MOLES ARE ON THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY
BINFIELD made more history as they booked their place in the FA Vase final where they will make their first ever appearance at
Wembley Stadium.
The Moles have become away day specialists and they flexed their expertise once again on the road with victory over United Services Portsmouth in the semi-finals on Saturday.
For the third time this season in the Vase, Binfield progressed via a penalty shootout as they once again managed to hold their nerve from the spot.
Binfield will play either Warrington Rylands or Walsall
Wood, who play their semi-final tie on Saturday to decide who will meet the Moles for the biggest game in the clubs history.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Moles down on the South Coast and after both sides began to find their feet in an intense contest, it was the hosts who pulled ahead.
James Franklyn beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Chris Grace to give Portsmouth a 20th minute lead.
Binfield had chances to level the game before the break as Liam Ferdinand came closest but US held out to preserve their lead.
Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg’s side piled the pressure on as they looked for a route back into the cup contest.
They came within inches of equaliser on two occasions as the striking duo of Ferdinand and captain Sean Moore both struck the post within minutes of each other.
But Binfield were eventually rewarded for their dominance as Ferdinand showed exceptional composure to take the ball past the keeper and covert into the empty net to put the Moles level with just 10 minutes to play.
A tense shootout then ensued to decide who would progress to the final.
US Portsmouth dispatched their first three penalties successfully and had the advantage when Moore was the first to have his shot saved for Binfield.
But goalkeeper Grace pulled off a vital save from the next spot kick before McClurg scored to level the shootout.
Grace made another heroic save to give Jack Broome the platform to book their Wembley ticket as he coolly controlled his penalty into the corner.
“Still sinking in what our lads have achieved and been overwhelmed by the well wishes from everybody,” said Binfield manager Withers.
“I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, these boys never know when to give up and they proved it again yesterday and now this club is on its way to Wembley.”
Co-manager McClurg added: “Wow. So happy for our Molemen, our club and supporters, thank you all. Amazing game to be part of. This is football and, wow, I love these Molemen.”
Former Moles boss Roger Herridge said: “Amazing day in the history of Binfield FC.
“This is a very special squad, a special group of people, a very special club.
“James McClurg and Carl Withers told me at the end of November we will go to Wembley, they convinced us all, they were spot on. These boys are winners.”