Vs. Red Lion (A)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Gary Walsh
Paul Ford
Paul Rook
Gary Williams
Darrell Hartley
Dave Mills
Stuart Batchelor
Andy Mills (c)
Pete Cooper
Dom Fowler
Adam Johnson	(58 Seb Elliott)
Referee: P Crocombe
HT Score: 0-1
FT Score: 0-3

The final scoreline of this Division 3 contest flattered Red Lion who made to best of their chances and tailed off towards the end.

For the first time in their short history, Battle Baptists took to the field without a substitute, after four of the squad pulled out with injury. Ten minutes into the game their misery was compounded when Adam Johnson couldn’t continue following a tackle that left the Battle top-scorer with a badly twisted knee.

Despite this multitude of setbacks, the remaining ten played with great courage and endeavour until Red Lion broke down the right flank and crossed into a bobbly six yard box for their striker to poke the ball in off the inside of the post to open the scoring.

Still the Baptists held strong with energetic midfield performances from Stuart Batchelor and captain Andy Mills who chased down Lions all afternoon. Shortly after the break, a Battle defender made a meal of a clearance and the young Lion striker fiercely swallowed up the chance to make it 2-0.

With nothing left to lose, the Baptists released their goalkeeper to play outfield, replacing him with crocked linesman Seb Elliott who could do nothing to stop an immediate third goal.

Now back up to the full complement of players, the visitors were able to tame the Lion’s midfield, forcing them on their back feet, with stand-still keeper Elliott hardly seeing action for the last 20 minutes. Now enjoying their best football and relishing the come-back challenge, Battle produced searching attacks and deserved a goal. Dave Mills, Dom Fowler, Paul Rook and Pete Cooper all came close to scoring as the team tore into the Lion’s defence. Without any reward for their football, Battle can take rich encouragement from their resilient teamwork and perseverance, which will build their character and give hope for the next 3 games against the top 3 teams in Division 3.