Thurs 24th July 2008
PRESEASON FRIENDLIES...
Sat 16th Aug ... Inter Club Football Match
Sat 23rd Aug ... Battle Rangers (Home) and Guestling Rangers (Away)
Sat 30th Aug ... Catsfield I and Catsfield II (Home and Away)
It's important THAT YOU LET US KNOW if you want to play in any of these games, especially because of holidays.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 20th July 2008
VETERANS FIXTURES CONFIRMED...
...the BBFC Vets have been drawn in the same league as Wadhurst, Westfield and Robertsbridge. If they (miraculously) win their league they play in the final against Icklesham, Little Common, Sidley or JC Tackleway.
The fixtures are ...
Wed Aug 27th v Wadhurst (home)
Wed Sept 3rd v Westfield (away)
Wed Sept 10th v Robertsbridge (home)
If you are interested in playing for Battle Baptist Veterans and you're over 40, please contact Jon King or any member of the committee.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 20th July 2008
LEAGUE COMPOSITION ANNOUNCED...
...The ESFL have decided on the composition of their Divisions for the 2008/9 season. After finishing 7th out of 12 last season, no surprises that the 1st team will be playing in Division 2.
Under new manager Gary Wenham, the 2nd team will once again aim to win Division 6.
Having been promoted to Division 2, Benbow were thrown out of the League at the recent AGM. Caused primarily because of administrative problems since Benbow joined the League 3 seasons ago, this rare decision was anticipated by the League and 12 teams remain in Div 2.
Continuing the trend of the last few seasons, there are several new teams this year...
Q Ball from the Eastbourne League are widely tipped to win Division 1 in their first season. Polegate have also been placed straight into Div 1. Also from Eastbourne, Old Town Atheletic will be competeing in Division 2.
Div 6 has 4 new teams...HG Aerospace, Robertbridge II, Little Common III and Catsfield II, whilst Crowhurst II and Eastbourne Galaxy have been elected to Div 4.
The full lists of teams can be seen at the league website www.esfl.org.uk
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 13th July 2008
SIGNING ON STARTS THIS WEEK...
...Training this week 6:30pm 'till 8:30pm on the Rec as usual...get yourselves there...especially you 1st team players from last season...there are some budding youngsters who are showing potential at training.
The East Sussex Football League requires each club to have a certain number of players registered for the forthcoming season by mid August.
So this week at trainig we'll be asking players to sign the Registration forms. Please make sure you do this if you can.
The Club Membership form also needs to be signed and returned with your money. This is less pressing, although at the June meeting the Committee decided that NO-ONE CAN PLAY IN A LEAGUE GAME AT THE START OF SEPTEMBER UNLESS THEY HAVE SIGNED AND PAID...this is an attempt to cut down the work involved in chasing players throughout the season. Beware though because it could cause anguish if the manager's team selection is affected.
Club Memebrship Forms will be available to sign from Wed 23rd July onwards.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 30 June 2008
TRAINING STARTS AGAIN...
...on Wed 2nd July at the Rec 6:30pm 'till 8:30pm
Come along and give it a go. There's lots of enthusiasm as we look forward optimistically to the new season.
Training is a mixture of fitness training, skills coaching, tactical play and football practice. It's always great fun, especially at this time of the year when we enjoy long warm evenings on Battle Rec.
Everyone is welcome...just come with a willingness to enjoy and improve your footballing talents.
New players are always made welcome as we're always looking to boost our 2 squads.
Regular players will already know the importance of attending at this stage because many of the tactics and game plays are rehersed during pre-season training.
Pre-season friendlies are being arranged and our veteran's team are also looking forward to continuing their unbeaten run in the Veteran's Cup...lol.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 26th May 2008
Awards night images
Images from the (and previous) year's awards night can be found here: Pictures.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sat 17th May 2008
2008 AWARD WINNERS
About 70 people came to enjoy last night's awards dinner at High Beech Hotel where the 2007/8 Season awards were presented as follows...
