BINFIELD boss Roger Herridge believes the FA Vase final will include one of his Hellenic League rivals.
While the Moles were knocked out of the national competition at the first time of asking against Fareham Town back in September, Bracknell Town, Windsor and Thatcham Town have all made it into this weekend’s quarter-finals.
Bracknell host Yorkshire-based Marske United while Thatcham and Windsor are on the road at Melksham Town and Stockton Town respectively, knowing they are just two games away from a Wembley final.
And Herridge, who guided his Binfield side to an impressive 3-1 win at Flackwell Heath on Saturday, is backing the trio to progress.
“I’ve got a sneaky feeling that one of them is going to get to the final this year,” he told The Wokingham Paper.
“I’ve watched Thatcham a lot this year and you can’t fail to be impressed by them.
“I think they’ve got every chance. All games are hard at this stage of the season.
“Bracknell are at home against the favourites, having said that they’re at home on their own 3G surface which they’ll be more used to than their opponents.
“And to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised to see all three sides get through.”
He continued: “Windsor have saved most of their best performances this year for the Vase.
“They’re all tricky ties but they’re playing away on a 3G as well.
“That probably makes it a little bit more difficult for them and it’s a long trip.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see all three of them in the semi-finals, which will mean we’ll have one in the final which will be great.”
As for Binfield, they will be in league action on Saturday with a long trip to Lydney Town.
That will be the third of five straight away games following the win at Flackwell and also a 2-1 Floodlit Cup win over Bishop’s Cleeve Development last night thanks to goals from Ian Davies and Chris Gerrard.
But Herridge is happy with his side’s form on the road.
“I think our record in Gloucestershire is quite good over the last couple of seasons,” he said.
“The way the fixtures are panning out at the minute, five away then three at home, it’s a bit strange.
“I think I’ve got a competitive squad. I wouldn’t think we’re looking to add a lot to it before the end of the season.
“We’ll get through with what we’ve got.”
