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PREVIEW
PREVIEW
We’re up for the cup ON SATURDAY, Binfield have the biggest game in the club’s history as they face Warrington Rylands in the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium (12.15pm kick-off). Under the famous arch of Wembley, the two sides will contest the 47th Vase final which will also be broadcast live on BT Sport. The Moles’ opponents currently compete in the North West
Counties League Premier Division but will be promoted to step 4 to play in the Northern Premier League West Division as of next season as part of the FA restructure. Rylands were in second place in their league having won four out of their five fixtures before the season was halted. They were just three points off top spot having played three games
less than the side above them, and also boasting an unbeaten record with just two points dropped. Binfield have also been promoted to step 4 and enjoyed great success in their final two seasons in the Hellenic Premier Division despite both of the previous season’s being curtailed due to the pandemic. Like Saturday’s opponents, Binfield were also in second place when their league season was abandoned. Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg’s team had won five of their seven games and drawn two to put them just one point off the top. The team had also been in fine form in the 2019/20 and firmly in the hunt for promotion having been second in the Hellenic Premier Division when the season was stopped. The Moles have now won promotion via the FA restructure and are now looking to add silverware to their list of achievements.
‘It’s just a game
Saturday is going to be a day to remember. Moles skipper Sean Moore explains why to ANDY PRESTON
B
INFIELD FC captain Sean Moore is relishing the moment that he gets to lead the Moles out at Wembley Stadium for the FA Vase final.
“It’s been crazy,” said the Moles’ captain, reflecting on the achievement of qualifying for the Vase final. “People keep asking me how I feel and I still don’t really know yet, I don’t think it will hit home until we’re travelling up there or maybe the night before. “It’s not like anything I’ve ever experienced before so it’s hard to put into words. “Even some professional players don’t ever get the chance to play at Wembley. “My boy is three years old and for him to be able to experience that will be amazing. As soon as I got home he was running around the house shouting ‘we’re going to Wembley’. “It’s an incredible game for the fans to have as their first game back after such a long time away. “Being able to lead the team out will be a special moment. Although I’m captain, the boys in this squad lead themselves, everyone will be motivated and knows what they’ve got to do.” “There’s not many teams that can stop us from scoring. We always back ourselves to score and win games,” said Moore, reflecting on Binfield’s semi-final win over United Services Portsmouth. “We were relentless over the 90 minutes, and we kept attacking their goal and used our never say die attitude to eventually get the equaliser. All of the boys have so much belief, we never doubt anyone. “We have 20 players that are good enough to play in the side and play at that level. “We haven’t practised penalties once. We have a few boys that are very confident taking them and they’ve proved that. Ultimately huge credit to Chris Grace. “We back him through and through in a penalty shootout. I wouldn’t want to take a
penalty against him, it’s quite intimidating. Every time we’re in that situation, he’s the first person we look to and we have complete faith in him. “There were lots of smiles, then tears, then more smiles and then some more tears after that. It’s hard to put into words how I felt on the day. I was very emotional. “I got back to the dressing room after and saw a video of my son and my partner watching the game and the shootout, seeing their faces and how happy they were made me cry again. The Binfield skipper was full of praise for the coaching staff who have made an incredible contribution in their early years in management at the club. “On a personal note, they (Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg) have put a lot of trust into me,” he continued. “They made me captain which has been an honour. They put a lot of faith in to me and have backed me throughout the whole season. “They’ve done everything right. They’ve had some difficult decisions to make but they’ve handled everything in the right way. “It’s a difficult job to keep everyone happy, but they’re people pleasers and they’ve managed to do it, to keep everyone motivated and have the same vision. “They’ve been clear from the start that they wanted us to achieve something special.” “It’s been an on and off season. We came back with the Vase fixtures knowing that if we lost any of the games, that we wouldn’t be playing for another three months. “That’s definitely something that motivated us because we were desperate to get back and didn’t want the season to end. We’ve found a way to win game, we’ve managed it well and everyone has stated level headed “We’ve all loved the away games. The journey down with all the boys together has been great. The preparation has been key and has helped us a lot. I was quite happy to continue playing away. “The odds have been against us and sometimes that’s how we like it to play against that pressure.” Despite the enormity of the occasion, the skipper is focused on treating it like any other
PREVIEW
The road to Wembley: How the SECOND-ROUND Newhaven FC 2-2 Binfield (Binfield win 4-1 on pens) Binfield’s journey in this season’s edition of the FA Vase began in December with their first of many away ties. The Moles made the trip down to East Sussex to play Newhaven. The hosts went ahead in the 13th minute but Binfield roared back with two goals from captain Sean Moore. However, Newhaven stayed determined and grabbed an equaliser to take the game to penalties. Binfield showed their composure from the spot, certainly not for the last time in the competition. Ollie Harris, George Short Tom Willment slotted away their spot-kicks, while Chris Grace
made some heroic saves. Player/ manager Jamie McClurg then put away the winning kick to send the Moles through.
