Battle Baptist Football Club

News

Sun 26/02/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY VICTORIA BAPTISTS - Sat 4th Mar. 2006. - HOME - 3pm KO

Simon Cutler, Paul Ford, Gary Williams, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Darrell Hartley, Doug Morris, Steve Chapman, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Dominic Fowler, Gary Walsh, Luke Miller, Ian Nunn, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Luke Graham.

The final squad will be posted by Thursday night, following training on Wednesday.

We are getting to the stage in the season when there are now fewer fixtures for the League Fixtures Secretary (Alan Apps) to juggle with and already we've seen that the first fixture of the month (home to Northiam) has been changed so that we are now playing Victoria Baptists at home instead.
This means that on March 25th (when we were due to play Vic Baps) we don't know who our opposition will be. I may well be more rearrangements but the fixtures at the moment look like this.

Sat 4th March - Victoria Baptists (Home)
Sat 11th March - Old Cents (Away)
Sat 18th March - Punnetts Town (Home)
Sat 25th March - ?????????????

YOU MUST LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE for any of these games. Don't wait until the week before to tell me that you can't play.

The postponed game against Hawkhurst yesterday increases the likelihood of having to play midweek evening fixtures in April, so pray all you can that the weather clears up and there are no further postponements.

Other dates for your diary are:

Sat 25th March - PLAYERS BREAKFAST at the Manor House prior to the match - details to follow.

Wed 29th March (following training) - PLAYERS MEETING - all playing members are required to attend this meeting so that we can explain and clarify how the club will operate with 2 teams next year.

Mon 17th April - BBFC Charity Football Match - Easter Monday - details to follow.

Sat 10th June - BBFC Presentation Evening - Start thinking about nominations.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 25/02/2006

Game News

Match is postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Please note the new fixtures for March are up on the site. Let Gary know if you are unavailable for any of the games.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Thur 23/02/06

Team To Play Hawkhurst - Sat 25th Feb. - Away - KO 2pm
MEET at the Church by 12:40pm
or go to the Venue by 1pm (but let me know first)

1.Simon Cutler

2.Owen Davies, 5.Gary Williams, 4.Doug Morris, 3.Darrell Hartley

11.Dave Mills, 6.Steve Chapman, 7.Andy Mills(c), 8.Paul Ford,

9.Gary Walsh, 10.Dom Fowler

Subs: 12.Chris Mammone, 13.Richard Ahsam, 14.Steve Mumford, 15.Luke Miller, 16.Ian Nunn.

This is a game we want to win for several reasons. Firstly, Hawkhurst have already beaten us earlier in the season in a very close match when we came second by one goal. Having only lost 2 games all season we don't want Hawkhurst to 'double' over us.

Hawkhurst are a contender for promotion. Although we currently hold the advantage, we mustn't let it slip. Hawkhurst will be determined to close the gap on us.

The most important reason though is that we want to bounce back from last week's disappointment. I expect no less than 100% effort in Saturday's game. We went a record 7 games without defeat and it's crutuial that we return to our winning ways.

There was no shame in our result last week. We competed hard in exceptionally difficult conditions (just see the pictures) and our opposition took good advantage of their opportunities. On a different day we would have been victorious, but that's football!!

Importantly, I expect that we have all learned that negative criticism towards team members has a detrimental effect on the spirit of the team and that, whatever emotions we have, we must control them and direct them in the right direction for the good of the team.

Again we field a strong team this week, despite some enforced changes. Pete Cooper is not available and Gary Wenham failed a fitness test on Wednesday at training. Even so, everyone is playing in a familiar position.

Luke Miller can expect to get a good run out at some point. It will be a good test for the enthusiastic and speedy youngster.
Hawkhurst don't usually have many flair players but they are extremely well organised and give all they have. We lost concentration last time we played them and conceded goals (one came from a 6 yard header from their smallest player).
Several older players in their team give experience to their play - they like to play the ball up to the centre forwards feet and then hold the ball their until support arrives. Steve Chapman's role will attempt to combat this strategy.
Our superior fitness usually means that we do well in the final quarter of the game. I expect us to be stong in the last 20 minutes and as long as we're still in the game at this stage, we can score important goals.

Our 3rd place position will be strengthened by a win on Saturday but come prepared...it will be a tough match, played in what promises to be testing conditions again. Not for the feinthearted.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 20/02/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY HAWKHURST - Sat 25th Feb. 2006. - AWAY - 2pm KO

Simon Cutler, Paul Ford, Gary Williams, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Darrell Hartley, Doug Morris, Steve Chapman, Dave Mills, Andy Mills, Dominic Fowler, Gary Walsh, Luke Miller, Steve Mumford, Ian Nunn, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Luke Graham.

