Binns penalty shoot-out hero again as Romans make Trophy progress

Charlie Binns was again the City hero this afternoon – saving three (including a retaken) penalty kicks – to secure a FA Trophy shoot-out victory over Dorking Wanderers, after Jordan Alves’ stunning free-kick had ensured the game ended level after 90 minutes.

City started the game positively with Alves, Brad Ash and Joe Raynes all having a sight of goal but failing to test keeper Foulkes. However, the home side struck first after 18 minutes through Casey’s neat control and finish. Rocked by this City nearly conceded again a couple of minutes later, Binns saving well from the goalscorer. The Romans soon recovered their poise and there was little to choose between the sides during the remainder of the half. Half chances came and went at both ends but the game reached half-time with just Casey’s goal separating the sides.

Within three minutes of the restart Ash saw his curling shot crash against the bar. A minute later Ash was bundled over 25 yards from goal and Alves stepped up to fire the free-kick into the top corner. The balance of the game swung firmly toward City. Joe Raynes fired a 55th minute shot over the bar then four minutes later Danny Greenslade saw his shot blocked at his near post by Foulkes. Jordan Tillson headed a great Mitch Beardmore cross over on 65 minutes as the pressure continued to build. The best chances arrived on 72 minutes when Owen Windsor knocked the ball past Craig to race clear on goal but Foulkes blocked the shot with his legs. The closing stages saw Dorking begin to pose an attacking threat again but, apart from a close range shot that was brilliantly blocked by Joe Raynes, they couldn’t prevent the game going to penalties.

The first four penalties were all successful – Alves and Raynes for City, Casey and Francomb for Dorking. It was advantage City next as Binns kept out Carter’s effort. Greenslade converted the next kick then McShane’s shot was saved by Binns. However, the referee ordered the kick retaken as Binns had left his line too early. McShane went the same way but so did Binns and kept it out again. And Windsor secured City’s place in Monday’s last-32 draw with another perfectly placed kick.