THIRD-ROUND Deal Town 1-4 Binfield
Having been knocked out of the Vase the previous season on penalties, Binfield had the chance to make amends for the pain of that defeat and they did so with an emphatic win. But it wasn’t all plain sailing for Binfield as they fell behind in the seventh minute as Alfie Foster put the hosts ahead. The Moles ensured they were level before the break as Josh Helmore got on the scoresheet to equalise on a rainy day in Kent. Moore then bagged his third goal in two games in the competition as he struck a thunderous effort past the keeper.
Binfield were then ruthless in front of goal as they booked their place in the next round as Harris scored a third before Harris added his second, and the Moles’ fourth, to seal a superb away victory.
FOURTH-ROUND Fakenham Town 2-2 Binfield (Binfield win 41 on pens) Binfield again called on their composure from the spot in the fourth-round in Norfolk. With yet another away trip, the tie followed the pattern of the previous round as Binfield went behind after just five minutes but showed resilience to fight back and take the game to their opponents. Helmore netted in the 33rd minute to level the cup contest, but the hosts went in front for the second time when Callum Brain
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we want to win’
PROUD MOMENT: Binfield FC skipper Sean Moore celebrates reaching Wembley Picture: Neil Graham
match as much as they can. “We don’t want to try and focus too much on the occasion, we have to treat it like it’s just another game and another game that we’re looking to win. “We’re not focusing too much on the fact that the game is live on BT Sport or the fact we’re playing at Wembley, it’s just another game we
need to tick off and win. “We will do our preparation but we want to concentrate on our own strengths and if we do that and follow the instructions set out by the coaching staff then we back ourselves to beat anyone. “We’re confident that we will get the job done.”
Nickname: The Moles Founded: 1892 Home ground: Hill Farm Lane Chairman: Bob Bacon Managers: Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg League: Hellenic Premier Division Honours: � Hellenic League Division One East champions (2008/09) � Floodlit Cup winners (2011/12), (2017/18) � Chiltonian League Premier Division champions (1995/96) � Chiltonian League Division One champions (1989/90) � Reading & District Division One champions (1975/76), (1987/88) � Reading & District Division Two champions (1986/87) � Great Western Combination champions (1946/47) � Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy winners (2011/12) � Fielden Cup winners (1924) Highest league finish: 2nd in Hellenic Premier Division (2010/11) Best FA Cup performance: Second qualifying round (2013/14)
Moles made it to the FA Vase final notched his brace. The Moles were behind but far from beaten. Just moments after going down to a second goal, Binfield fought back instantly and found an equaliser with another goal from Helmore to take the game to another shootout. Howell and Short successfully converted their penalties before Grace pulled off a heroic save to give his side the advantage. Moore put Binfield further ahead and Grace came up with another remarkable save to put the Moles on the brink of the next round. McClurg took the deciding kick and made no mistake to put Binfield through to the fifthround.
FIFTH-ROUND Hadley 0-0 Binfield
(Binfield win 5-4 on pens) With a fourth consecutive away day on the horizon, the Moles marched down to Barnet to face Hadley FC. It was another tense contest as both teams managed to shut each other out for the duration of the 90 minutes. But there was another familiar theme to the tale as Binfield showed their expertise from the penalty spot with more courageous goalkeeping from Grace between the sticks. Helmore, Short and Moore scored the first three to get Binfield off to a positive start. Hadley fired their third penalty over the bar but Liam Ferdinand sent his off target as the penalties descended into sudden death.
