BINFIELD had skipper James Knight sent off in their 2-1 FA Cup win at Farnham Town on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

And manager Roger Herridge was far from pleased with the referee as it was not the first contentious decision he made during the afternoon.

He also was not too happy to see his side having to cope with a playing surface that looked far from perfect, describing it as a “real leveller.”

But that still did not prevent the Moles easing into a two-goal lead inside the first half-hour of this extra preliminary round tie.

Ian Davies opened the scoring after 12 minutes and Carlo Santoro doubled the advantage with a fine long-range effort in the 27th minute.

“We controlled the first half and a 2-0 lead was the least we deserved at the interval,” commented Herridge.

The Moles were also unfortunate not to have been awarded a penalty when Davies went down in the area, but to everyone’s surprise the striker was booked for diving.

Binfield, who had suffered a 4-1 defeat at Wantage in midweek, continued to look comfortable against Farnham.

But the Combined Counties League side were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty for handball against Knight during a goalmouth melee. The skipper, who was ever-present last season, was dismissed much to his horror before Farnham converted from the spot.

But from then on, there were very few anxious moments for the Moles, who finished the comfortable winners to earn £2,250 from the FA Cup fund and a ticket to the preliminary round, where they will host the winners of last night’s (Tuesday) replay between Christchurch and Brockenhurst on August 25.

Binfield gave a debut to keeper Chris Grace, who has joined from Bracknell although only on a temporary basis for now.

“He was excellent, looking assured in everything he did, but will have busier afternoons,” said Herridge.

Binfield have also registered Thatcham Town skipper Tom Melledew with the Hellenic League, but it is a dual registration and he remains with the Southern League side.

The Moles host league newcomers Holmer Green at Hill Farm Lane this Saturday (3pm).

Their scheduled home fixture with Reading City for last Monday was called off due to their opponents having an FA Cup replay. The game has been rearranged for Monday, September 3.