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Thur 30/03/06

Team To Play ST HELENS - Sat 1st April, 2006. - Home - KO 3pm

 

1.Simon Cutler

2.Owen Davies, 5.Gary Wenham, 4.Doug Morris, 3.Paul Ford

11.Chris Mammone, 6.Dave Mills , 7.Andy Mills(c), 8.Pete Cooper,

10.Dom Fowler, 9.Tom Frere-Smith,


Subs: 12.Steve Chapman, 13.Gary Walsh, 14.Darrell Hartley, 15.Luke Miller, 16..

Meet at the Church by 1:40pm.
Alternatively at William Parker School, Hastings by 2pm...but tell me first!

Thanks to everyone who came to the players' meeting yesterday.
For anyone who couldn't make it, we explained how the Club will operate when we have 2 teams next year. It's important that everyone who registers for BBFC understands the expectations and is aware of the necessity to make themselves available for either team.

We are aiming to develop the Club by extending the special qualities that we already have. There is potential for the Club to become destabolised if we seperate into 2 teams that don't mix.
If you weren't able to be at the meeting and want to know more, please ask someone who can tell you all about it.

Saturday's game is interesting because we have never played St Helens before. They are a newly formed side this year.

I'm attempting to do some squad rotation again this week to ensure that everyone stays involved and gets some football. I hope this is popular with most even though it may not please everyone individually.

I myself am desperate to play and the swelling in my knee and ankle is subsiding so that I will be fit if needed. Hopefully though I won't play...I'm sure that the week's rest will do me good and we have two worthy strikers to knock enough goals in.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 19/03/2006

PLAYERS' MEETING WED EVENING

To launch the 2nd team and plan for next season, we're holding a players' meeting at the Manna House (next to the Baptist Church, Mount St) on Wednesday after training.

If you are a current BBFC player or you are interested in playing next year, you are expected to be at the Church for 8:30pm.
Training will stop at about 8:25pm
Coffee will be served in the Manna House from half eight.

This is an evening not to be missed!!!
We aim to finish about 9:30 but stick around until 10 if you can.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 26/03/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY ST HELENS - Sat 1st April. 2006. - AWAY - 3pm KO

Simon Cutler, Ian Nunn, Paul Ford, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Darrell Hartley, Doug Morris, Steve Chapman, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Dominic Fowler, Gary Walsh, Luke Miller, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Pete Cooper, Tom Frere-Smith, Pat Mammone.

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

Even though we had lots of chances to score on Saturday, those who were at the away game against Red Lion earlier in the season will understand why I'm not at all disappointed with the draw. In the away fixture, it was us that was on the back foot - we did well to come back from a goal down and bring a point away with a 1-1 draw (dya remember the Gary Williams save when he scooped the ball of the line by putting his foot through the side netting?)
There have been other games in the season when we've had the run of the ball and got the result so you have to take the rough with the smooth (great cliche)

Saturday's result means that we now know exactly what we have to achieve from our last 4 games if we still want promotion...and it's still in our own hands. That alone is a great achievement - to reach this stage and know that we control our own path to the top 2.

I remember last season and the way we fell away from the top of the table and finished solomnly with Stuart's broken leg and the disappointment of losing the Neville Barnett Trophy to Beulah.
I don't think we'll have a similar repetition of a that nature. The Club atmosphere is bouyant with many players getting a game and talk of a second team starting in September.

I haven't had direct contact with Pat yet but Chris mentioned that he's back from Uni. now and is available for selection, so I've included him in the squad (as if I need more midfield players to choose from eh!).
Gary Williams is away for the next 3 Saturday's, making the selection of centre backs only very slightly slightly easier.

We know practically nothing about our oppo's on Saturday, having never played them before. St Helens were newly elected to the East Sussex Football League this season and made a very good start to the season but have drifted backwards into the middle of the division. The only approach is to concentrate on our own game and play to our strengths. Pete Cooper has friends who play for St Helens so we'll try to pick his brains.