In another high pressure situation, Binfield showed their strong character to come out on top as Grace added another penalty stop to his growing list to send the Moles through to the quarters.
QUARTER-FINAL Long Eaton United 0-5 Binfield After the tense affair of penalty shootouts in three of the previous four rounds, Binfield sailed through to the semi-finals with their most emphatic victory of the competition. They struck five past their opponents to fire themselves through as the striking partnership of Moore and Ferdinand proved too hot to handle.
Moore hit a brace while Ferdinand bagged a hat-trick to put the Moles into the final four of the competition.
SEMI-FINAL United Services Portsmouth 1-1 Binfield (Binfield win 4-3 on pens)
Binfield booked their place under the arch with yet another successful shootout. The Moles went behind but piled continuous pressure on their opponents before they were eventually rewarded with an equaliser through Ferdinand in the 81st minute. Jack Broome kept his composure to score the winning penalty to send Binfield through to Wembley for the first time in the club’s history.
BINFIELD FC | III
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0800 30 50 30 Binfield FC in numbers
4
- The number of times Binfield have played Deal Town in the Vase (including one replay). Also the number of penalty shootouts the Moles have won in the 2020/21 competition
for Thatcham in 2017/18 (if selected)
9 600+ 17 20 2 128 – The number of times joint-manager Carl Withers played for Binfield
– Chairman since 2000, Rob Jones and then Bob Bacon. Also the number of FA Vase Finals Jemel Johnson will have been part of – the only player to feature in both finals competed for by Berkshire clubs (he played
th – the lowest Binfield have finished in the Hellenic League Premier Division since their promotion in the summer of 2009
season
– The number of penalties Binfield have scored in FA Vase shootouts this – The number of players used in the 2020/21 FA Vase run – Years of Binfield Football Club
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THE PLAYERS
Meet the squad who will
Mohammed AYOUB
Joe GATER
Oliver HARRIS
Date of Birth: 3/12/1997 Position: Goalkeeper 2020/21 Vase Games: 0 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Beaconsfield Town, Wingate & Finchley, Leatherhead, Job: Company Director Club supported: Chelsea Favourite footballer: Didier Drogba Best Footballing Moment: Saving 12 shots in one game vs Dorking Wanderers What his teammates said: Vocal, Commanding, Loud
Date of Birth: 3/24/1997 Position: Centre Back 2020/21 Vase Games: 1 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Fleet, Barnet, Basingstoke, Bracknell, Hartley Whitney Blurb from McClurg: Former poster boy for the whole of Berkshire Football, started playing men’s football with Fleet Town at 16, shortly after signed for Barnet and spent two years there. Moved to Basingstoke where he spent one year and then to Bracknell Town where he was part of the side that got promoted to Step 4 in his first season before missing out in the playoff finals in his second season.
