THE future of Binfield FC looks promising after their young reserve side had won the Ascot & District Fielden Cup with a 2-0 win over Chalvey Sports Reserves, writes Dave Wright.

First-half goals from Matt Davis and Ethan Jerome saw the Moles lift the trophy for the second successive year and for the 13th time in all.

They always looked to have the measure of a rather physical Chalvey side in the final played at Larges Lane last Wednesday.

Manager Ellis Woods said: “It is never easy playing against sides like that, but our youngsters handled themselves well against tough opponents. We did well and I am chuffed with the result.”

Th Suburban League Premier Division side made the brighter start and deservedly went ahead after 19 minutes when Lewis Wiggins’ inswinging free-kick from the right was turned home at the second attempt by Matt Davis from close range.

In front of a crowd of more than 200, they should have doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Aaron Rowland sent Jerome clean through, but his hurried shot flew well wide.

However, five minutes later Jerome got another chance and this time he make no mistake, coolly rounding Steve Quelch before slotting the ball into an net.

“It was a great finish,” said Ellis. “Ethan had done well this season; he must have scored around 20 goals in the Suburban League.”

Jerome went close to scoring again, but the Binfield defence came under more pressure in the second half as Chalvey tried to get back in the game.
But Davis and Luke May were solid at the back, while youth team keeper Liam Vaughan always looked confident between the posts.

Skipper James McCarthy nearly added a third with the last play of the game, firing against the top of the crossbar from just outside the area.

For the Moles Jerome scraped the post with a left foot volley after great work from Tom Adams on the right and with seconds remaining, captain Jamie McCarthy’s brilliant 25-yard left foot drive rattled the bar.

“Winning the cup was a nice way to finish the season,” said Ellis.

“When I took over (as manager) at the beginning of the year we were fleeting around the bottom of the table, but we got up to fifth place.
So with that, and now this cup, it is very positive.

“I have enjoyed the end of the season and so have the young boys.”

BINFIELD are seeking a cup double with the first team still involved in the Reading Senior Cup.

Roger Herridge’s side face Hellenic League rivals Highmoor Ibis in the semi-finals at Scours Lane on Saturday (3pm).

The other semi between Henley Town and Westwood United takes place at the same venue this evening (Wednesday).

The final is at Madejski Stadium on Thursday of next week, May 19.

FOOTBALL secretary Rob Challis has received a prestigious award.

His long-time support and work in grass-roots football earned him a framed Lionel Gibbs certificate from the Berks & Bucks FA.

“I am very pleased and honoured to receive it,” said Challis after being presented with the award by B&B council member Ron Bennett before the kick-off of Binfield Reserves’ 2-0 win over Chalvey Sports Reserves in the Fielden Cup final at Bracknell Town last Wednesday.

The Binfield club held their annual presentation evening on Saturday.

First team manager Roger Herridge’s Player of the Year award went to James Knight, with the midfielder’s strike in the 4-1 win at Highmoor Ibis last month being voted the Moles’ best goal of the season.

Liam Ferdinand won the Players’ Player of the Year award and he also scooped the Golden Boot with 22 goals in 30 matches.

Captain Alex Luis claimed the Supporters’ Player of the Year trophy.

For the reserve team, Ellis Woods gave his Manager’s Player of the Year award to captain Jamie McCarthy, while Ethan Jerome was voted Players’ Player of the Year in addition to being his team’s top scorer with more than 20 goals.

Binfield’s youth section saw a clean sweep for Josh Valentin, as he earned the Manager’s Player of the Year award, Players ‘Player and the Golden Boot with 23 goals in 20 games.

Long-time supporter and volunteer Barry Hillier was rewarded with the Clubman of the Year trophy.