Vs. Bodiam II (A) (Played at Battle Rec)

Starting XI

Ian Nunn

Owen Davies

Gary Williams

Gary Wenham

Darrell Hartley

Andy Frere-Smith (c)

Dale Scowen

Andy Mills

Dave Mills

Steve Chapman

Tom Frere-Smith

Referee: T Harvey

Goals: T Frere-Smith (10,15,20,25,41)

HT Score: 5-1

FT Score: 5-4

A fiery first-half display of dynamic finishing by super hero Tom Frere-Smith ensured that BBFC ended their Div 5 fixtures on a high note with a thrilling 5-4 win against Bodiam at Battle Recreational Ground.

Having watched his team start slowly and fall behind after 5 minutes, Frere-Smith scored 5 times in 30 minutes to put his team in an unassailable position by half time.

Bodiam rallied in the second half, scoring at regular intervals and missing a good chance to equalise in the dying moments, but the Baptists’ defence held on for a hard-earned 3 points.

On a sunny afternoon, with the pitch manicured to Wembley standards by the team of early morning volunteers, the first of Tom’s goals came when the inexperienced Bodiam keeper mysteriously carried the ball outside the penalty area, gifting a free kick, which was accurately converted to equalise the scores after 10 minutes.

As the Battle midfield emerged dominant, good work down the right by Dave Mills resulted in Tom’s second goal as he slotted the ball into the net at the second attempt having had his previous shot saved.

Midfield talisman Dale Scowen worked industriously in the afternoon heat, and his precise through-ball encouraged Frere-Smith to run through on goal for a third.

With Stuart Batchelor, who broke his leg at Robertsbridge on Tuesday night, now watching from his deck chair on the side, Frere-Smith miraculously slid in a fourth from the most acute of angles.

The satisfaction finally peeked when dad, and captain of the team, Andy Frere-Smith, playing his last season before retirement, crossed for son to head in the fifth.

Although Bodiam have one more game to play, they can no longer overtake the Battle team who will take great encouragement with a top half finish in their inaugural season.

This Saturday, Battle Baptists finish off their season as they play host to Beulah Baptists in the home leg of the Neville Barnet Trophy (KO 3pm, Battle Rec.). Cream teas will be served to players and spectators after the match, when the presentation of the trophy will be made to the winners.