1sts Player of the Season...Gary Walsh
2nds Player of the Season...Toby Blackman
Clubman of the Season...Gary Wenham
Frere Play Trophy for Sportsmanship...Andy Mills
1sts Young Player...Adam Staplehurst
2nds Young Player...Seb Elliott
1sts Most Improved Player...Ian Rafati
2nds Most Improved Player...Jon King
1sts Manager's Player...Tom Frere-Smith
2nds Manager's Player...Matt Lee
Most Appearances...Alan Cowley
Special Award for 100 Appearances...Dave Mills
1sts Top Scorer...Tom Frere-Smith
2nds Top Scorer...Rob Usherwood
1sts Goal of the Season...Alan Cowley
2nds Goal of the Season...Rob Usherwood
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 4th May 2008
TICKETS FOR FRIDAY
Tickets are still available for the Presentation Dinner this Friday Evening at High Beech Hotel.
Already 65-70 tickets have been accounted for and with a live jazz/pop band playing throughout the night, it promises to be a great end of season bash.
Don't be slow...if you still need to buy your ticket, contact a member of the committee. You can reserve your place now and pay on the night if you give us a call.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 4th May 2008
CHANGE TO TRAINING VENUE
Just a reminder to everyone that Summer has now officially arrived and so TRAINING IS BACK AT THE REC. IN BATTLE.
.......Same time 6:30 - 8:30pm
Try to get there for a prompt start so that we can make the best of the light.
Training will continue until the end of May. We'll then have the whole of June off and start our pre-season preparation on the first Wednesday of July.
That will be a great time to bring your friends or family to join us.
We heard today that Herstmonceux are under investigation for playing 2 unregistered players in our game last weekend. If this is true the 3 points would normally be awarded to us, lifting us 2 places in the final League Table.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 4th May 2008
LAST MATCH DOWNER
Hearts sank as we drove into the meadow that was Lime Cross Yesterday. Anticipating a final day feast of football in wonderful weather conditions, the team were brought down to earth with a bang as they realised they would be trying to play football in grass that was 6 - 9 inches long.
The team played admirably, Gary walsh heading close before Tom Frere-Smith opened the scoring, finishing clinically after exchanging passes with Andy Mills.
All looked well in the first half as furhter opportunities fell to the Baptists who controlled the game in midfield and defended stoutly up until the last minute of the first half when keeper Andy Poulter did well to parry away a corner kick under immense pressure only to see the ball land at the feet of a Ceux player who lashed it in the net to equalise.
A similar pattern characterised the second half with the visitors looking the more menacing but it was Herstmonceux who finished their chances the better, scoring another two goals whilst Battle missed theirs.
Although Battle will be disappointed that the result didn't reflect the game, once again they played exciting football and created plenty of opportunities. With the season now at an end the Battle based chursh team can see the vast improvements made in their 1st season in Division 2. There are lots of reasons to be optimistic about the 2008/9 season.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 2nd May 2008
3 TEAMS POSTED FOR THE WEEKEND
All three teams are now up on the website for the games over the Bank Holiday weekend.
On Saturday, the 1st team play their last game of the season away at Herstmonceux (3pm Kick at Lime Cross). They are aiming to continue their good form with a win that would keep them ahead of Herstmonceux in the Division 2 table.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Battle Baptists play host to our friends Westside Football Club from Wandsworth. It promises to be a bumper afternoon, Kicking Off at 1:30pm with a Veteran's game followed immediately at 3pm with an ALL STAR CHALLENGE game with teams made up from a mixture of players from both Clubs.
Please come an enjoy the afternoon as a spectator or fan. Don't forget to grab a cuppa and biscuit in the pavillion. EVERYONE WECOME.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 27th April 2008
COMMITTEE DECIDE 'NO' TO 3RDS
After a lengthy discussion tonight in which all the issues were picked apart in fine detail, the committee decided by a very narrow margin, NOT to apply to the ESFL for a 3rd team.
In order to meet the deadline for September an application needed to be submitted by 1st May.
Now that the decision is finally made, the Committee pledged to strengthen the position of the 1st and 2nd teams and concentrate on making improvements to these teams before developing further.
It was acknowledged that the news will be met with disappointment by some players and ideas were shared about further footballing opportunities for a wider number of players.
The discussions, which included the prospect of youth football, were very positive about the prospects of our great club. It's hoped that we can now concentrate on making the Club even better.
I want to thank all those players who have responded by sharing your opinions about the future of Battle Baptist FC.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 27th April 2008
1STS 6TH DRAW
Two first half goals from strikers Ian Rafati and Gary Walsh were cancelled out by a Magham Down second half comeback on a heated Saturday afternoon at the Red Lion Recreational pitch yesterday.