Date of Birth: 1/14/1999 Position: Right Winger 2020/21 Vase Games: 6 Goals: 2 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Burnham, Basingstoke Town Job: Sports Coach Club supported: Manchester United Favourite footballer: Ronaldo Best Footballing Moment: Getting to 1st Round of FA Cup with Beaconsfield What his teammates said: Superstar, Flair
Jack BROOME Date of Birth: 10/26/1990 Position: Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 2 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Forest Green, Wokingham & Emmbrook, Godalming Town Job: Sales and Marketing Director Club supported: Manchester United Favourite footballer: Paul Scholes Best Footballing Moment: Scoring the penalty to get Binfield to the FA Vase final What his teammates said: Grafter, Belly, Hero, Leader
Kennie CHAMBERLAIN Date of Birth: 9/3/1993 Position: Centre Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 2 Goals: 0 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Bracknell Town, Farnborough Town, Crowthorne Job: Technical Account Manager Club supported: Manchester United Favourite footballer: Paul Scholes Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the FA Vase Final What his teammates said: Dog, Worker, Chest
Liam FERDINAND Date of Birth: 12/4/1994 Position: Striker 2020/21 Vase Games: 4 Goals: 4 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Harrow Hungerford, Bracknell Town, Thatcham Job: Service Coordinator for an Audio Visual Co Club supported: Manchester United Favourite footballer: Ronaldinho Best Footballing Moment: Called up for England C in 2018-19 What his teammates said: Goals, Clinical, Rocket
Liam GAVIN Date of Birth: 5/27/1994 Position: Centre Back 2020/21 Vase Games: 6 Goals: 0 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Amesbury Town, Westwood Wanderers Job: Carpenter Club supported: Manchester United Favourite footballer: Teddy Sherringham Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the FA Vase Final What his teammates said: Hair, Leader, Leader, Leader
Chris GRACE Date of Birth: 11/8/1989 Position: Goalkeeper 2020/21 Vase Games: 6 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Reading Town, Sandhurst Town, Ascot United, Bracknell Town, Hendon Job: Carpenter Club supported: Reading Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the FA Vase Final What his teammates said: Banter, Cat, Legend
Dave HANCOCK Date of Birth: 5/27/1988 Position: Right Back 2020/21 Vase Games: 6 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Bracknell Town, Ascot United, Camberley Town Job: Electrician Club supported: Aston Villa Favourite footballer: David Beckham Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the final What his teammates said: Composed, Reliable, Cultured
Josh HELMORE Date of Birth: 1/7/1992 Position: Forward 2020/21 Vase Games: 3 Goals: 3 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Thatcham Town Berkhamstead, Gloucester City, Reading Town Job: Advertising sales Club supported: Spurs Favourite footballer: Harry Kane Best Footballing Moment: Winning the League and Cup with Thatcham What his teammates said: Finisher, Moody, Precise
Josh HOWELL Date of Birth: 3/27/1996 Position: Right or Left Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 5 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: None Job: Floor and Wall Tiling Club supported: Man United Favourite footballer: Ronaldo Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the FA Vase final What his teammates said: Flair, Hard Working, Direct, Whips
Jemel JOHNSON Date of Birth: 4/30/1987 Position: Forward 2020/21 Vase Games: 2 Goals: 0 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Reading Town, Milton United, Thatcham Town, Windsor, Hungerford Town Blurb from McClurg: JJ is a veteran forward who has made more than 200 appearances for Binfield. He has fond memories of Wembley Stadium having played in the 2018 FA Vase Final for winners Thatcham Town. What his teammates said: Experienced, Powerhouse, Winner
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be playing at Wembley Elliott LEGG
Asa POVEY
Joel VALENTIN
Date of Birth: 6/18/1995 Position: Full Back 2020/21 Vase Games: 5 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Hayes & Yeading, Hungerford Town, Hitchin Town, Loughborough, Bracknell Town Job: Small Business Owner Club supported: Arsenal Favourite footballer: Thierry Henry Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the final What his teammates said: Calm, Desire, Athletic
Date of Birth: 1/25/1997 Position: Right Winger 2020/21 Vase Games: 1 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Wycombe Wanderers, Henley Town Job: Carpenter Club supported: Liverpool Favourite footballer: David Beckham Best Footballing Moment: Winning Berks & Bucks U16s What his teammates said: Lightning, Pace, Rapid
Date of Birth: 2/8/2001 Position: Centre Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 3 Goals: 0 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: None Job: Student Club supported: Luton Town Favourite footballer: Steven Gerrard Best Footballing Moment: Playing at Wembley for Reading U15s What his teammates said: Hard Worker, Talkative, Lovely Guy, Comfortable