Don't forget the Player's Meeting on Wednesday night. It's at the Manna House at 8:30pm straight after training and we should be done by 9:30 if you're arranging lifts home.
The purpose is to launch the Second Team, clarifying how the Club will operate next year with 2 teams. I'm expecting every player to be there (unless you've got a sick note)! Please let me know if you can't make it. There will be hot drinks and opportunity to ask questions or just chat about football.

I want to thank Clive, Margaret and Anya for the fabulous breakfast we enjoyed on Saturday morning. They worked hard to make sure it went smoothly and I've had positive feedback from several different people who have requested that we do it again sometime (...but no mushrooms next time - says Paul!!)

Just one last thing...I wonder how we're doing in the Sportmanship Trophy...does anybody know?

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Fri 24/03/06

Team To Play RED LION - Sat 25th March. - Home - KO 3pm

 

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.Pete Cooper,

10.Tom Frere-Smith 9.Gary Walsh,


Subs: 12.Chris Mammone, 13.Dom Fowler, 14.Paul Ford, 15.Gary Wenham, 16.Adrian Gaylon.

Meet at the Rec by 2pm.

This is the team that will line up to start the game against Red Lion tomorrow.

I have played Red Lion many many times and I understand how we can beat them. I must have contemplated every possible scenario and I've settled on this team. It's built to combat Red Lion and also gives us the edge in attack.
I know there will be some disappointed players who login tonight to find that they aren't in the starting line up. I couldn't prevent that!. (I encourage you to hide your disappointment and get behind the team to ensure that we do well. If there are any issues, I would want you to bring them to me so that I can explain directly to you what I'm thinking).
Substitutions WILL take place and they are certain to be influential.

I'm very much aware that my messages and team talks may give the impression that we are taking it all 'too seriously'. I do understand that we are playing firstly and foremostly for enjoyment. However, why should we NOT try to achieve our best performance? If we are well-organised and disciplined, we will enjoy our football so much more. We will achieve far more, as a team, than we could ever achieve as individuals.

I believe God wants me to manage the football team because it's possible to compete (and win) whilst still showing Christian witness, and WITHOUT being aggressively unfriendly towards opposition or officials (or towards each other for that matter).
We do not ridicule or slander our opposition. Football is designed so that both teams AIM to win. But win or lose, as soon as the final whistle blows, we shake hands and go home. It's not THAT important!!!

Stick together, encourage each other, build one another up and enjoy seeing each other develop and prosper. That way we can all have a great time in fellowship...and who knows where it might lead us.
Just remember, it all happens through the faithful and loving Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am so excited about tomorrow. I apologise for eulogising. Forgive me.
...and I'm sorry for the delay in posting the team this week. It was difficult.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all for breakfast!!!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 16/03/06

Team To Play Red Lion - Sat 25th March. - Home - KO 3pm

 


The Final 16 is:
Simon Cutler, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Steve Chapman, Doug Morris, Paul Ford, Darrell Hartley, Chris Mammone, Dave Mills, Andy Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Pete Cooper, Dom Fowler, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith

Meet at the Rec by 2pm.

There's a couple of things to sort out before I announce the starting 11. I'll post the team on the website on Friday evening.

REMEMBER: PLAYERS' BREAKFAST, Sat 9 for 9:30am at the Manor House (attached to the church, Mount Street).
We should be finished by 11 so there's time to go home and come back for the match in the afternoon.

We know the strengths and weaknesses of Red Lion pretty well and this needs to be a real team performance.

The pitch has dried very quickly but it will benefit from the heavy rain - forcast for Friday morning. With more light rain due on Saturday afternoon, the surface is sure to be untrustworthy. An ability to play tactically is important, as it always is when we play Red Lion.

Our opponents need to win to have any chance of finishing second. This will make them determined, but nervously vulnerable. We can exploit this. A good start similar to last weeks game will really unsettle them.

One thing we can expect is a high scoring game. No matter which team goes ahead, the other has the players to come back, even from several goals down.
This puts out a challenge to our defence. We will surely win the game if we can restrict them to just one goal, or even keep a clean sheet.

