Vs. Herstmonceux II (H)

 

 

 

Starting XI

Substitutes:

 

 

Tim Nunn

 

Owen Davies

 

Ian Rafiti

 

Clayton Bennett

(Gary Wenham)

Elliott Henchy

 

Ben Garlick

 

Matt Lee

 

Ollie Jeffs (c)

(John King)

Stuart Calderwood

 

Zac Smith

(Steve Mumford)

Joe O’Neill

 

 

 

Referee:

Goals: Calderwood (30,78),

Smith (48),

Bennett (75).

 

HT Score: 1-0

 

FT Score: 4-0

 

 

 

Week two of the season, Battle Baptists II came up against Herstmonceux II at Claverham College.  The fist twenty minutes was cagey with both sides slow to settle.  Battle were able to take advantage of an under strength away side and Stuart Calderwood was first to react after Joe O’Neill hit the post on 30 minutes.  Late in the second half the visitors were reduced to ten men after injury to one of their team. Zac Smith doubled the lead in the 48th minute with his second in so many weeks.  Debutant Clayton Bennett finished coolly 75 minutes into the game after a long spell of Battle pressure but goal of the day was scored by Calderwood who turned and shot in one flowing move from the edge of the area, rewarding his tireless effort to double his tally and gain a Man of the Match award. Overall it was a promising team effort that showed potential for a team that can do even better as the season goes on.

 

Richard Ahsam: “We are still getting used to playing together and are not yet up to speed.  (About 70%) We have been lucky to come up against two below strength teams. (I am sure that both teams will be stronger later in the season.) We will be given sterner tests in up coming games.  We must keep doing the simple things and not try the killer ball each time.  A killer ball is only a surprise if it isn’t the first choice every time.  It is going to be a long season with the depth of squad called into action.  Please be patient, your time will come.  The second team has a great spirit at present (unless you’re all moaning behind my back!!!) and if you have any problems give me a call.  The mixture of experience and youth will be our strength this season and we must be strong to deal with the tough games that are sure to come. I will speak to some of you at training but thanks to all for a great Saturday.”