Vs. Bexhill AAC (H)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Grant Lewis
Dave Mills	(45 Paul Rook)
Alan Cowley
Max Sztyber
Paul Ford	(68 Steve Spicer)
Dale Scowen (c)
Ollie Jeffs
Andy Mills
Andy Moore
Joe O’Neill	(45 Gary Walsh)
Tom Frere-Smith
Referee: G Walker
HT Score: 0-1
FT Score: 0-3

Battle Baptist’s great adventure in the Super Stitch 86 Challenge Cup came to an unfortunate semi-final conclusion yesterday afternoon as they came second to a well-organised Bexhill AAC team.
Battle had every reason to believe that another upset was possible having beaten Division 1 sides Hollington and Ticehurst in previous rounds. However, two towering headers either side of half time from Bexhill centre half Jamie Brooks put the visiting team in the lead and a third late in the game sealed their way into the final.
Despite the hasty preparations of the earlier Kick Off time that had 4 Battle players arriving in the nick of time, the team started strongly, matching Bexhill throughout the first half.
Having started well and matched Bexhill in the early stages, Battle worked an opportunity to take the lead but the chance was missed. Later in the half, just moments before Bexhill opened the scoring Tom Frere-Smith found a way through the solid Bexhill defence but his goalbound shot was saved.
Bexhill enjoyed greater possession in the second half and the Baptists worked hard to stay in the game, defending stoutly until Brooks repeated his first half feat at another corner situation.
In a sporting and competitive game, clear chances were scarce and Battle were unfortunate not to score when Dale Scowen's clever free kick found Gary Walsh in the penalty area but his snap-shot was fired into the welcoming arms of the Bexhill keeper.
Bexhill's third goal sealed victory and left the scoreline looking comfortable for the favourites but Battle can take great comfort from their keen performance.
The test for Battle players is to take what they have learned into the rest of the season, starting at home next week to bottom Division 2 side Mayfield.