Games against Red Lion are always exciting and enjoyable. This one promises to be no different.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 20/03/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY RED LION - Sat 25th Mar. 2006. - HOME - 3pm KO

Simon Cutler, Ian Nunn, Paul Ford, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Doug Morris, Steve Chapman, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Dominic Fowler, Gary Walsh, Luke Miller, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Pete Cooper, Mike Gould, Tom Frere-Smith.

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

With concerns about whether my swollen knee will be recovered by Saturday, I was delighted to hear that University football has ended and that Tom is available for this week's game against Red Lion. Please continue to pray for my injured knee because I would relish the opportunity to play in attack with Tom against Red Lion.

Everyone has responded so well to the increased competition for places and so thare are some tough selection decisions to make this week.

Red Lion are particularly strong in attack and win most of their games by scoring lots of goals and conceding fewer. Astonishingly for a team in 2nd position they have conceded 51 goals, reflecting their weakness in defence.

Their strongest attacker is Val Cheang who is very skilful and quick. He has a great eye for goal and scored a stunner in the 1-1 draw earlier in the season. Val plays off a stocky centre forward who holds the ball up powerfully.
However Red Lion also have 2 great wide midfield players who have an abundance of skill and pace. Whenever we have done well against Red Lion it has been when we have made these wide players ineffective.

The key to winning this Saturday is to nullify these 4 players and to keep them pressed back in their own half so that they have to concentrate on defending. In other words, attack is the best form of defence and we cannot afford to let Red Lion play in the way they want to.

There are several reasons why I feel Red Lion will be nervous about playing us and this will give us the upper hand.
Firstly, they lost last week and only have one more game after playing us. We have 3 games in hand and if they lose, we will become favourites to finish second behind Hastings Rangers. If they start badly, they will find it difficult to recover. We know from past encounters that their key players go off the ball if things don’t quite go their way.

Secondly, we are stronger throughout the whole side. Red Lion only have 16 players signed on and often struggle for numbers. There are sure to be weaker players that we can exploit, probably in defence, where Tom’s, or Dominic’s or Luke’s pace and skill will prove telling.

In order to beat Red Lion we need to prevent them from using their key players. I need to pick a team strategically so that we can match their strengths and overpower them in other areas. This really does need to be a team effort. I would ask that once I make the final selection, everyone gets behind the team in support.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 19/03/2006

I NEED YOUR PRAYERS

My right knee is heavily swollen with fluid. I can't recall the injury that caused it. I just remember that it happened in the first half of yesterday's game. I still have flexibility in all directions and the joint/tendons are sore but not painful. The only pain seems to be due to the fluid swelling which must be there for a reason.

I'm taking anti-inflamatories, elevating it whenever possible and I have it strapped to give compression. But, the speed of these earthly measures concerns me and I need faster healing in order to be fit for Saturday's game against Red Lion.
Please find time in your busy week to pray that the injury repairs and heals in time for Saturday.
Pray with urgency and expectancy.

I don't mean to sound selfish...Whilst in the attitude, there are many other things that you could pray about concerning the Football Club.
Ask the Lord because He's the boss and He CAN make it happen.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 18/03/2006

A WONDERFUL DAY FOR BBFC!


God's blessings were poured over us yesterday as we got back to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Punnetts Town.
Pete Cooper scored twice in the first 5 mins and then set up a third for captain Andy Mills to give us an unassailable lead after just 10 minutes of play.
Although Punnetts Town came back into the game, they never really looked like breaching the superb defensive wall which once again was wonderfully supported by keeper Simon Cutler.
Dave and Andy Mills were strong in midfield, winning possesssion and spoiling attacks.
The killer goal was cooly finished by Dom Fowler in the second half. Punnetts Town had a corner that was cleared and as we broke quickly, Dom was put clear through on goal. Sidestepping around the goalkeeper he slotted the ball into an empty net for 4-0.
Punnetts Town got their consolation from a well worked corner but with the wind in their favour, they couldn't make up for the loss of goals in the first 10 minutes.

Our CONGRATULATIONS also go out to Hastings Rangers who didn't play yesterday but the 1-0 defeat of Red Lion by Hawkhurst ensures that Rangers are effectively champions. The only team that can stop them now is Battle Baptists. We would need to win all our games (not inconceivable) but Rangers would have to lose all thiers (very doubtful).

