Joe Williams reputation is growing by the game says Binfield boss

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Binfield left it late on Monday night in their Berks & Buck FA Senior Cup Preliminary Round tie with Burnham as Jemel Johnson fired an injury time leveller to send the game straight to penalties.

Just when we might have been writing headlines for Johnson though, 18-year-old Moles goalkeeper Joe Williams stepped up and pulled off four saves in the shoot out that Binfield won 2-1.

The possibility of ties against the likes of Reading, MK Dons and Wycombe Wanderers are now a possibility as well as Maidenhead United and neighbours Bracknell Town, but Football in Berkshire wanted to find out a little bit more about the young goalkeeper who sent the Moles through.

Joe Williams. Photo: Neil Graham / ngsportsphotography.com
Joe Williams. Photo: Neil Graham / ngsportsphotography.com

The man of course to speak to is boss Roger Herridge who said: “Joe has been absolutely fantastic. He’s 18-years-old, learning his trade but with a big future ahead of himself and a reputation growing by the game.”

Williams has now played five times consecutively since his debut in the 1-1 draw with Reading City on 26th August when he took over from injured Sam Szymczyk.

Binfield have four goalkeepers currently registered in their squad alongside Williams and Szymczyk with the experienced pair of Dave Lyons and Chris Rackley also registered with the club.

Herridge explained the situation: “Dave Lyons is just back training after becoming a Dad, Szymczyk is injured and Rackley is dual registered with Southern League Basingstoke Town. Joe is firmly our number one at the moment.”

Williams had previously had a two-year spell with Ross County in Scotland as a 16-year-old on a modern apprenticeship.

How he ended up at Binfield, Herridge said: “Joe was recommended to me by Dan Brownlie at Basingstoke, we needed a goalie in an emergency for the FA Cup game against Lymington Town. Dave Lyons wasn’t available due to family commitments, Sam, who had played the previous two games was on holiday.

“Joe played against us and impressed in the friendly we played against Basingstoke. They were waiting for international clearance for him as had spent two years at Ross County in Scotland.”

Williams is one of a number of teenagers in the current Binfield squad that sits second in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

Joel Valentin. Photo: Neil Graham / ngsportsphotography.com
Joel Valentin. Photo: Neil Graham / ngsportsphotography.com

The club currently have the likes of Joel Valentin (nine appearances) and striker Eddie Lee (seven appearances) plus 16-year-old Charlie Wheeler (three appearances) playing alongside the experience of Jamie McClurg and Carl Davies.

With 19-year-old Callum Wright also in the squad, Herridge, who is assisted by former midfielder Carl Withers said: “This club has always given youth a chance, and we will continue to give youth a chance.”

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