Binfield’s reward for knocking out MK Dons is a mouthwatering local derby against a resurgent Sandhurst Town, with a place in the quarter-finals of the Berks & Bucks County FA Senior Cup at stake.

The Third Round of the Berks & Bucks County FA Men’s Senior Cup brings together clubs from across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, but one fixture stands out from the rest as Binfield welcome Sandhurst Town to Hill Farm Lane.

There’s plenty of local interest, with the added bonus of Reading FC entering the competition at the Quarter Final stage.

Binfield looking to build on MK Dons success

Binfield’s cup campaign has already delivered one of the biggest results of their season.

The Moles produced an impressive performance to defeat MK Dons 2-1 in the second round, with Anthony Mannocchio scoring the winner and giving the club a memorable victory.

Having endured a difficult start to their Isthmian League South Central Division One campaign, that result could prove an important moment for Binfield. Sandhurst Town, mind you, will fancy their chances of upsetting the Moles, who are two divisions higher at Step 4.

Sandhurst Town looking to spoil the party

Carl Barrie’s side arrive at Hill Farm Lane having also negotiated a tricky route into the Third Round.

The Fizzers defeated Woodley United 3-1 in the opening round before travelling to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and coming away with a 2-1 victory.

Sandhurst have enjoyed a strong campaign in the Wessex League Division One where they currently lead the table, though sides around them have games in hand.

For both sides, the County Cup offers a distraction and opportunity with Reading or holders Wycombe Wanderers both possible Quarter Final opponents, as well as well supported sides like Windsor & Eton, Bracknell Town and Maidenhead United.

The other Third Round ties

There is plenty of other interest across the competition this week.

Maidenhead United host Burnham at York Road, with the latter hoping to produce an upset against National League South opposition. Burnham have already shown their pedigree by beating Southern League Hungerford Town in the previous round.

Wokingham Town welcome Aylesbury United after progressing past Marlow on penalties, while Wantage Town travel to Penn & Tylers Green looking to continue their goalscoring form.

Newport Pagnell Town and Holmer Green also meet, while Ascot United face Wycombe Wanderers and Windsor & Eton were drawn against Bracknell Town.

A Quarter Final place at stake

The Berks & Bucks Senior Cup provides a fantastic opportunity for clubs across the county to test themselves against different levels of opposition, and the Third Round is where the competition really begins to take shape.

For Binfield and Sandhurst, however, the focus will be firmly on Hill Farm Lane.

An all-Berkshire derby, a place in the last eight and the opportunity of a high profile game in the last eight.

The Quarter Final is an open draw and will be published on Football in Berkshire and the County FA website as soon as it is complete.

All the Berks & Bucks County FA Men’s Senior FA Cup Third Round ties

• Ascot United (4) vs Wycombe Wanderers (FL)
• Binfield (4) vs Sandhurst Town (6)
• Maidenhead United (2) vs Burnham (5)
• Newport Pagnell Town (5) vs Holmer Green (6)
• Penn & Tylers Green (5) vs Wantage Town (6)
• Windsor & Eton (4) vs Bracknell Town (3)
• Wokingham Town (5) vs Aylesbury United (4)

All fixtures to be played on Tuesday 10th November, 7:45pm kick off. Number in brackets is the Step the club plays in the English Football Pyramid. FL represents ‘Football League’, although the team is likely made up of academy and fringe players but it is not uncommon to have some First Team representation.