Trying out a new 4-3-3 formation for the first time this season, the tactic paid off for the Baptists in the early stages. A long throw by Dale Scowen from the right hand flank caused confusion in the Magham area and Ian Rafati showed great technique volleying a tremendous strike from 16 yards - this in the 10th minute.
On a small, untrustworthy pitch both teams were eager to clear their half to avoid defensive embarassments, neither team gaining control and creating clear opportunities. This until on the stroke of half time, when the Baptists doubled thier lead after Owen Davies crossed a free kick from the right and Gary Walsh squeezeed between two static Magham defenders to head in the second past the stunned goalkeeper.
When the second half began, the visitors had further chances to extend their deserved lead. Alan Cowley towered high at a corner but saw his strong header fly narrowly over the crossbar. Tom Frere-Smith broke through one-on-one and had a great penalty claim turned down when up-ended as he cleverly rounded the keeper.
As tireness set in, Magham came back into the game scrambling in an untidy goal to give them hope at 2-1. Then in the dying moments, a Magham player was tripped in the area and Magham had their equaliser from the spot, to the dismay of the visitors.
Battle will rue the missed chances that would have secured their win, but will be greatly encouraged at the disciplined performance of their players under extremely difficult circumstances in which 5 Magham Down players were booked.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tues. 22nd April 2008
GENERAL NEWS
I've just heard that the Kick Off on Saturday against Magham Down has been put back to 3:30pm... a much more sensible time.
Arrangements are now fixed for Mon 5th May when we entertain Westside FC (from Wandsworth) with a Veteran's game followed by an 'all-age' men's game.
All we need now are players who'd like to take part in the games.
Refreshments will be served at the end of each game so bring the family - it should be another great sovcial occasion.
Talking of which, tickets have started to sell well for the Presentation Awards Dinner on Fri May 16th. Don't forget to send back your voting slip to me by Sat 3rd May.
Congratulations go out to Bexhill AAC who beat Seddlescombe in the Final of the Super Stitch Cup. it's good to know we were beaten by the eventual winners. Also Congratulations to Catsfield who secured promotion to Division 1 last Saturday when they beat white Knight.
The SportsReach Soccer school finished on Sunday with the Presentation Service at Claverham College when parents and supporters packed the School Hall to see all the youngsters collect their medals and prizes, in a church service with a difference, celebrating football through worship to God.
'Thank You' to Pete, Tom, Paul F, Ollie, Tim and Gary, the six Battle Baptist Players who participated as coaches throughout the week, which was attended by 59 budding Beckhams aged 7-14. The football ended on Saturday when Fordy's favourites were surprisingly beaten for the first time in the week in the senior section World Cup Finals.
Although exhausting, it's been a highly successful and rewarding venture which we hope to repeat sometime in the future.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri. 18th April 2008
SPORTSREACH NEWS
The SportReach Soccer School is serving up large amounts of football, faith and fun and has attracted 59 children aged 7 to 14.
Wednesday and Thursday we enjoyed wonderful sunshine during the coaching and World Cup practice sessions and although it rained this morning, we still had a great time using the indoor facilities at Claverham.
The Bible times have been keenly enjoyed and although the standard of joke telling varies from ribtickling to ropey, the SportReach Coaches who have travelled down from the North of England have treated the youngsters to excellent teaching in the Assembly times after lunch.
Tomorrow (Saturday) is the last day when the budding Beckhams compete in various skills competitions culminating in the World Cup Finals (2:15 Kick Off) when all friends and family are invited to watch. This is closely followed by a Coaches v Parents game when a BBQ will be served up. Please join us.
A Special Awards Service takes place on Sunday morning when every player receives awards for their achievements during the week. Join us in the School Hall at Claverham at 10 for 10:30am and get there early because we're expecting many.
The Awards Service will be followed by a picnic lunch for anyone who wants to stay and eat with us. There's no charge so come and join the celebration.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun. 13th April 2008
ADDED BONUS FOR 1ST TEAM
After a convincing 7-0 win against Hastings Rangers yesterday which saw the BBFC 1sts move into a positive goal difference for the first time this season, news came through that Rangers had fallen foul of a League rule in their previous encounter and the points from the 2-2 game have been awarded to Battle.
League rules specify that a maximum of 4 players can play in a lower team if they have played for a higher team within the last 42 days. Rangers, whose first team are in Division 1, overlooked the fact that more than 4 players in their March 15th team had played recently in their front team.
