Roger Herridge is expecting a “tough game” when he takes his buoyant Binfield side to Ascot United in the Hellenic Premier Division on bank holiday Monday (3pm).
The Moles will be boosted by Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over Brockenhurst where goals from Ian Davies and Jemel Johnson fired them into the first qualifying round for the first time in five years.
At the same time the Yellamen were exiting the competition as they lost 3-0 against Horndean.
But with 10 points from five league games already, Herridge knows Ascot will pose plenty of problems at The Racecourse Ground.
“They’re a good side,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper.
“Jamie (Tompkins) was there last year and after a difficult start, he took over and they became very difficult to beat by the end of the season.
“Aaron (Steadman) has come in now with him and I’ve got a lot of time for Aaron.
“I know him well. I’ve known him for a number of years and we talk regularly.
“He’s got some really good players there, some really good young players and a couple which obviously played for me last year.
“That’ll be a tough game.”
Binfield make the short trip looking to push on up the table, currently sitting 12th, although they have only played three games and won two of them.
The Moles have been struggling for goals this campaign, edging past Holmer Green 1-0 last time out in the league thanks to a late Davies winner, while Ascot have already bagged 14, with in-form Nathan Minhas scoring 11 of them.
“In Nathan Minhas at the minute you’ve got a red hot centre-forward who is scoring goals for fun,” said Herridge.
“It’ll be a toughie, but we look forward to it.
“I certainly knew Aaron would add something to Ascot with his contacts and the young lads that he knows.
“I think that’s been proven in their opening few games.
“It’s a local derby and I don’t think there will be an awful lot in it, but hopefully we’ll come out of the bank holiday weekend on the back of a couple of good performances and good results.”