The Red Lion defeat was an added blessing to us. If we beat them next week we will go within 1 point and would still have 3 games in hand.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 16/03/06

Team To Play Punnetts Town - Sat 18th March. - Home - KO 3pm

 

1.Simon Cutler/Ian Nunn

2.Owen Davies, 5.Gary Wenham, 4.Doug Morris, 3.Paul Ford

6.Chris Mammone, 11.Dave Mills, 7.Andy Mills(c), 8.Pete Cooper,

10.Luke Miller 9.Gary Walsh,


Subs: 12.Darrell Hartley , 13.Dom Fowler, 14.Adrian Gaylon, 15.Gary Williams, 16..

Meet at the Rec by 2pm.

TEAM NEWS:Small changes to the team that gave a magnificent show at Hawkhurst last week.
Darrell has done nothing wrong at left back but Paul has gets a chance to start there this week.
Gary Wenham will mark tightly at centre-half and just edges out Gary Williams who wasn't available last week but is back in the mix for this week.
Similarly, Luke had a great first half last week and is given another opportunity to start in favour of Dominic who returns from injury and who will relish the chance to come on against a tiring defence.
Chris Mammone, who played with massive endeavour and effort last week keeps his right midfield position.
Adrian is named as sub in case he's needed in midfield.

Don't forget to pin the BBFC flyer to the fridge or on your bedroom notice board.
The first date to remember is the PLAYER'S BREAKFAST on Sat. 25th March when everyone involved in the Club is invited to get together at 9 (for 9:30am) for a full fry up free of charge.
We envisage finishing at about 11 to 11:30 allowing enough time to go away and come back in time for the afternoon's game, wherever it is.

I've volunteeered to put together the Club Portfolio which the League require in support of our application for a 2nd team next season.
We need to supply names and addresses of the players that intend to register for us so that the League are convinced of the viability.
Please email me or call to let me know if you want to be involved next year.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 13/03/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY PUNNETTS TOWN - Sat 18th Mar. 2006. - HOME - 3pm KO

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

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

Last Saturday's draw at Hawkhurst owed more to our spirited defence who were back to their mean ways. Simon was in fantastic form making several spectacular reflex saves and picking out crosses with security and ease.

Doug's second half bullet header gave us the belief that we could win...and we nearly did. Dave and Andy suffered injury yet tirelessly fought on to great effect. Chris gave his all for the sake of the team. Every player did their very best and if it weren't for a last minute equaliser we would have taken all 3 points.

I detected a renewed spirit in our team on Saturday and, regardless of the result, I came away from the game feeling uplifted and encouraged having thoroughly enjoyed the competitive and close nature of the contest.

This week Simon hopes to be available in time for KO and we have Gary Williams back. Doubts surround the availability of Adrian (injury) and Chris (visiting Paddy?). Steve Mumford is away on the Torquay trail.

Punnetts Town have a different look to them since we played them back at the start of 2006. They will still have Joe and Sal in attack but there are some new names who are getting on the score sheet suggesting that they have found some new talent.

However, the form we showed last Saturday is extremely encouraging and we have newly found talent of our own to parade...and I'm not talking about Steve Chapman!!

(Don't forget to put the Player's Breakfast in your diary for Sat 25th March - 9 for 9:30am at the Monor House)

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 02/03/2006

Football Kickabout at the Rec on Sunday
Shake off Saturday's stiffness by joining Bryn and friends(including pastor Quan)at Battle Rec on Sunday afternoon.
The game starts at about 2:30pm. Everyone is welcome!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 11/03/2006

BBFC Site Update

After our draw at Hawhurst 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.
For a match report and a look at today's details go through the fixtures area and click on the score, or Click Here.

