BINFIELD FC’s interest in the Bluefin Sports Hellenic League Cup came to an end on Tuesday when they lost 3-1 at Thatcham.

“It is always disappointing to lose in a cup quarter final, but they are a good side,” admitted manager Roger Herridge.

“My players could not have given me any more, I can’t knock them.

“We worked hard, but didn’t get the luck we deserved.

“I was disappointed with the three goals we conceded, especially with the third one. They should have been prevented.”

The Moles fell behind to the FA Vase finalists after six minutes when they conceded a free-kick just outside the area and Tom Browne found a way past the wall.

Following good work by Carlo Santoro, Harry Laflin equalised on 21 minutes and, buoyed by the goal, Binfield were more than holding their own.

But they suffered a blow after 36 minutes when Lewis Leonetti was forced off with a hamstring problem.

“Losing him was a big blow,” commented Herridge. “He is a big strong centre-half and was playing well.”

And the Moles were dealt another set-back on the stroke of half time when Gavin James restored Thatcham’s lead.

Binfield missed a chance to equalise before James added a third goal in the 74th minute.

Herridge admitted: “Overall, Thatcham were the better side on the night. They have a lot of quality and depth in their squad and were even able to leave Shane Cooper-Clark (their leading scorer with 50 goals) on the bench.”

Binfield will face Thatcham again, this time in the league, at Hill Farm Lane on April 14, but before that the Moles visit Brackley Town Saints on Saturday and Windsor next Tuesday evening.