Vs. Mayfield (H)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Gary Walsh
Paul Ford	(68 Owen Davies)
Paul Rook
Gary Williams
Darrell Hartley
Dave Mills
Pete Cooper
Stuart Batchelor
Andy Mills (c)
Bryan Leggett
Dom Fowler	(68 Tim Nunn)
Referee: J Winter
Goals: Leggett.
HT Score: 1-0
FT Score: 5-1

With Spring in the air and a brisk north easterly blowing across Battle Recreational Ground, the first team of Battle Baptists emerged from their winter gloom, finally achieving the result that their recent performances had displayed.

Dom Fowler coolly stroked in the first on 5 minutes after Dave Mills’ right wing cross was knocked back along the 18-yard line by Bryan Leggett. With the strong wind in their favour, a threatening Mayfield team, placed 3rd in Division 3 and looking for promotion, enjoyed greater territory. After good approach play they spawned three good chances to equalise, each time blasting a close range shot that troubled the occupants in Aston Fields more than Walsh the Baptist keeper.

Shortly after the break Stuart Batchelor showed great determination and accuracy as he extended his team’s lead, winning the ball in midfield and unleashing a guided missile that hit the target just under the bar from 35 yards.

Try as they might, Mayfield couldn’t find their usual attacking prowess. Mayfield’s Ross Davidson and Anthony Clarke looked dangerous but were well marshalled by Paul Rook and Gary Williams in central defence for Battle.

As their opponents became frustrated and tired, Battle used the windy conditions to their advantage, pushing Mayfield back into defence. The hosts were rewarded further when Zion Man of the Match Batchelor surged forward and was upended in the area, Pete Cooper stepping up to smash in the penalty.

A double substitution replaced goal-scorer Fowler and defender Paul Ford with budding keeper Tim Nunn and fresh-legged Owen Davies. This enabled goalie Gary Walsh to play his more customary attacking role. Davies crossed for Walsh to head in the 4^th from a corner, whilst newcomer Nunn smothered everything that came his way in a reassuring debut performance that was tinged only when Ross Davidson broke clear for a Mayfield consolation goal.

Battle continued to blossom and flourish in their superiority, with the midfield energy of newly born lambs and the defensive security of a 200 year oak. As Mayfield lost their cool, even the referee broke into colour, showing three visiting players a yellow card and another one red after the defender inexplicably punched the ball off the goal line when a headed attempt seemed more rational.

Up stepped Cooper once again to strike a second penalty a seal a secure win that gives the Baptists renewed belief ahead of this Saturday’s short visit to Division 3 Champions elect Catsfield.