BINFIELD FC are through to the semi-finals of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy after an excellent 3-1 win over Ascot United at The Racecourse ground on Tuesday.

The Moles will now meet another of their Hellenic League rivals, Flackwell Heath, at Wilks Park.

The tie – as well as the other semi-final between Newport Pagnell Town and Holmer Green – has to be played before March 4.

Like they had when winning 3-2 in the league at Bracknell on Friday, Binfield produced a devastating first-half performance.

Their front two, Liam Ferdinand and Jemel Johnson, with Josh Howell in close support, caused major problems for the Ascot defence.

“Some of their combination play was outstanding,” said manager Roger Herridge.

Ferdinand and Johnson both went close early on before the former broke through, only to be denied by a combination of Alex Rodrigues and keeper Chris Grace.

It came as no surprise when the Moles went ahead on 21 minutes with Johnson setting up Ferdinand, who fired a left-footed shot past Grace.

Ferdinand was then denied by Grace and the striker was also involved in the move which saw James Knight go close.

In front of a crowd of nearly 100, Binfield doubled their lead after 28 minutes. They gained possession in their own half when a pass from Ascot skipper Dave Hancock went astray and Johnson raced down the left flank before setting up the chance for Howell to strike a crisp shot past Grace.

After the Moles had cleared a Joe Grant effort off their line, Binfield returned to the attack with Johnson and Ferdinand continuing to give the home defence a torrid time.

“It was disappointing we were not three or four goals up at half-time,” said Herridge.

Like they had in Friday’s 3-2 win at Bracknell when they led 3-1 at the break, the Moles were not as effective as an attacking force in the second half.

Ascot were better organised in defence and battled hard to get back in the game.

Mark O’Connell cleared off the Binfield line and Silver was also kept busy, which including helping to block a piledriver from Joe Yeates after United had been awarded an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area.

But Silver was eventually beaten after 82 minutes when Grant raced onto a long ball from Adam Cashin-Murray to head home unchallenged.

Ascot went looking for a late equaliser, but three minutes from time were caught on the counter-attack with Ferdinand cutting in from the right before finding Howell at the far post and he made no mistake.

Herridge added: “To win two local derbies, both away, at Bracknell and then Ascot is a fine achievement. Let’s hope we can keep the momentum going.”

Binfield, lying seventh in the Premier Division table, travel to Brimscombe & Thrupp this Saturday (3pm), while third-placed Ascot entertain Longlevens (3pm).

Bracknell Town travel to Brackley Town Saints (3pm), with tailenders Wokingham & Emmbrook taking on Royal Wootton Bassett at Henley’s Triangle ground (3pm).