Dave Watkins has compiled the report, Edwin Greaves has added the summing-up!
"For the second week running, AFC Binley faced higher level opposition. This time against Division 1 AFC Woods in the Foleshill Charity Cup.
It took 13 minutes for Binley to open the scoring. Kyle Metcalf threaded a ball through which was just out of Blake Kassar's reach but a goalie's slip knocked the ball back into his path. Blake rounded the keeper to tap in.
Midway through the first-half there was a flurry of activity from both sides. Blake eluded players to find himself clear on the right inside the 18 yard box. A smart pull-back found Tyler Morgan ready to score but somehow he dragged the shot wide from close in.
In the next attack, Woods who were always committed to attacking in numbers, continually throwing caution to the wind with the number of players they pushed high up the pitch, knocked the ball wide left. A deep cross to the far post and a Woods striker managed to get a touch amongst 'keeper and defenders to force the ball over the line.
A good reaction from Binley saw Blake smash a ferocious shot against the bar direct from Jordan Campbell's goal kick and then straight after a Tyler Morgan back-heel set up Fab Spence for a strike that was smartly saved by the Woods 'keeper low down to his right. Woods' winger who was causing a lot of problems staying high and wide, cut in and drove a shot just wide of the right post. All this in a rapid 10 minute spell of play.
It was though Woods who took a half-time lead when a sublime chip to the back post/top corner (or was it assisted by Storm Brian? I never got to ask!!) left Jordan with absolutely no chance and they went in 2-1 up.
With the wind gaining strength throughout the second-half, Woods looked to increase pressure on the pitch!
Two early tactical substitutions seemed to help Binley, with Az Maling replacing Kyle and shortly afterwards Jayden Bickley went on for Tyler Morgan. Within a few minutes Binley drew level after Jayden reacted quickly to a rebound from a free kick.
It wasn't long until Blake was mid air in the middle of an acrobatic overhead kick in the penalty box, when Az steamed in to take it off his foot with a brave header to take the lead.
Blake again scored, adding to his first-half goal and made it 4-2 and Binley started to look comfortable.
A testy last 10 minutes was endured though by Binley as Danny Vincent was for once beaten by his opponent and a tug on the shirt gave Woods a lifeline with a penalty which was calmly slotted in a corner of the net for 3-4.
Binley held out to the end though to win the Battle of the AFC's...
Woods were very gracious and complimentary in defeat and Binley of course wish them well for the rest of the season.
(My only after thought was which way round Az and Blake's goals were!!!) Did Az deny Blake his hat-trick???)"
In summing up this game:
"The last two weeks have given me a chance to see what my squad is capable of against higher opposition in cup games and over 90 minutes they have delivered on both occasions.
At the end of the season everyone will not remember these two victories but for me it shows how the club is progressing and I would be lying if I didn't say that Dave and I are not happy with that; the players have been excellent so far but we still have a long way to go this season.
Up next we are back into League action, at home to Stockton who are top of the table.
Another big game for the lads to be tested in but on the day, if we perform to our levels we will be OK.
If NOT, Stockton will hurt us badly!"
Edwin Greaves
AFC Binley Manager...
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