BINFIELD manager Roger Herridge commended the quality and adaptability of his squad after their week of mixed fortunes in the cup competitions.
The Moles were dumped out of the Berks County Cup on Tuesday evening after a spirited performance saw them lose 4-0 to National League side Maidenhead.
“They’re four levels above us and are full time players,” said Herridge.
“It wasn’t a game we ever had a good chance of winning and we have to be realistic about that.
“They got beat four or five nil on Saturday which I think influenced their team selection. I maybe expected to see a side that included more youth players than it did. In their starting eleven, only the goalkeeper wasn’t a first team regular.
“It was always going to be a tough night but i thought we did really well and the 4-0 scoreline flattered them. They scored two goals in the last few mins which put a gloss on the result, but I was proud of us.
We made six changes from Saturday and proved we have a competitive squad. Jamie McClrug played 90 mins because of the other injury problems and came off the pitch and could hardly walk. He was outstanding and it shows everything you need to know about him and our squad as a whole, they are all prepared to fight for the cause.”
However, the Hellenic Premier side favoured better in the FA Vase as a stunning 4-0 victory over East Sussex team AFC Uckfield Town saw the Moles put their name in the aht for the fourth round.
“I always felt we were the favourites in the vase game. When I watched them, I knew they could unsettle us and cause us problems because of the way that they play. They are very direct and very organised,” continued Herridge.
“They have a good spirit so it was a different kind of test for us, but we were excellent and fully deserving of our 4-0 win. McClurg was inspirational, what he’s doing on and off the pitch is outstanding for us.
“Our front three of Howell, Helmore and Moore are all scoring goals and are all a real handful. We’ve been without asa povey for well over a month now which has been a big miss, we’re looking forward to having him back in a few weeks time and it’ll be like a new signing for us.
“They say you’re only as strong as your bench, and saturday we certainly had that. The quality in depth showed for us.”
We’ve been drawn against Deal Town in the next round and I think they’ve got off to a better start in the league than their position suggests. I’d argue that any side that is at home in the vase will be the favourites.
“It’s a long trip for us, we will watch them a few times before we play them. Ideally you want to get drawn at home so its a tough test for us and one that we need to prepare for.
Binfield return to league action on Saturday when they host Bishop’s Cleeve, a side with an identical record to the Moles in the Hellenic Premier division having won seven, drawn one and lost three of their 11 league fixtures.
It’s a crucial game on Saturday against Bishops. They will be looking at it as a crucial game as well, but we are at home and are playing well so I’ve got faith that the boys will get a result.
“We have a few injury issues that had an influence on our team selection last night. We’ve got work to do ahead of Saturday, it will be another test for us and one that we are looking forward to.
“The county cup is a game we would have loved to have won, but three points in the league on Saturday is far more important than the game last night.
“We’ve only played 11 in the league and have an awful lot more to play so it’s vitally important to have the squad read for the test ahead.
