Vs. Little Common III (H)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Grant Lewis
Paul Rook	(68 Stuart Batchelor)
Alan Cowley
Simon Hockley	(78 Gary Walsh)
Paul Ford
Dave Mills
Adam Johnson
Andy Mills (c)
Pete Cooper
Tom Frere-Smith
Dom Fowler
Referee: D Harmer
HT Score: 0-0
FT Score: 0-1

Battle Baptists suffered a frustrating defeat having defended stoutly and created chances in their opening Division 3 fixture after winning promotion from Division 4 last season.

Intermittent downpours punctuated a blustery first half in which Dominic Fowler offered the only glimpse of brightness on 35 minutes when he penetrated Little Common’s well-organised defence only to see his shot skid wide.

The visitors rarely threatened the Battle goal and were restricted to long-range efforts, as new signing Alan Cowley efficiently marshalled the home defence and keeper Grant Lewis commanded his area.

The game was decided in the 68^th minute, when a rare venture into Battle’s penalty area yielded a harshly awarded penalty as the ball struck the hand of centre-half Simon Hockley at close range. Paul Lakin gratefully stepped forward to break the deadlock in favour of the visitors.

Fuelled by the injustice, the Baptists rallied and played their best football of the afternoon, creating three great chances to level. Tom Frere-Smith skilfully beat 3 defenders and his well-struck shot brought an outstanding save from Stewart Peckenham. From an Adam Johnson corner, Alan Cowley evaded hefty pressure to head narrowly wide before, in the final moments, Dominic Fowler found space around the penalty spot to swivel and fire a shot that Peckenham superbly tipped over the bar.

Little Common will be greatly relieved to take all three points whilst the Baptists can confidently look forward to next week’s away encounter with fellow churchmen Beulah.