bar were typical of a brilliant goalkeeping display. The boys were under pressure but still forced the game back to Pinewood, Billy narrowly missed a chance of a goal at the far post, but his running off the ball opened up a chance for Josh to strike a well placed shot into the net for a nerve settling second goal. This was a very important goal, Pinewood seemed demoralised that all their attacking efforts had come to nothing. The opposite was true for the Torpedoes, they now relaxed and started passing the ball with extra confidence, and when Adriano set up Michael for a shot that found the top corner of the net the game was won.

This was a great football game between two very evenly matched sides. The Torpedoes played for each other today and every member of the team gave everything....... the losing run is over !

Goals -  Seb, Josh, Michael.

Man of the Match -  Jamie - brave and unbeatable.

09h00 kick off.  Saturday 11th Oct 2008. 

Venue : Stubbs Lane.  League Match.  

Conditions : Mild and Sunny.  Pitch firm.  

Attendance - 43

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

1^st  Half

The Torpedoes were under pressure right from the start but managed to keep the Arrows at bay for the majority of the first half. Whilst not creating too much going forward the defence remained fairly much in control until a corner was volleyed in at the far post giving the Arrows the lead that their pressure deserved. Moments later a flowing Arrows move and great cross was headed in. It was going to be an uphill struggle, even more so, after an unfortunate third goal was conceded just before half time.

2^nd Half

In the second half the Torpedoes tried to get a goal, but couldn't convert a couple of half chances that would have made the score line more respectable. Whilst committing more players forward the Torpedoes conceded two more goals on the break. In the end the boys were well beaten by the better team, but can still take positives from the match....  for the first time in this fixture they were not out muscled and gave as good as they got, nor could their effort or attitude be faulted, they gave it a go, but today was not their day.

Man of the Match - Seb.

Binfield Junior Tournament

Date: Sun 11th May 2008. 

Venue : Stubbs Lane.

Conditions :  Hot. Sunny. Pitch firm.

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

In past tournaments the Torpedoes have played brilliantly only to stutter in the closing stages to end up with nothing to show for all their efforts. Playing some great attacking and entertaining football over the last two years, but no silverware in the trophy cabinet...... too often the bridesmaid, never the bride. The day of the first ever Binfield Tournament was the day the boys finally and emotionally ended their barren spell.

The group stages were full of wonderful football. The first game was a close affair separated by the narrowest of margins, a penalty coolly slotted home by Steven. The win was exactly the confidence boost the Torpedoes needed and they continued in the same attacking style over the next three games. Major highlights being Jamie's fantastic save against Holyport to stop the Torpedoes going a goal behind, and Adriano's defensive header that set up Billy and Josh to create the best team goal of the day, scored by Steven, who was fast turning into the goal machine that we always knew he was.

The boys seemed very relaxed as they produced a quarter final win over Camberley,  then it was crunch time, a semi final meeting with the current under 10 league champions and undoubtedly the best team in the East Berks League.... Ascot Royals. With the Torpedoes supporters fearing another gallant exit and already preparing their speeches of consolation the boys produced their best ever tournament performance, scoring two great goals and defending as thought their lives depended on it, epitomised by Brandon's fantastic touchline tackle that made the whole team believe they could do it. Josh and Billy were brilliant in midfield and both played with a coolness that was unexpected in the furnace of a semi final situation.  The whistle went, the boys were through to their first ever final where they were to come face to face with their village rivals and nemesis - the Binfield Arrows.

The boys success in the final was not just due to another great solo goal from Steven. Throughout the whole tournament the team had only conceded one goal, the defensive performances of  Michael, Louie, Seb and Adriano were the platform the attacking players needed to create the goals and all four should take great pride in their displays, especially in the final where all were magnificent in repelling the Arrows' attacks. When the whistle went to end a remarkable day the boys justifiably celebrated their victory. Mums, and a few Dads were close to tears, such is the roller coaster of a ride as a Torpedoes' supporter.

Special mention must go to Steven, scoring seven goals was just the icing on the cake for one of the best footballing displays in a tournament. Finally, the management tactics, substitutions and team selections were also a major contribution to a successful day and both Steve and Trevor deserve this victory as much as the boys.

Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 0 Bracknell Town Pumas.

Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 0 Ascot United Aces.

Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 1 FC Holyport.

Binfield Torpedoes 0 - 0 California.

Quarter Final :-  Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 0 Camberley Town Youth.

Semi Final :-      Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 0 Ascot United Royals.

Final :-              Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 0 Binfield Arrows.

Finchampstead Athletic 1- 3 Binfield Torpedoes 

18:15 kick off.  Tuesday 1st April 2008.

Venue : Finchampstead.   League Match.

Conditions : Cool.  Pitch firm.

Attendance - 237.

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

On a lovely early April evening, the Torpedoes took on improving Finch!

First Half

After 30 seconds, it was clear that the Jekyll team had turned up – rather then the Hyde from the last match.  The boys piled on the pressure with wave after wave of great attacking play on an excellent playing surface.

The Finch keeper was in great form as he made saves from all angles.

It was only a matter of time before the goal came - and it was a great move.  The ball was played down the left, and Adriano produced a great cross for Josh to nod home through a crowded penalty area.

Half time came with the boys well placed.

Second Half

The second half continued where the first had left off.  A great shot/cross from Michael hit the bar, and Louie was on hand to force the ball over the line.  This was followed soon after by another headed goal from Josh - direct from a great Brandon corner.

Finch managed a consolation goal just before the end.

A great performance and win!

Goals: Josh (2), Louie

Man of the Match: Adriano

Ascot United Racing 1 - 3 Binfield Torpedoes

Venue : Ascot.   Friendly Match.

Conditions : Cold.  Sunny.  Pitch firm.

Attendance - 18.

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

With the game against Hawley cancelled, a friendly against Ascot Racing was organised.

Without the pressure of a league match the boys seemed more relaxed and played their natural game. Jamie was injured so four players took turns in goal and all acquitted themselves very well.... having said that, Jamie's place is still pretty secure. All the boys played well, Josh was everywhere, Billy and Seb were brilliant in defence and midfield. Brandon rounded off a good first half performance when he scored after excellent forward play from Louie. Adriano was running and tackling like we know he can. Louie was doing a fantastic job up front and was unlucky not to score himself, he chased lost causes, boxed in the defenders and held the ball for the Torpedoes midfield to get up in support.

In the second half the positions were shuffled, with Brandon and Michael both proving that defending can be fun. They defended well, but when they saw wide expanses of green grass in front of them, they "went for it" running the ball right up the other end, using their pace to cause panic in the opposing defence. From one of these forward forays Michael scored the second goal. With six players, the third goal came as a long kick from Josh was going out for an Ascot goal kick, but Louie again chased it down and forced a corner that Michael converted direct from the corner spot.

A good result to boost the confidence of the whole team. The new style of attacking defenders may have given the management nightmares, but is possibly another option, but Louie's performance was the highlight of the game. Thanks to Ascot Racing for their contribution to a great match, we look forward to the league meeting later in the year.

Man of the Match -  Louie.  Great forward play.

Goals :-   Brandon,  Michael (2).