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Vs. Belmont United (A) |
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Starting XI |
Substitutes: |
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Simon Cutler |
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Ben Garlick |
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Wes Langley |
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Steve Chapman |
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Seb Elliott |
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Stuart Calderwood |
(81 Joe Robinson) |
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Dale Scowen (c) |
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Ollie Jeffs |
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Loksan Harley |
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Jake Wilkinson |
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Luke Walker |
(77 Zac Smith) |
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Referee: G Good |
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Goals: Wilkinson (2), Calderwood (5), Scowen (70). |
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HT Score: 2-1 |
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FT Score: 3-1 |
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The Baptists won for
the first time since the opening day of the season after an inspired display
secured their first three points in two months.
Taking advantage of
the following wind in the first half, the men in orange were two goals up in
five minutes. A mammoth goal kick in the second minute from Seb flew over the
home defence and Jake ran onto it and poked it past the onrushing keeper.
It was two only
minutes later when an inswinging corner from Dale was nodded home by Stuart who
was superbly positioned infront of the keeper.
The home side looked
suitably shell shocked and almost hit right back when a long-range effort hit
the bar and rebounded to safety. The home side then exerted some pressure on the
Baptists, but the Battle side remained solid until the 27th minute
when Ricky Hunt escaped through the backline and slipped his shot under Simon.
For the remainder of
the half the Baptists went in search of a third before half time. The closest
they came was in the last minute when Luke headed just over.
The second half was
only two minutes old when Simon produced a top-drawer save to preserve the
lead. He looked beaten as a shot looped over him but he managed to stretch back
and claw it over. This gave confidence to the away defence and they went on to
produce a resolute display of character and determination at a level not seen
previously this season.
This confidence was
further boosted when Dale unleashed a 35-yard free kick that arrowed into the
top corner. It was a goal as soon as he hit it and gave belief to the whole
side. A couple of injuries in the last fifteen minutes meant Zac and Joe came
on for Luke and Stuart. There was still time for the Baptists to repel 5
consecutive corners and to avoid a shout for handball on the goaline. In the
last minute Zac and Jake battled their way into the box but Jake’s shot flew
over the bar.
At the final whistle
every player, official and supporter of those in orange rejoiced as at last the
Baptists got what they deserved.