Saturday 16th October 2021 – Isthmian South Central Division – Hill Farm Lane, Binfield
Game two of a rare afternoon without any Rooks action and if I thought that Chipstead’s Church Road ground was remote then Hill Farm Lane in the Berkshire village of Binfield was on a different scale. For those who enjoy a hike across our green and pleasant lands, it is approximately 2.5 miles from Bracknell train station to Binfield’s ground. For those with a car (or bike) then you will find a warm welcome and a parking space in a very smart Non-League ground.
Binfield were promoted to Step 4 in the summer for the first time, having also reached the final of the FA Vase, losing 3-2 to Warrington Rylands in an enthralling final at Wembley. The ambitions on the field have certainly been matched off the field, with Hill Farm Lane a very smart ground, with a unique look and feel. Behind one goal, set up on a bank is the main club offices, bar and changing rooms as well as some cover for fans who want to watch from an elevated position.
Their first two home games of the season saw them host their two biggest neighbours in Basingstoke Town and Bracknell Town, with crowds of 403 and 671 respectively. Subsequent games have seen more modest attendances and there was 140 in the ground for the game against Westfield. The Moles had started the season well, unbeaten since the Bracknell game in August and through to the next round of the FA Trophy. Visitors Westfield were in mid-table although had been traveling well, having lost all three games on the road from Woking so far this season.
However, it was the away side that had the best of the early running and should have taken the lead when Sam Evans blasted over from close range when it would have been easier to score. At the other end Sean Moore missed a golden opportunity when he was through one on one with the keeper, poking the ball wide. But in the final minute of the half the home side did break the deadlock when Callum Bunting rose above the Westfield defence from a free-kick from the right-hand side and headed home.
The second period saw Binfield and Bunting double their lead within five minutes of the restart before adding a third to kill the game off when Moore made up for his first half miss to score a third. The win consolidated their position in the play-off spots, just three points off top spot in a highly competitive division and saw most of the 140 fans go home happy even if that did mean a long walk back to Bracknell station.
