MANAGER Roger Herridge is preparing for what he expects to be Binfield’s toughest game of the season on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

The Moles travel to meet Newport Pagnell in the semi-finals of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy – with Bracknell Town awaiting the winners in the final.

“They are a very good side, probably the best we have played this season,” said Herridge. “They are in the quarter-finals of the FA Vase and are a proper side with a lot of experienced players.

“We will go into the game as underdogs, but I am sure we will give them a good game.”

Binfield will not go into the tie lacking in confidence following their 5-0 Hellenic League victory over Longlevens last Saturday.

“That was a good win,” said Herridge. “Five goals and a clean sheet, you have got to be happy with that. I thought we were always in control, improving as the game went on.

“We had a little more confidence in possession, though you would expect that with us scoring five goals.”

Herridge gave a debut to Harrison Bayley, whom he signed from league rivals Highmoor Ibis last week.

“He had a decent debut,” commented the Binfield manager. “We heard he was a little bit unhappy, so I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t throw my hat in the ring. He’s strong, he’s disciplined, he can pass the ball well, “You don’t spend as many years in a professional club’s (Reading) academy without having something about you, and he obviously has, he’s a great signing.”

Two other recent additions to his squad, Jeff Brown and Jon Bennett were both on target in the defeat of Longlevens.

Brown, a 31-year-old defender, has just returned to the game and is regarded as an “experienced leader” by his manger.

Herridge added: “He is an important signing and is a player I want to make sure we tie up for next season.

“He has been out of the game because he’s got two young boys and I think that could be his first 90 minutes for a couple of years.

“He’s got his love (for football) back, he’s been excellent.”

Herridge said the need to bring in new players was down to “getting the balance of the side right.” It has led to a number of regulars having to fight to retain their place in the starting line-up.

“It’s difficult at times for a manager as you are always going to disappoint someone,” continued the Moles boss.

“When everyone is available, you have some really tough decisions to make, players have got to understand that.

“That said, when it comes to team selection it is a lot tougher when you have to think what players have I got available this week, because a number are not available due to one thing or another.

“In the last seven games, we have not been able to fill our sub’s bench, but we had a really strong bench today, which was good.”

Herridge said with several players cup tied, he will be forced to make changes for the trip to Newport Pagnell. And he also plans to “mix things up a bit” for the league match away to Oxford City Nomads tonight (Wednesday).

Lewis Leonetti and Grant Kemp, who were both substitutes last Saturday, and Sean Moore, who came off the bench to score Binfield’s fifth goal, are likely to be in the starting 11.

In the last week, Herridge has allowed two forwards to leave with Matt Jones moving to Woodley United and Luke Scope returning to his former club Wokingham & Emmbrook.