Stats:
By appearing today Andy Mills became the second player in the club's history to make 50 League and Cup appearances, reaching the mark only two games behind his brother Dave.
Andy's stats:
Seasons: League Appearances League Goals Cup Appearances Cup Goals
2004/5 23 0 5 2
2005/6 15 1 7 0
Total 38 1 12 2


Posted by: Steve Mumford

Thur 01/03/06

Team To Play Hawkhurst - Sat 11th March. - Away - KO 3pm

 

1.Simon Cutler

2.Owen Davies, 5.Steve Chapman, 4.Doug Morris, 3.Darrell Hartley

6.Chris Mammone, 11.Dave Mills, 7.Andy Mills(c), 8.Pete Cooper,

10.Luke Miller 9.Gary Walsh,


Subs: 12.Paul Ford, 13.Bryn Frere-Smith, 14.Ollie Jeffs, 15.Steve Mumford, 16..

Note the 3pm KO!! Meet at the Church by 1:40pm.
alternatively at Hawkhurst (St George's Field) by 2pm...but tel me first!

TEAM NEWS:Simon has made a great recovery and plays in goal. Dominic hurt his back and foot at training midweek and is rested. Pete returns in the side. Gary Williams, Gary Wenham, Richard, Adrian and Mike are unavailable. Paul is rested to sub. Chris starts. Dave has a new role. Luke is given his first start. Bryn comes in to take a subs suit.

There has been much prayer and meditation over this week's lineup. I have incorporated quite a few changes from the last 2 outings. These changes will please some and displease others, but I ask for the support of every player in pulling the team together.

I've picked the starting 11 with a particular plan in mind. Chris Mammone has shown promising improvement in his appearances as sub recently. This together with his hard work at training warrants a starting opportunity on the right side of midfield.
As Chris is developing into a stronger player, he is increasing the competition for places on the right hand side of the team, and this will have consequences across the whole lineup.

One such consequence is that Dave moves into a central role, filling the space made vacant because Steve is covering for Gary Williams this week. The second consequence is that there is no position in midfield for everyone's favourite, Paul, whose energy and enthusiasm are an inspirational example to everyone. It's HIGHLY UNLIKELY that Paul will stay on the bench for more than 45 minutes.

Luke Miller has also impressed at training but as yet he's had little opportunity to shine in his two substitute appearances. Dom's timely niggles have opened the door for Luke to start. We need to talk before the game about how we get the best from his position in the team.

One fantastically encouraging thing to have happened is that we are now back in the top ten in the Sportsmanship trophy. This is mega important to me. It reflects the kind of players that I want to be at Battle Baptists.

Win or lose this Saturday, we will still be in a good position for promotion. However, much more important is the willingness of every player to work hard to support and encourage the team during these difficult weeks. I repeat my words from earlier in the week when I said that we get our strength from the Lord. Pray for the the team to be filled to overflowing with a friendly and competitive spirit, so that our club will continue it's success and we all enjoy wonderful fellowship together.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 06/03/2006

SQUAD TO PLAY HAWKHURST - Sat 11th Mar. 2006. - AWAY - 3pm KO

Simon Cutler, Paul Ford, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Darrell Hartley, Doug Morris, Steve Chapman, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Dominic Fowler, Gary Walsh, Luke Miller, Richard Ahsam, Ollie Jeffs, Chris Mammone, Pete Cooper, Steve Mumford, Mike Gould.

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

There's both good and bad news from Simon Cutler. Firstly, the good news is that his injured knee has made great progress since he was subbed on Saturday. The bad news is that he has a badly swollen finger which he suspects may be broken. Simon was contemplating a visit to the hospital if there was no improvement by this morning. I'm awaiting further info in the week but prayer is needed for the healing hand of the Lord to repair Simon's finger. He made three stunning saves on Saturday and we will miss him badly if he's ruled out for Saturday.

Gary Williams and Richard aren't available this week but Pete Cooper is back from skiing and Steve Mumford returns from his Chester excursion. Although they are included in the squad, fitness tests on Gary Wenham and Mike Gould will determine their availability for selection.

Following 2 disappointing results we would be excused for feeling glum at this time. Strong character and firm faith is needed from all players. I expect everyone who loves this club to pull together and be encouraging in both words and actions.

I'm not the only one who is feeling under spiritual attack with respect to footballing matters right now. Our strength, both as individuals and collectively, comes only from our sovreign Lord and we must make strong our relationship with Him through persistent prayer.

