Binfield are on course to finish sixth in the Hellenic League, but could have a big say on who fills the top three places come the end the season, writes Dave Wright.

Roger Herridge’s men have eight games remaining, three of them home to the main title contenders.

First up are current leaders Highworth on Saturday, March 24, followed by Bracknell two days later and Thatcham on April 14.

“We are looking forward to playing our part in the title race with games against the three fancied sides,” said Herridge.

“They will all be tough tests for us and we will be making sure we are set up to be hard to beat.

“If we work hard and get a little luck, you just never know, we are capable of causing a shock or two.”

Herridge believes Highworth have to be favourites to lift the title.

“We drew down there and were good value for it. I was a bit disappointed with them on the day to be honest, but the league table doesn’t lie and they are a top side,” he added.

“As for Bracknell, they should be winning the league with the squad they have. If Tally (ex-manager Mark Tallentire) had been in charge all season they would have.

“I think Carl (Davies) will do a good job with Geoff Warner alongside him as he is a top coach.”

Herridge continued: “We don’t play Thatcham until the end of the season and by then the title race could be over. For me, they have the most balanced squad, with competition for places in all areas, and a lot of quality.

“The signing of Ferdy (Liam Ferdinand) was a key one for me, Bracknell should have fought to keep him.

“I would not be surprised if they are crowned champions before we face them.”

Of more immediate concern is this Saturday’s trip to Longlevens – weather permitting (3pm ko).

Herridge’s side will be looking to maintain their excellent run which has seen them win 16 and draw two of their latest 20 league and cup games.

They appeared in some danger of suffering a rare defeat when they trailed 1-0 at half time to Oxford City Nomads on Tuesday of last week, but hit back well to record a 3-2 win.

Binfield fell behind to a 16th-minute goal from Craig Fasanmade and looked second best for much of the opening half, but they improved in the second half with the introduction of substitutes paying dividends.

Ian Davies brought the scores level with his 23rd goal of the season and then recent signing Liam Gavin put them ahead with his first touch after coming off the bench on 70 minutes.

Gavin quickly increased the lead before Connor Mattimore netted a late second for the Nomads, who finished the game with 10 men following a red card.

Another sub, Kane Fitzgerald, made a fine debut following his transfer from Bracknell Town.

Bracknell chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” to have lost Fitzgerald, but added he “is in good hands at Binfield.”

Next Tuesday (7.45pm) the Moles play Division One East title-chasing Virginia Water at Windsor’s Stag Meadow in the quarter-finals of the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup.