Vs. Eastbourne Dynamos (A)

Starting XI

Grant Lewis

Owen Davies

Alan Cowley

Max Sztyber

Paul Ford

Dave Mills

Ollie Jeffs

Pete Cooper

Andy Mills (c)

Gary Walsh

Bryan Leggett

Referee: R Cheshire

Goal: Cowley

HT Score: 1-0

FT Score: 1-0

The pitch and surroundings more closely resembled an arid waste ground than a football pitch but Battle arrived in determined mood, following two good performances and the prospect of finishing the season above rivals Beulah high in their minds. It was going to be a tough game considering the conditions, the stifling temperature and the prospect of an Eastbourne side greatly improved since the narrow 2-1 victory earlier in the season.

The pivotal moment came midway through the first half, and as so often it arrived from an Owen Davies free kick. Well flighted into the box, Gary Walsh challenged the keeper and managed to divert the ball across goal where Ollie Jeffs found himself with the goal at his mercy. Judging the bounce was not easy and his header found the inside of the post, bouncing across goal for Alan Cowley to fire in with his left foot for the centre back’s 3^rd goal in 4 matches.

The second half started comfortably for Battle but Eastbourne slowly eased themselves back in and Battle’s defensive qualities were severely tested towards the end of the game as some good attacking, combined with Battle hesitancy at times, produced a nervy finish.

All in all a very satisfying win in tough conditions against very challenging opponents. Once again Battle can hold their heads high.