BINFIELD FC failed to clear the first hurdle in the FA Cup, losing 1-0 at home to Combined Counties League side North Greenford United on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

Manager Roger Herridge admitted the Moles were beaten by the better side, even though they still had chances to have snatched a replay.

The only goal in this extra preliminary round tie came on 26 minutes when an excellent corner by Danny Vincent was met by Nathan Munroe, whose powerful header flew past keeper Garry Aulsberry into the top corner.

Herridge had been forced to make a late change when new signing Ross Seldon suffered a recurrence of a leg injury in the warm-up.

To make things worse, there were more problems during the match with Jake White pulling a hamstring and Nicky Bateman before forced off with a groin problem.

“The injuries certainly didn’t help as we were also missing a few players,” said Herridge.

“On a hot day, we would liked to have made a few changes to freshen things up, but we had only two outfield players on the bench.

“But at the end of the day we were beaten by a team that were marginally better than us. They were a decent side, very organised and their No. 9, 10 and 11 were very good players.”

Herridge (pictured right) added: “I cannot knock our work rate, but we did lack quality in certain areas and our decision making let us down at times, so there are areas where we need to improve on.

“Although it is disappointing for the club to lose out on the prize money (£1,500) we are not going to get too disheartened about it and we will move on.

“We still have players to come and squad wise we are shaping up OK. When they are all available, I am going to have to make some tough decisions.

“There are a couple of players at the moment where the jury is out on, and that is where we are looking to improve on in those areas.”

Matt Jones, another new signing from Ascot, has Saturday cricket commitments with title-chasing Finchampstead for the rest of this month, but is expected to play against Wokingham & Emmbrook in a home friendly tonight (Wednesday).

The Moles have two home league games coming up, against Lydney Town this Saturday and Hellenic League newcomers Burnham on Monday evening.

Last Tuesday they opened their account with a 2-1 win at Henley thanks to second-half strikes from Michael Walton and Liam Ferdinand.

Asa Povey, who played for the Red Kites, has now joined Binfield with Henley having waived the official seven-day approach.

Josh Howell, who left Binfield to join Thatcham, has dislocated his knee cap and expects to be sidelined for two months.

  • WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook begin their bid to return to the top flight with a Hellenic League Division One East trip to Didcot Town Reserves this Saturday (3pm).