Division One (East)
Binfield 3 Hounslow Borough FC 2
Saturday, 08 February 2003
Smith outshines top marksmen in Binfield win
A superb, late 20-yard volley from two-goal hero John Smith gave Binfield a confidence- boosting win over Hounslow Borough at Stubbs Lane. This was billed as the battle of the league?s leading goal scorers, indeed both Jones for Hounslow and Havermans of Binfield added to their tally for the season, but Smith?s strikes put them in the shade today. This was far from a vintage ?Moles? performance by any standard, but you had to praise the spirit and determination of the team in grinding out a hard-earned 3-2 win.
Hounslow arrived intent on wiping out all memories of the 8-0 home thrashing the 'Moles' dished out to them early in the season, and with Binfield's form showing a lack of confidence recently, a close contest always seemed likely. Binfield lined up with an attacking 3-5-2 formation. Kris Day returned from injury in a right wing back role and was partnered on the left by Ben Keepax. John Smith also returned to partner Mick Havermans, with Nick Kellaway detailed to play 'in the hole' behind the front two. Ben Woozley was given a first start in midfield with Carl Withers taking a place on the bench with new defensive signing Alex Deller.
Binfield began a little uncomfortably with new faces and a new system taking time to settle. Most of the play headed away from the clubhouse towards the Binfield goal in the opening half-hour, with Hounslow forcing a succession of corners. The visitors only play from the set piece was the quick, short corner, but strangely it took the home team most of the game to become alert and alive to it. Most of the crosses were dealt with comfortably at the back, with the closest call seeing a deflection land the ball on the top of keeper Keith Strong's net. As the pressure mounted, despite the occasional home breakaway, it was no surprise when the visitors went in front just before the half-hour mark. A break down the left resulted in a low ball driven across the face of Strong's goal. Keepax was second to it as Hassan squared back across goal to present Jones with a three-yard tap-in. Strong had to be brave shortly after, taking a bang on the head, which left the keeper groggy and suffering from slightly impaired vision well into the second period. Binfield responded on 35 from a set piece free kick. The ball was 'stood up' to the left edge of the Hounslow box for Mark Baker to win the first header and direct it goalwards. The alert Havermans saw his chance and, as the keeper came to catch, the striker jumped with him to flick a header over him into the unguarded net. It was clear by the interval that Binfield were becoming frustrated with the lack of cohesion in their play and one or two critical comments were being aimed at team-mates, much to the disappointment of coach Dave Evans.
Half Time: 1-1
The second half opened with the home team enjoying better possession, beginning to force a succession of corners. Less than ten minutes into the half and the 'Moles' went ahead from a corner on the right, Smith powered a bullet-header from twelve yards out from Day?s kick. Defenders on the line were helpless as the ball flew over their heads into the roof of the net. 2-1. Both teams were battling hard and tempers began to fray. First Hounslow player-boss Turtle was lucky to escape a caution, flying into Kellaway from behind to extract revenge for a challenge between two other players only moments earlier. Then Kris Day did find himself in the notebook for going into a 50-50 with studs showing. Woozley was working hard alongside the tireless Harris in central midfield. Hounslow continued to look dangerous on the break and twice Binfield were indebted to their keeper for keeping them ahead. Two left-footed efforts from close-range saw Strong save, first with his left leg and then diving low to his left to tip round for a corner. Warning signs were there that if the 'Moles' chased a third by pushing too many men forward, they risked being hit on the counter. Three-quarters of the game gone and with Binfield looking to have weathered Hounslow's best efforts, an equaliser came out of the blue. Jones was given just too much space and time on the edge of the box to whip in a fierce drive that swerved all over the place. Strong, changing direction, did well to get it up onto the bar, but Turtle was first to react to knock in the rebound. There's a lot said about character and desire in these situations, and those questions have been asked about Binfield recently. Today the players answered positively and all credit to them that they pushed on again to find a late winner.
In the closing stages, with the surface heavy, the game got more stretched. Keepax was looking dangerous on the left going forward and from a counter Binfield had a four on one attack. The ball was moved out to Keepax, but the young newcomer snatched his shot high over the bar when a more composed finish may have done the job. Next Kellaway decided to try his luck from distance, only to turn away in anguish as the keeper helped the shot onto a post and safety. Baker continued to threaten in the air from corners. As the clock ticked down towards a draw the ball was again forced up to the Hounslow box. Smith watched carefully as it dropped into the 'D' on the edge of the box. The swivelling right-foot volley was perfectly executed and the ball flew low past the keeper's right hand.
Much relief in the post-match bar where spirits were high and bolstered by news of a home draw for Finch' with Bisley and a surprise defeat for Milton at Holyport. Manager Duggleby informed me of two imminent new signings, which will excite the fans and strengthen the squad for the push required to keep us in the title race.
Binfield Reserves kept their impressive recent run going, with a fifth successive win and a 3-1 margin at Rayners Lane. First half goals from Justin Jirbandey, Simon Flowerday and Craig Pilborough proved enough for the ?Moles? to cruise to victory.
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