The final squad will be posted by Thursday night, following training on Wednesday.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Sun 19/02/2006

Fixture Change

Everyone please note the game next week is now AWAY AT HAWKHURST. It was down to be home to St Helens but has been re-arranged. Please phone Gary asap if this affects your availability in any way.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Sat 18/02/2006

BBFC Site Update

After our defeat to Benbow everything is now updated, with the relevant stats, reports, pictures and player profiles.
Go through the pictures section to see pictures from today's game, or Click Here

Stats:
By appearing today Dave Mills became the first player in the club's history to make 50 League and Cup appearcances. Well done Dave!
Dave's stats:

Seasons: League Appearances League Goals Cup Appearances Cup Goals

2004/5 25 2 5 1

2005/6 13 3 7 2

Total 38 5 12 3

Tom's goal in the first half meant we scored in our 16th successive game, extending our recently set record.
Click Here to view the Club Records.

A word on todays game:
We are obviously disappointed but should accept that Benbow played better than us on the day and we were not able to sufficiently adapt our game to suit the conditions.
Though our unbeaten run has ended, we need to pick ourselves up and start a new one next week against St Helens.

On a more positive note, we are now fifth in the Sportsmanship Table having not even been in the top-ten when it was last published. Well done all and lets keep rising up this table as well:
1. BURWASH 9.08
2. HASTINGS A.P.F. 8.75
3. PECHE HILL 11 8.67
4. NORTHIAM 11 8.63
5. BATTLE BAPTISTS 8.58

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Wed 15/02/06

Team To Play Benbow- Sat 18th Feb. - Home- KO 1.30pm
MEET at the Rec at 12:30pm

1.Simon Cutler

2.Paul Ford, 5.Gary Williams, 4.Steve Chapman, 3.Darrell Hartley

11.Dave Mills, 6.Adrian Gaylon, 7.Andy Mills(c), 8.Pete Cooper,

9.Tom Frere-Smith, 10.Adam Johnson

Subs: 12.Chris Mammone, 13.Luke Miller, 14.Steve Mumford, 15.Dom Fowler, 16.Gary Walsh.

A word about the opposition:
Benbow won at the weekend in another cup competition and are now in the semi-finals of that as well.
They are a young-side who break forward quickly. It will be vitally important that Andy and Adrian track back and support the back 4. They do not have one or two main scorers but they contribute throughout the team with many strikes coming from a quick and skilful midfield that supports the front two.
Before the weekend they had played the same amount of games as us (13), scored the same amount (43) but conceded 7 less (15 compared to 22). This is a really good defensive effort to only let in a goal a game, and this is why that have been doing so well. We have undoubted talent upfront, with the club's two most naturally gifted players upfront together for the first time. Lets hope they have the skills to unlock the Benbow defence. The rest of the side have to support the front two, but must also remember their defensive duties. We must get our tackles in early to prevent the back four being exposed to a fast counter-attack and we will need the experienced heads of Simon, Steve and Gary at the back to keep us organised even when under pressure.

While this is the biggest game in the short history of our club, we MUST remember that we represent our faith, our club and ourselves when we step out onto the pitch. There is a lot of pressure on this game so people are bound to get wound up, but if you make sure it isn't you we stand a much better chance of being the ones rejoicing come the final whistle. We should be well protected on Saturday, as the ref is the chairman of the East Sussex Football League, so leave it to him to sort any foul play out and lets make a positive impression of the club and what it stands for.

There is a chance that if the rain continues the pitch at Battle may be unplayable. If this is the case we would look to move the game to Benbow's pitch at Bulverhythe. We will do a ring around if that is the case, but please check the site for updates throughout the morning.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Mon 13/02/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY Benbow- Sat 18th Feb. 2006. - HOME - 1.30pm KO

Simon Cutler, Paul Ford, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Pete Cooper, Dominic Fowler, Steve Chapman, Luke Miller, Steve Mumford, Ian Nunn, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Luke Graham, Tom Frere-Smith, Adam Johnson.

The final squad will be posted by Thursday night, following training on Wednesday. I will do a look at the game and the opposition then as well.

We all know how important this game will be and we are blessed that despite missing those players off falling down hills we are able to have such a strong squad.
Adam and Tom are set to start upfront for the first time in what should be a dynamic and hopefully prolific partnership. Unlucky not to be playing, Dom Fowler is sure to have an impact from the bench, where he will be joined late on in the game by a returning Gary Walsh.

Injuries permitting, Steve Chapman will form a new defensive partnership with last week's MOTM, Gary Williams, allowing Pete to return to his usual left wing position.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Sat 11/02/2006

BBFC Site Update

Well done everyone!

