BINFIELD were handsomely rewarded for doing their research on Sanchez Commock, writes Dave Wright.

The striker scored both goals as the Moles pulled off a shock 2-1 win over FA Vase finalists Thatcham Town in the Hellenic League’s Perpetua Press Cup final at Windsor on Monday.

Yet a couple of weeks ago they thought Commock was not qualified to play as he had been included in the Highmoor Ibis squad when they met Bracknell in the second round of the same competition last October.

But club secretary Rob Challis checked the details of that match and discovered Commock had only been an unused substitute, so making him eligible for Binfield.

And the recent signing netted a brilliant brace to end the newly-crowned Hellenic champions’ remarkable 40-match unbeaten run.

It was a victory Roger Herridge’s men thoroughly deserved.

They looked well-organised in defence and showed their usual combative spirit in midfield.

Their forwards never found it easy going against a side boasting the best defensive record in the league, but they certainly did not make it easy for the Kingfishers’ back four, where Bab Jarra stood out.

Chances were few and far between, but the Moles took full advantage of the one that came their way in the 16th minute.

Sean Moore did superbly wide out on Binfield’s right flank, twisting past his man before firing over a cross that the onrushing Commock met with a perfect header past keeper Chris Rackley.

It was a real boost for a side that had ended their league campaign with four straight defeats and were knocked out of the League Cup by Thatcham a month ago.

The Kingfishers hit back and missed a couple of chances, while keeper Henry Craven made a fine save to deny Shane Cooper-Clark.

At the other end, Moore forced Rackley into making an error, but Ian Davies was unable to take advantage.

The opening five minutes of the second proved decisive to the outcome of the whole game.

Cooper-Clark, on the left edge of the area, curled a shot past Craven, only to see it strike the far side of the crossbar.

And the Moles celebrated that let-off by going straight down the other end to double their lead. Commock raced through in the inside-right position and curled a sweet left-footer into the top left-hand corner.

Shortly afterwards, Moore forced Rackley into making a brilliant save and the league champs were reeling on the ropes.

Thatcham pushed more men forward, but Binfield defended resolutely and were looking capable of becoming the first team to keep a clean sheet against the Kingfishers since last October.

However, that changed in the 83rd minute. The Moles appeared to have averted the danger when a combination of Craven and Will Shaw kept the ball out, which was eventually headed over the bar.

But Polish referee Greg Kornasiewicz felt Shaw had handled the ball, pointed to the penalty spot and Cooper-Clark blasted home his 60th goal of the season.

Binfield held on for victory without too many more alarms and they even had a chance to score again. Davies robbed Bara and raced away, but the 32-goal man hurriedly shot wide.

Skipper James Knight collected the trophy – Binfield last lifted it in 2012 – to spark off long and loud celebrations.

It was definitely a night to remember for this popular village club.