Kensley MALONEY Date of Birth: 3/13/1996 Position: Centre Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 3 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Bracknell, Harrow, Westfield, Slough, Reading, Swindon Job: European Recruitment Consultant Club supported: Arsenal Favourite footballer: Steven Gerrard Best Footballing Moment: Playing for England Schoolboys U18s What his teammates said: Skillful, Athletic, Skillful, Composed
Jamie McCLURG Date of Birth: 10/10/1985 Position: Centre Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 6 Goals: 0 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Bracknell, Slough, Wycombe Wanderers, Fleet Town, Godalming, Uxbridge, Staines Job: Paint sprayer of cars Club supported: Arsenal Favourite footballer: Roy Keane Best Footballing Moment: Playoff winning goal for Slough Town vs Kettering Town What his teammates said: Winner, Leader, Winner
Sean MOORE (Captain) Date of Birth: 3/7/1995 Position: Attacker 2020/21 Vase Games: 6 Goals: 5 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Henley Town, Bracknell Town Job: Recruitment Consultant Club supported: Chelsea Favourite footballer: Ronaldo Best Footballing Moment: Getting to the final What his teammates said: Clown, Confident, Leader, Loud
George SHORT Date of Birth: 1/5/1994 Position: Centre Midfield 2020/21 Vase Games: 5 Goals: 0 Bookings: 2 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Slough Town, Winchester City, Bracknell Town, Godalming Town Job: Recruitment Director Club supported: Southampton Favourite footballer: Rickie Lambert Best Footballing Moment: Promotion at Slough What his teammates said: Technical, Dopey, Rodney Trotter, Joker
Jack THOMSON-WHEELER Date of Birth: 1/12/1997 Position: Right Back 2020/21 Vase Games: 3 Goals: 0 Bookings: 2 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Henley Town, Flackwell Heath, Hayes and Yeading Job: Floor Layer Club supported: Reading Favourite footballer: Messi Best Footballing Moment: Winning the County Cup with Eldon Celtic What his teammates said: Tenacious, Class, Hard Worker COMPILED BY TOM CANNING, FOOTBALL IN BERKSHIRE
Chairman: Bob Bacon Secretary: Rob Challis First team managers: Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg First team coaches: Geoff Warner and Roger Herridge Goalkeeper coach: Tony Perry
Phil VEAL Date of Birth: 7/13/1993 Position: Midfield/ Defender 2020/21 Vase Games: 0 Goals: 0 Bookings: 0 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Exeter City, Taunton Town, Cinderford Town, Shortwood Job: Recruitment Club supported: Manchester United Favourite footballer: Rio Ferdinand Best Footballing Moment: Playing for England Futsal What his teammates said: Dependable, Dedicated, Versatile
Tom WILLMENT Date of Birth: 12/3/1988 Position: Centre back 2020/21 Vase Games: 5 Goals: 0 Bookings: 1 Red Cards: 0 Former Clubs: Harrow Borough, Burnham, Marlow, Beaconsfield, Godalming, Uxbridge Job: Builder Club supported: QPR Favourite footballer: Frank Lampard Best Footballing Moment: Captaining Burnham to Southern Central title, and getting to the FA Vase Final What his teammates said: Loud, Beast, Meathead
Assistant goalkeeper coach: Ross Perry Physio: Liam Day Kit manager: Jimmy Craske Assistant kit manager: Jack Craske Media manager: Chloe Streak Photographer: Neil Graham
BINFIELD FC | V
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Herridge hails Moles’ community spirit By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today FORMER first-team manager Roger Herridge is full of pride ahead of Binfield’s FA Vase final.
“It’s amazing to think that our little village club will be running out at Wembley,” said Herridge. “It’s the things that dreams are made of. It’s been surreal and it’s a fantastic thing to look forward to. “I stepped down as the manager last year looking to recharge my batteries and looking forward to some time to go on holiday and relax with my other half but it didn’t quite work out that way. “When football started up again, I was happy to be out walking the dog on a Saturday afternoon. And on the cold nights, I was thinking I was happy to be inside and didn’t miss being at football. “But then just two days later, Doddsy (Jamie McClurg) was on the phone asking if I fancied coming back to help out.
“Two days later, there I was back at training.” Since returning to the coaching set-up at Binfield, Herridge has been impressed by the leadership of co-managers Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg. “What those two guys have done has been absolutely remarkable and I always knew that when I was number one and had them as my assistants, that they would go on to do great things,” he continued. “Their influence on the squad is immense. They’re both new to management and having to deal with keeping a squad motivated through various lockdowns, has been superb. “They thoroughly deserve what they have achieved. I’ve been in football a long time but I've never seen a group of players so focused with such a great team spirit. “When I returned, you could see they had built something special and that’s something to look on with admiration.
