Binfield FC Youth are off an running for the 2016/17 season on Wednesday evening when they visit the five time consecutive Allied Counties Premier Division champions Maidenhead United in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round.
The Magpies are almost on a pedestal now when it comes to performing in the Allied Counties under 18s league and Binfield assistant manager Mark Poole is under no illusions that the Preliminary Round test is one of the biggest, not to mention toughest tests his side will face in the coming season.
He said: “This will be one of the biggest tests for our group of players and potentially, won’t come against a tougher opposition all year.
‘It doesn’t get any bigger at this level than the FA Youth Cup’
“We have a new squad with new players and we are looking to finish two positions higher than last season in the South Division which would give us promotion to Maidenhead’s level.”
“We have brough in a number of new first and second year players with our third years, which gives us a perfect blend of experience and fearlessness. Many of our players have already represented our development squad led by Ellis Woods and Luke Hayden has already featured twice in Rodger Herridge’s the first team squad – scoring on his second outing.
“This is our first competitive game of the season and it doesn’t get any bigger at this level than the FA Youth Cup.”
Game day, FA Youth Cup⚽️🐝🔴🙏
— Charlie Craske⚽️ (@craskeyy) September 7, 2016
Maidenhead are winners at under 18s level, but Wednesday nights game will also be their first of the season – they are one of four Allied Counties Premier sides yet to play a competitive league match so far.
The Moles Youth Team are managed by former Tottenham Hotspur pro John Polston. You can read about the summer at the club here.
