Vs. Herstmonceux (H)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Simon Cutler
Owen Davies
Doug Morris
Gary Williams
Paul Ford
Pete Cooper
Andy Mills (c)
Dave Mills	(79 Chris Mammone)
Adrian Gaylon
Dom Fowler	(72 Loksan Harley)
Gary Walsh
Referee: T Harvey
Goal: Gaylon (59)
HT Score: 0-2
FT Score: 1-3

Despite a courageous and praise-worthy performance, Battle Baptists went out of the K & P Motoring World Challenge Cup in a closely fought quarter final at Battle Recreational Ground.

Playing as underdogs against a Herstmonceux team placed third in Division 3, Battle started well and should have opened the scoring when a defensive error gifted possession to Dominic Fowler, whose well-timed through ball released Gary Walsh one-on one with the keeper. Walsh calmly rounded the oncoming goalie but his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by a recovering defender.

Instead Herstmonceux gained first advantage when a right-sided corner was volleyed at the near post. The half-hit shot found its way through a forest of legs and was slammed home by a second ‘Ceux striker.

Further problems were soon to come for the home team. Battle’s defence worked like a purring motor until Owen Davies cracked in an own goal that stunned his stranded keeper.

After the break Battle began to play more confidently and putting pressure on the away defence. Paul Ford set a fine example of defending with strong tackling and energetic forward thrusts. Surging runs by Dave Mills and industrious effort from twin brother Andy in midfield captured more possession and territory, and the team’s reward came when a cutting cross by Pete Cooper on the left wing sliced the space between keeper and defence. A wave of forwards surged towards the cross and when Andy Mills missed the ball, Adrian Gaylon was right behind to skilfully guide the ball into the net.

With renewed belief, the Division 4 Baptist side were now pushing for an equaliser that would send the tie into extra time. Zion Man of the Match Simon Cutler in goal made a titanic save to keep his side in the game, firstly stopping a thrusting shot with his chest and then sacrificially throwing himself at the feet on an attacker to deflect a second shot over the bar.

Although the result was decided with a third Herstmonceux goal 10 minutes from time Battle can console the defeat with the knowledge that they played a very strong and fair game against a good team and in testing pitch conditions.