The news will be welcomed by our first team whose performances have been much improved in the second half of the season. Winning their final games away at Magham Down and Herstmonceux will ensure that they will finish with a 7-5-8 record in a mid-table position that better reflects their up and down season.
Second team manager Richard Ahsam will be mindful of the same rule as he picks his team for the 2nds last game of the season on Tuesday evening.
Battle Baptist II play Sedlescombe at the Recreational Ground because Claverham isn’t available because of the SportsReach Soccer School. Sedlescombe are seeking a single point from their last 2 games to secure the second automatic promotion place at the expense of Hastings Elite.
Having drawn their friendly against Guestling Rangers yesterday, the 2nd team will be looking for a strong conclusion to their 2007/8 campaign. Kick off is 6:15pm and a large support is expected for the home team.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun. 13th April 2008
MAY 5TH BANK HOLIDAY FIXTURES
Monday 5th May...We will be entertaining our friends from Westside Football Club on the Rec in Battle.
Their will be two games in a Bank Holiday football bonanza. The first game will be a ‘normal’ mens match between footballers from both Clubs.
This will be closely followed by a VETERANS game involving over 35s.
If you’re interested in playing in either game, drop me an email. Alternatively if you have an oxygen tent that you wouldn’t mind lending us, that would be equally as useful.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun. 13th April 2008
BAPTISTS EQUAL WINNING RECORD
The 1sts got the off to a flying start yesterday when captain Andy Mills won the toss and cleverly decided to kick with the blowing gale at Battle Recreational Ground in the Baptists final home game of the season.
Goals from Adam Staplehurst, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh(2), Pete Cooper(2), and Ian Rafati secured an easy win equalling the Club's Record 7-0 win over Bodiam in September 2005.
The wonderful win was founded on a solid defensive performance from the back four of Owen Davies, Alan Cowley, Andy Moore and manager's man of the match Adam Staplehurst, who hit the back of the net first in the 10th minute after watching his team-mates miss several clear chances early on.
Gary Walsh atoned for a glaring six-yard miss by following in a Cowley free kick to notch the second before Dave Mills nodded in a third from a Frere-Smith cross just before the break.
If Rangers thought that having the wind behind them would make life easier, they were mistaken when the Baptists scored straight from the kick off, Pete Cooper tapping in from close range after Dave Mills stormed down the right wing beating 3 defenders before crossing into the six yard box.
In central midfield, Dale Scowen and Andy Mills controlled the game throughout and Mills was bitterly disappointed when flagged for off side after he netted a rare headed goal. In the Battle goal, Andy Poulter only had back passes and overweighted through balls to occupy his concentration as Moore and Cowley organised an impenetrable defensive cordon.
By the time Cooper hit a fifth, Battle had employed their 3 subs Ian Rafati, Paul Rook and Max Sztyber. Rafati finished beautifully from 18 yards and Walsh completed the scoreline with a close range shot past Hastings keeper Luke Caister whose magnificent saves restricted the home team to single figures in a game that could have been so much worse for Rangers.
With a break next week for the SportsReach Soccer School, Battle will look forward to their last 2 games away at Magham Down and Herstmonceux.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun. 6th April 2008
1stS COME BACK TO DRAW.
A goal in each half by Tom Frere-Smith earned a worthy point in a close game at home to Northiam. Tom almost won the game in the dying minutes when his shot deflected off the cross bar and bounced safe.
Both teams have home games next weekend. The 1st team entertain Hastings Rangers whose game against Magham Down was postponed yesterday, whilst the 2nds have a friendly against Guestling Rangers ahead of their final League game on Tuesday evening at Sedlescombe.
Please make sure that your name is on the right list in the TEAM NEWS Section - otherwise there's a danger that we don't pick you.
Most people have received their voting slip for the annual awards and players have started to return them to me electronically. If haven't had a slip yet then get in touch and I can email you or send a form.
Fri 16th May...AWARDS DINNER...buy your ticket, at a game or at training.
The Committee meet tomorrow night (Monday). Please pray for God's will to be clearly evident on the matters of Team Management for next season and whether it's right for a 3rd team.
SPORTSREACH is just over a week away. We already have just over 40 youngsters signed up for this holiday Soccer School which combines football, faith and fun. There are still plenty of places left if you know any girls and boys who want to come (aged 7 - 13). It's Great Fun!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager