Tangerines on Tour: Binfield

Our next paddle into the warm waters of the Isthmian League South Central Division takes us into a rural part of Bracknell Forest, where we find the Moles of Binfield.

Historic headlines

Formed in 1892 by employees of the local brickworks and farm labourers, Binfield started life in the Ascot & District League, then had a spell in the Great Western Combination before a 40 year spell in the Reading & District League. During the 1980s, the Moles moved to their current home ground at Hill Farm Lane and ended the decade by joining the Chiltonian League. In 1991-92, Binfield were Chiltonian League runners-up, beaten to the title by Peppard, who then had a brief but intense rivalry with Ashford Town (Middlesex).

The Moles joined the Hellenic League in 2000 when this competition absorbed the Chiltonian and it was as a Hellenic League club Binfield enjoyed their finest moment – an appearance at Wembley in the FA Vase Final. The Moles had been second in the Hellenic League at the point when COVID-19 caused the 2019-20 season to be abandoned and had won five and were unbeaten in the seven League games they managed to play before the 2020-21 season was also curtailed. The Vase campaign continued and Binfield eliminated Newhaven, Deal Town, Fakenham Town, Hadley, Long Eaton United and United Services Portsmouth to reach the National Stadium. This run was all the more remarkable because Binfield were drawn away in every round and won four penalty shoot-outs along the way. Although Warrington Rylands proved too strong at Wembley, Binfield had done enough to be offered an ‘upward movement’ into the Isthmian League. In their first two seasons at Step 4, the Moles finished in the top half of the division, but have finished 19th, 18th and 18th in their last three campaigns.

About the ground

A Ground-to-ground journey by road clocks in at 23.4 miles which will take around 35-40 minutes. The nearest railway station is Bracknell, which is on the Waterloo – Reading line. Trains on this line don’t stop at Ashford, but they do call at Staines or Feltham. From Bracknell Railway Station, the local Bus Station is a two minute walk – catch a 151 or 151A bus from there towards Wokingham and alight at Church Lane.

Once you arrive at the ground, you’ll find a pleasant and very green venue. Locally brewed Rebellion beer is on-tap in the bar and the food from the Tea Bar is highly recommended. Please note that Binfield FC is a cashless venue, so make sure you have your bank card on you.

Have we played them before?

Yes. The Moles won four of their first five matches against the Tangerines, but Ashford have won all of the last four meetings, including a 6-0 victory at the RPS in August 2023.