ON THE WAY TO WEMBLEY: Binfield FC first-team coach and former manager Roger Herridge (left) Picture: Neil Graham
“They’re brilliant at communicating with the players and they would do anything for this group, and in return the players give them everything. “To get to Wembley at the end of your first full season in management is the stuff of dreams. “I remember talking to Doddsy when I first came back, and we both had a massive belief that we could get Wembley. The belief the two managers had, had us all believing. There was always the belief we could achieve something special.” Herridge paid tribute to the hard work of everyone behind the scenes at the club who have played their part to help the Moles achieve
their Wembley dream. “Binfield is a real community club and to see the excitement across all the sides within the club and the excitement within the village is great. “I’m so pleased for all the people involved at the club, for example the members of the committee. Bob Bacon, Rob Challis, they’ve done so much over the years for the club. “And all the people that prepare the ground week in, week out. It’s something they probably never thought would happen but it has and it will be such a proud moment for everyone. “The credit goes to the group of players. They have been so committed, their attitude and work ethic has been
exemplary. If there is ever a side that trains the same way they play, then this is it.” Herridge is confident that the Moles will find a way to win on Saturday and mark the occasion by bringing home the FA Vase trophy. “They’ve found a way to make sure they win in every round and now we prepare for the final,” he continued. “We’re not just going there to enjoy the occasion, we go there wanting to win the game. “That focus and attention to detail has been what the managers have done week in, week out and we will be fully prepared to play whoever we face in the final.”
Previewing the opposition: Warrington’s Wembley journey
BINFIELD’S opponents for the FA Vase final will be Warrington Rylands. RYLANDS secured their place in the final to face the Moles on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Walsall Wood.
ROAD TO THE FINAL FIRST-ROUND Ryland 2-0 Padiham
win 5-4 on pens) FIFTH-ROUND Rylands 1-1 West Auckland Town (Rylands win 3-1 on pens)
One South Champions (2018/19)
QUARTER-FINAL Rylands 1-0 Hebburn Town
SECOND-ROUND Jarrow 1-1 Rylands (Rylands win 5-4 on pens)
SEMI-FINAL Rylands 2-1 Walsall Wood
THIRD-ROUND Longridge Town 1-2 Rylands
WARRINGTON RYLANDS FACT FILE
FOURTH-ROUND Shildon 0-0 Rylands (Rylands
Chairman: Mark Pye Managers: David McNabb League: North West Counties League Premier Division Honours: � North West Counties League Division
Nickname: Blues Founded: 1906 Home ground: Gorsey Lane
Match reports online on Saturday Souvenir picture special in next week’s paper
� First Division Champions Cup
(2018/19) � Mid-Cheshire League Champions
(1980/81, 1983/84) � Mid-Cheshire League Cup (1978/79) � Warrington & District Premier
Division Champions (1953/54, 1954/55, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1957/58, 1958/59) � Warrington Guardian Cup winners (1957/58, 1966/67, 1971/71, 1972/73, 2014/15) � Liverpool Challenge Cup winners (1957/58) � Starkey Cup winners (1952/52)
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‘The resilience in this side is so special’
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
BINFIELD FC co-managers Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg said they ‘couldn’t be prouder’ of their squad as they look forward to a huge game at Wembley Stadium.
