Black Country beckons for history-making Moles
Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 20 Jan 2012 11:00
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BINFIELD FC players and supporters are gearing up for one of the biggest cup games in their history as they bid to make the last 16 of the FA Vase this Saturday.
It is the first time the Moles have reached this stage of the competition and they are now only four games away from a trip to Wembley with Sky Bet putting them at 33/1 to win the trophy.
The Moles make the 234-mile round trip to the West Midlands having had an extended break with no game scheduled for the weekend and then having Monday's Floodlit Cup match against Flackwell Heath being postponed due to frost.
Manager Mark Tallentire believes the cancellation is a blessing in disguise, explaining: "We had Saturday off so we had a team bonding day.
"It gives us that bit of extra preparation. We'll train as normal but it'll be a bit more intensive.
"I think everyone is pretty buoyant and is really focused on Saturday's preparations."
The Moles comfortably beat Flackwell Heath in the previous round to set up the tie with Tividale, who beat Brocton in a replay.
The Moles were forced into a penalty shootout with Ringmer in the second round proper after disposing of Hillingdon Borough in extra-time.
As well as there being a place in the last 16 up for grabs, there is also the financial incentive of £2,000 for the winners, with the Moles already amassing £3,600 from the competition.
The Moles are sponsored by Stewarts of Mortimer, who have put on a players and supporters coach to make the trip up the M40.
Andy Cotton, managing director of Stewarts, said: "This is a hugely exciting game for the club and Stewarts coaches is thrilled to be able to support the club at this very exciting time.
"As the main club sponsor at Binfield FC, Stewarts is offering a discounted supporters coach, as we want to see as many people getting the opportunity to attend the game as possible.
"The team will also be travelling in one our executive team coaches which are used by many of Berkshire's leading football and rugby clubs."
Around 60 people are expected to travel by coach with many more taking their cars, showing the strength of the Binfield fanbase.
Tallentire added: "It's great for the club because it's a big game.
"We always get good support and we've built up a good network over the last couple of years.
"The relationship between the fans and the players is a close one. The fact that we're taking so many fans up shows it's getting stronger and stronger."
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