After our win at Bodiam everything is now updated, with the relevant stats, reports, pictures and player profiles.

Go through the pictures section to see pictures from today's game. Click on "Pictures from our last game" to see some of today's action. There is also a new section there, concerning our social events and this features our recent trip to the Premiership Reserve League Match at Fulham. Pictures Section

Stats:
We set a new record of seven matches without defeat today.
Tom's goal in the first half meant we scored in our 15th successive game, also a new record.
Click Here to view the Club Records.

A word on todays game:
Despite being without some regulars, we performed really well in a good-spirited encounter. It was a squad effort today, with a mixture of youth and experience on the pitch and also on the sidelines. It was especially nice to see Luke Miller make his debut, and I'm sure he will be eager for his next chance.
Special praise also goes to Richard Ahsam, who is standing in for the absent Gary Walsh. He had this to say about today:
"A team of lions represented the club today, and the biggest lion of all was Gary Williams, who was my man of the match. Everyone worked hard today and everyone can be proud of their efforts, the spirit of the game was fantastic and I was delighted to give the referee 10/10 for his performance."

All BBFC players and supporters please note Chris Mammone and Matt Lee are being baptised tomorrow night (kick-off 6.30pm) at the Zion Chapel. Please come along and support your teammates.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Sat 11/02/2006

Team News Update

Doug has unfortunately failed to recover sufficiently from his injuries last weekend, so there is a reshuffle to the team.
Pete Cooper drops back to centre-back, Paul Ford takes up the left wing position and Chris Mammone will cover right-back. Steve Chapman and Luke Miller are added to the bench, with Richard Ahsam concentrating on management today.

Meet at the church at 12.30 for prayer and to help with all the match-day organisation.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Thur 09/02/2006

ENGLAND U-21 GAME - Tues 28th Feb. 2006. - 7:45pm KO

If you're checking to see the team for Saturday then look below. The team is there!!

But Steve Chapman has applied for 10 tickets to see England U-21 play Norway at Reading Football Ground on Tues 28th Feb.
If you're interested in going, please send me an email at bbfcmanager@aol.com
The cars will leave Battle at 4:30pm and return late.
Cost �5 (to cover petrol)

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Wed 01/02/06

Team To Play Bodiam - Sat 11th Feb. - Away - KO 2pm
MEET at the Church at 12:45pm

Venue:Bodiam

1.Simon Cutler

2.Paul Ford, 5.Gary Williams, 4.Doug Morris, 3.Darrell Hartley

7.Dave Mills, 6.Adrian Gaylon, 11.Andy Mills(c), 8.Pete Cooper,

9.Tom Frere-Smith, 10.Dominic Fowler

Subs: 12.Chris Mammone, 13.Richard Ahsam, 14.Steve Mumford, 15.Ollie Jeffs, 16.Ian Nunn.

It's great news that Tom is back this weekend. The ESFL website has the top goalscorers for each division and Tom features 4th in our division with 14 goals, this despite only having played 6 games.
The opposition will get the gitters when they see him warming up.

With 3 regular first team players unavailable this weekend, you might imagine the team to look weaker but that's not the case. With Dave and Andy coming back the team looks even stronger.

Don't expect a repeat of the first fixture when we easily beat Bodiam 7-0 in our first outing of the season. Bodiam will be much better organised and like Travaux last week, they will raise their game because they are playing one of the best teams in the division.
The bottom of our division is very close and Bodiam are desperate for points. They will hope to catch us on an off day. If I was the Bodiam manager I'd be encouraging my team to compete phisically, disrupting our play and closing us down sharply. We need to keep the tempo high and avoid getting into verbals with them. Remember that we are a fit team and often come through in the last 20 minutes. Goals are sure to come as long as we defend strongly and persevere.

Last week we scored a goal that will feature in the goal of the season, not because of it's individual flair but because it was such a brilliant footballing move, ending in an accurately executed downward header by Dominic.
If you think any other goals you've seen this year should feature in the goal of the season, let me know about it.

I can't be at the game on Saturday and I'm certain to feel a sense of emptiness at 2pm. You can rest assured that wherever I am at that time, my prayers will be for the football team.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 06/02/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY BODIAM - Sat 11th Feb. 2006. - AWAY - 2pm KO

Simon Cutler, Paul Ford, Gary Williams, Doug Morris, Darrell Hartley, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Pete Cooper, Dominic Fowler, Steve Chapman, Luke Miller, Steve Mumford, Ian Nunn, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Luke Graham.

The final squad will be posted by Thursday night, following training on Wednesday.