When the Devil detects a chink in our armour, he will get in there and open it up, relishing in the disruption he creates and in the pain caused. Negative comments, scheming, or shadow-talking plays into his hands. He craves to see our wonderful club defeated. We must challenge and compete.

During difficult times, it's the way that individuals behave that defines a great team. It's time to show unity and support for the club. I want positive encouragement in every word spoken, whether on or off the field.

God doesn't expect us to brood on disappointment or feel sorry for ourselves. He wants our club to remain strong. What is in the past cannot be undone but is forgiven. On Wednesday at training, and on Saturday, He will give opportunity to build our Spirit and to hold firmly to what we have been so generously given.

Be there (...or be in prayer)!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 02/03/2006

Thought for the Week
Just 2 more wins will ensure that 6 teams in Division 4 are certain to finish the season below us.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 01/03/06

Team To Play Victoria Baptists- Sat 4th March. - Home - KO 3pm

 

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.Ollie Jeffs, 15.Luke Miller, 16.Adrian Gaylon.

Note the 3pm KO!! Meet at the Rec by 2pm.

This is a BIG BIG BIG game for us. The weather has enabled the pitch to dry out in the early part of the week and it's likely that we will play.

Even without Pete's availability, the team is looking good and the sub's bench is a also great mix of youthful enthusiasm and wisened experience (though I won't say whose got which!). The subs will certainly play a huge part again, in the same way that in the last fixture against Victoria, Chris came on to score a stonking goal.

Victoria Baptists only have 2 more league fixtures left and if we beat them on Saturday we are certain to finish above them. What an incentive!
Also, Red Lion play Hastings Rangers this week and there's an opportunity to narrow the gap to Red Lion without using our games in hand.
But a better reason for wanting to win is to shake off the memory of our cup exit 2 weeks ago and immediately restore our team spirit and belief.

Simon is driving back Saturday morning to play in goal and this enables me to play a strong defensive line up. We still have the best defensive record in the division having only let in 22 goals.

We know Victoria have 2 very nippy skillful forwards. Defenders will need to stay close to their man and make good decisions about when to tackle.

Both games against Victoria this season have been tight affairs with us coming out stronger in the final minutes. Saturday's game is likely to be no different. The work we put into the earlier part of the game will pay off for us at the end.

Last time, Victoria got their tactics wrong. They played their older striker in midfield where he is less effective. He is very good at holding up the ball and playing as a target man. I'd expect him to be employed up front this time to help them keep the ball in the forward line.
This means they are likely to play 4-3-3 and we need to ensure that we take full advantage of the extra man we have in midfield.
We do this by pressing the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, enabling Dave, Andy and Paul to make an impression on the Victoria defense.
If we sit back and wait for them to come at us, they will benefit from their extra attacker. The first 20 mins is crutial and we need to dominate both in possession and territory.

Several players have been impressing me in training. Paul is growing in confidence and his energy levels are unbelievably high. He played a critical part during the second half of the last Victoria game and I expect him to be influantial this time also. He's learning the left midfield role quickly.
Chris is getting stronger and stronger and his confidence is up as well having scored some vitally important goals for us.
Luke Miller shows determination and commitment and he is fast!! As a right winger Luke will breeze past full backs. If we can accommodate him and give him good service, he will provide crosses into the danger area for attackers and midfielders to convert.
It's great to see these players developing in their footballing ability. In the future of BBFC they will be regular 1st choice players. Wednesday training is already a breeding ground for young enthusiastic talent. The toughest challenge for us is to provide opportunities for these players to translate their performances to Saturdays...Roll on September.

On a simultaneously sad and happy note, we say farewell and God Bless to Luke Graham this week. Luke had his last practice with us tonight before he packs up and moves to the USA to marry the girl of his dreams. Luke has a magnificent ability to keep the ball magnetised to his feet whilst running. His skill has mesmerized and confounded many a frustrated defender and although we will miss him greatly at training, we all wish him a successful and happy godfilled life in his new home. I expect an invite to the big day Luke...but I'll tell you now, I will unfortunately have to decline.
...At training there was a suggestion that we would take Luke out for a parting drink in Battle on Friday so be on your toes in case you get a last minute call.

Posted by: bbfcmanager