Vs. Hollington United (H)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Andy Poulter
Paul Rook
Alan Cowley
Max Sztyber
Pete Cooper
Ollie Jeffs
Dale Scowen
Andy Mills (c)
Dave Mills	(70 Dave Sitch)
Tom Frere-Smith
Gary Walsh
Referee: J King
Goals: Frere-Smith (15,63).
HT Score: 1-1
FT Score: 2-1

It is always a daunting prospect facing Hollington, but with no league points under Battle’s belt it was even more so, as the high flying division 1 side came to Battle Recreational Ground in the second round of the Super Stitch Challenge Cup. However, when given the role of underdogs, Battle are nothing if not spirited and they started well – matching Hollington strongly in every position and winning good possession. It was soon obvious that Tom Frere Smith’s pace would be the biggest worry against two aerially strong central defenders. So it proved after 15 minutes when a neat one-two with striking partner Gary Walsh set Tom free and he duly converted underneath the keeper with a neat finish. The half continued in this style with Hollington proving little threat up front. Pete Cooper excelled in an unfamiliar left-back position, defending solidly and looking dangerous down the flank. Speedy Max Sztyber was as solid as he has been all season showing great pace and determination in central defence. Any momentary lapses at the back were swept up by a Battle teammate and experienced keeper Andy Poulter gave a commanding performance behind the back four.

In actual fact Battle should have made more of their hard earned possession but no great chances were created. In contrast Hollington made the most with their first real shot on goal. A header was knocked back across goal and the midfielder stole in to loop the ball past Poulter. The visitors were spurred on by this goal and they had the better of the final exchanges of the first half. Nevertheless half time came and Battle felt a little aggrieved not to be leading but knew that they must give all and more in the second half to progress to the next round.

The second half performance was an excellent one, though the final scoreline did not reflect some missed chances by both sides. Tom Frere Smith in particular was unlucky not to score as he dragged a right foot shot after a great team move. Other chances came for the churchmen before some neat tidying up at the back released Tom Frere Smith on the left wing. He promptly cut inside and slid the ball into the opposite corner to restore the lead. Sensing the upset, Hollington through the kitchen sink at Battle’s defence but it resisted stoutly, and on occasions fortuitously. Alan Cowley was involved in a double goalline clearance and inspirational Andy Poulter, continuing to play with a back injury, made several superb saves to keep the home team within a sniff of victory. Hollington should have been level ten minutes from time when they awarded a controversial penalty for a trip on Richard Saunders, but the winger insisted on taking it himself and saw his spot kick saved by Poulter and then proceeded to smash the rebound against Poulter’s legs in a brilliant double save. Alan Cowley had a header cleared off the line at the other end and some swift counter-attacking football could have put the game beyond doubt for the hosts but Battle held on for a memorable win, and a place in the last eight.