“It sunk in for me on Monday,” said Withers after the semi-final triumph away at United Services Portsmouth to put Binfield on the road to Wembley. “We got all the celebrations out the way at the weekend and then it was business as usual for me and Dodds. “While we are playing at Wembley, the focus is there to win a game. We have seen the boys are focused with the intensity in training. It’s so pleasing to see that. “As hard as it is, we have to forget the occasion and remember we’re there to win a game of football. I believe in our lads, they know what we are capable of. “We trust and believe in them, we go into the game full of confidence. “The focus is very much on the game. Each week we’ve gone about it in the right way. To lead the lads out will be a very proud moment for us and our families.” Co-manager Jamie McClurg, who is also a vital member of the squad on the field, added: “We have an experienced group and everyone keeps each other focused. “We ask a lot of the players and they always give us everything we ask for. It’s
IN THE DUGOUT: Binfield FC co-managers Jamie McClurg (left) and Carl Withers (right) Picture: Neil Graham
an amazing venue but it’s a game of football that we are looking to win. “We’ve created a football family, we get mums and other halves, grandads and family members at games. The fact we’re playing at Wembley is an occasion for them more than it is for us. “We’ve seen exactly what these group of lads are capable of and now we want to go and finish the job.” Both managers heaped praise on their squad for their attitude since returning to football and believe that the group are on the cusp of achieving something very special. “We’re so grateful to have an open and honest group of lads that always back everything we do and we all push in the same
direction,” continued Withers. “Being away from home, travelling up together has brought us all together with the camaraderie. “We’ve done it the hard way but all of that counts for nothing if we don’t turn up on Saturday and put a performance in. “These lads deserve something special. We both believe that we were well on the way to winning the league before the pandemic hit. They deserve a reward for the two years they’ve given us. “We have plenty of big game players. It breathes through the team. “We are blessed with an experienced group of lads and that’s helped us get over the line and the young lads thrive on that. “We have a great balance. The bond they have off the pitch is what puts them in such good stead in those games. “We're so proud of them for bringing the best out in each other. I couldn't be prouder of them and we believe that we are going to go there and win it. McClurg added: “The resilience in this team is so special to see. All throughout this competition they never believe that they will lose a game. “We have a never say die attitude. It makes a massive difference. “We’re so grateful to have an open and honest group of lads that always back everything we do and we all push in the same direction.”
CVD Wellbeing aim to keep Binfield on the pitch, where they belong � ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
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VD Wellbeing have long been supporters of Binfield FC and we’re proud to be one of their main sponsors. As such, we offer a free Osteopathic physical therapy service. Our objective is simple, to keep the first team players where they belong – on the pitch rather than out with an injury. We start by diagnosing their problem. In a lot of cases, it can be pretty straightforward. For example, a player has either fallen awkwardly or been kicked during a tackle. For these players the treatment we suggest is normally focused on reducing inflammation and restoring mobility. We do this by using our fantastic TECAR therapy, a treatment technology provided by Winback who also support Binfield FC. TECAR Therapy (Transfer of Electrical Current by Capacitive and Resistive Modes) works by generating a high frequency current which is non-invasive and natural for the human body. All patients feel is a gentle, deep, relaxing heat but the results are amazing. The blood and lymphatic circulation is improved, pain is reduced more quickly, function and movement are restored with speed and injuries being healed. All the outcomes our
players, and indeed all our Clients, are looking for. But don’t take our word for it, just ask the players themselves. One of them sustained a nasty ankle injury a week before the semifinal. He came to see us every day that week and thanks to our TECAR therapy he was able to play for 60 minutes. A few treatments on and he’s almost back to full strength – ready for the final at Wembley. Our support doesn’t stop there. Some players come to us with posture related pain, perhaps in their back or hamstrings. For these players, in addition to treatment, we also consider their alignment. That’s because we don’t want to see players back in our clinic with repeat issues. For us, preventing injury is as important as treating it. We specialise in alignment and posture and so we can advise the players on ways in which they can reduce risk of future injury by changing the way they move.
This specialist focus is extended beyond treatment and into our fully equipped Reformer Pilates studio where we run 40 classes across the week as well as private sessions for clients of all fitness levels and abilities. Through Reformer Pilates we teach techniques to improve posture and alignment and build core stability. That, in turn, helps to strengthen and tone muscles, increase flexibility and improve the range of movement in the joints. It’s improvements in all these areas that lead to a reduced risk of repetitive strain injuries. We are delighted to do what we do for our first team players at Binfield FC but we’re here for everyone whether they need treatment, alignment support, Reformer Pilates or all three. Our end-to-end physical therapy offer makes us an ideal One Stop Shop right in the heart of Binfield. If you haven’t visited us yet but you’re interested to know more please check out our website www.cvdwellbeing.com. If you think you might need treatment but you’re not sure, why not book in for a free 15-minute telephone consultation. If you think you might want to do Reformer Pilates but you’re not sure, why not book in for a free 45-minute taster session. All the details are on our website. CVD Wellbeing, where getting you better is great but keeping you that way is better.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 20, 2021