In a tight, even game it was always going to take a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock and Josh Helmore provided it as Binfield beat Virginia Water 1-0 in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Friday night.
The tie finished 0-0 at full time with neither side able to find a way through, in no small part due to some terrific goalkeeping at both ends with Waters ‘keeper Matthew Jones and Moles ‘keeper Joe Williams in fine form.
Jones in particular pulled off a stunning save from a Josh Howell free kick in the second half to deny a certain goal but Williams was also assured behind a new look back line that included the impressive Will Shaw who dealt with all that was thrown at him.
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Binfield were missing a number of key players including Idris Kamara, Carl Davies, Jamie McClurg and Sean Moore, the latter making a cameo late in injury time but that shouldn’t detract from the visitors who will rightly feel they could have taken something from the game – Ceri Jones’ side were well drilled and organised and will undoubtedly have another good season.
Read more: All the results from the weekend FA Vase fixtures are here
Binfield: Joe Williams, Jack Thomson-Wheeler, Will Shaw, Joel Valentin, Liam Gavin, Phil Veal, Josh Helmore, Danny Horscroft, Eddie Lee, Josh Howell (c), Asa Povey. Subs used: Kennie Chamberlain, Sean Moore, Callum Wright.
Virginia Water: Matt Jones, Josh Hill, Josh Hennah, Steve Williams, Finn Evered, Adam Mills, Scott Jackson, Joe McBride, Adam McNamara, Jack Simmons, Joel Drew. Subs: Jake Baker, Liam Whyte, Louis Sanders, Ruben Bande, Ryan Whyte.