Bodiam will be looking to avenge their 7-0 defeat on the opening day of the season when their team looked like it had been hastily put together for the first game.
We don't expect the Bodiam defence to be as generous as they were on that day but with Dominic in such goal scoring form, and with Andy, Dave and Chris back from their skiing extravaganza, we should be in a strong position to win this game.

It's particularly good to have the captain back. We missed Andy's strength and stamina in central midfield last week, and with Dave marauding up and down the right and Pete switching over to his customary left flank, we'll look well balanced and solid in midfield.

The defence also looks secure with the availability of Doug Morris who will have recovered from his eye injury by this weekend. Paul is likely to occupy a more familiar full back position filling in for Owen who is not available.

The only question outstanding is who will take the striker's role to support Dom. Steve Chapman's ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play complements Dom's speed and energy.
But don't rule out the 2 Lukes. Luke Graham has an abundance of skill and will cause massive problems with his trickery in the 18 yard box, and newly signed Luke Miller is almost certain to feature at some point in this game, adding even more energy and pace to the attack.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 04/02/2006

BBFC Site Update

After the match at Travaux, everything is now updated, with the relevant stats, reports, pictures and player profiles.

Go through the pictures section to see pictures from today's game. Click on "Pictures from our last game" to see some of today's action, and click on "Battled Baptists" to see Doug and Paul's injuries!Click Here.

Stats:
Dom's goal in the first half meant we scored in our 14th successive game, a new record.
We also equalled our best ever run of six by avoiding defeat.
Click Here to view the Club Records.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Fri 03/02/2006

FEBRUARY FIXTURE CHANGE

We've just heard from Alan Apps (ESFL Fixtures Secretary) that our away trip to Victoria Baptists on Sat 11th Feb (a week tomorrow) has been postponed until a later date.

We are now away to Bodiam instead.

This comes about because we switched the fixture last week when we were due to play Victoria at home but ended up playing the fixture away instead.
It will also affect other fixtures in Division 4 that day.
Our games for February now look like this:

4th Travaux - AWAY
11th Bodiam - AWAY
18th Benbow - HOME - Semi final of the Cup
25th St. Helens - HOME

If anyone talks to Andy and Dave (who are skiing at the moment but are due to return on the morning of the Bodiam game) please let them know of the change.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Wed 01/02/06

Team To Play TRAVAUX - Sat 4th Feb. - Away - KO 2pm
MEET at the Church at 12:30pm

Venue:Bexhill Road, Bulverhythe (Harley Shute End)

1.Simon Cutler

2.Owen Davies, 5.Gary Wenham, 7.Gary Williams, 3.Darrell Hartley

11.Pete Cooper, 6.Mike Gould, 4.Doug Morris, 8.Paul Ford,

9.Gary Walsh, 10.Dominic Fowler

Subs: 12.Adrian Gaylon, 13.Richard Ahsam, 14.Steve Mumford, 15.Ollie Jeffs, 16.Ian Nunn.

This is a game that we're expected to win but it's also a potential banana skin. Travaux scored 2 goals against us in January, both were shots outside the box. They have players in midfiled that can strike the ball accurately so we need to close them down quickly without flying into the tackle. Without Andy Mills this week, Doug and Mike will provide good cover in the centre and we will rely on Pete and Paul to get forward to support the front men.
The whole team will need to work hard so that the opposition don't get any encouragement.

In defence, Travaux like to play the offside trap. With the speed of Dominic, this is good news for us because they are bound to slip up and let us in, especially if our strikers set off 5 yards onside, and the ball is released slightly earlier.

We have built our success on a solid, well-organised defence. This stretches throughout the whole team. Keeping the shape of the team so that no-one is pulled out of position is one of our essential principles.

At the start of the season, I estimated that 23 points would be needed to avoid relegation. We achieved this with the 3-1 win at Victoria Baptists last Saturday so a fresh target is needed.
Last year we achieved 42 points from 26 games so this number of points from only 22 games would be an improvement. This represents a further 6 wins from the 10 games left and would put us in with a good chance of promotion, especially if we achieve it sooner rather than later.

So there's the challenge...another 18 points from 10 games. Whether this puts us in line for promotion will depend on who we get the points from. The massive games are against Red Lion, Victoria Baptists, St Helens (x2) and Hawkhurst, but if we are serious contenders we must also raise our spirit to beat the teams like Travaux.

It strikes me that with such ambitions, EVERY game is a big one.
Let's take every match as it comes, eh!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Seasons:	League Appearances	League Goals	Cup Appearances	Cup Goals
2004/5	25	2	5	1
2005/6	13	3	7	2
Total	38	5	12	3