Thur 31/08/2006
NEW SIGNINGS
News broke today that Chris Mammone and Loksan Harley are available to play in Saturday's opening League games as their registration forms went through at record speed.
Thanks go out to super-efficient secretary Gary Wenham who personally delivered the forms to the address of the ESFL Registrations Secretary so that we could be certain that the two players would be registered in time.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 30/08/2006
BATCHELOR RETURNS
It's brilliant to welcome back Stuart Batchelor into the squad for this Saturday's League opener against Little Common. Stuart broke his leg playing for BBFC at the end of the 2004/5 season. He looked like his old self tonight at training - full of fitness and enthusiasm - and passed himself fit to play this weekend.
With such a strong-looking midfield, I'm sure Stuart won't mind playing a support role until he regains full match fitness, when he'll add to the competition for midfield places. Having played in the Premier League, his experience will be valuable to our Club and as a close friend I'm personally delighted to see Stuart involved once again.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 26/08/2006
Saturday's RESULTS
CATSFIELD 5-4 BBFC I (HT 2-4)
BBFC II 1-7 PELHAM (HT 1-2)
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thu 25/08/2006
WARNING!!
Please remember that Powdermills Lane may be closed on Saturday due to the Bank Holiday Concerts at Battle Abbey. We may need to find an alternative route into Catsfield.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thu 24/08/2006
MATCH SUBS
I've been asked to remind players that a match fee of £5 is due whenever you play for BBFC and that this match sub is still subject to half price concession for full-time students, unemployed and OAPs (NOT veterans)!.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tues 22/08/2006
1STS V CATSFIELD FRIENDLY
Arrangements for Saturdays game against friends and neighbours Catsfield were finalised yesterday evening.
The match will kick off at 3pm at Catsfield Recreational Ground.
All support is welcome. You can find the ground hidden behind trees at the Battle end of Catsfield Main Street.
Newcomer Alan Cowley is not available but Captain Marvellous Andy Mills and last season's top scorer Tom Frere-Smith are both in the squad. Grant Lewis makes a welcome debut in goal and Dom Fowler looks to continue his early season form.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 20/08/2006
Website Update
The website has been updated to reflect yesterday's games with match reports, players details and pictures all uploaded.
Check out the new 2nd team kit in the picture gallery under 'Pictures from our Last Game'. My apologies that some information is not yet up for the first team and may not be up until next week. This is nothing personal I promise! I am off on my hols and may not get time to do it.
For those new to using the site, match reports are located under fixture details, then by clicking on the scoreline from the match you are after.
It is my aim to have everything updated by the Sunday evening following a game.
Good luck to both sides next week.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 20/08/2006
BBFC I 1-4 Battle Rangers
Yesterday’s opening friendly against our pitch-sharing neighbours gave a great chance to shake off the summer cobwebs and stretch our legs for the first time since May.
Rangers opened the scoring half way through the first half but not before we had created two good chances ourselves.
A superb individual effort by Dominic netted an equaliser as he jinked right then left then right then left again to beat the last Rangers’ defender, before unleashing a low drive to beat the keeper.
For most of the game the teams were very equally balanced and we enjoyed some fantastic footballing moments. The scoreline slightly flattered our opposition as the normally tight Baptist defence was untypically generous during a 10 minute period of the second half in which we conceded three goals. This was put down to a lack of match fitness and we really needed this game to improve our sharpness and concentration. The blessing is that everyone came through without injury...There's much to be encouraged about.
Several players made their Battle Baptist debut. Paul Rook gave maximum effort on the left of midfield and Frank Mitchell stepped into the squad at the last minute to give a good performance also in midfield.
It was brilliant to see the return of two great players to BBFC. Adam Johnson missed the final three months of last season because of work commitments and Alan Cowley, who missed the whole of last season due to injury, looked equally commanding as he partnered Adam in central midfield. These two players are a marvellous addition to the squad and are sure to have a big impact on our performances.
The other uplifting news is that Stuart Bachelor returns to training this week 16 months after breaking his leg against Robertsbridge. We wish Stuart well for the new season and pray that he once again enjoys the satisfaction that football gives.
The last word must go to celebrate the wonderful success of the second team, who achieved a resounding 6-4 victory against Magham Down II, with goals from Rafael (4), Josh Mullett and Anthony Hunter.
That’s a great start and a superb encouragement to everyone at the Club.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 19/08/2006
Today's Games
Match reports and pictures will be available tomorrow, but I just wanted to put the results up this evening.
The 1st XI lost 4-1 to Battle Rangers while the 2nd XI won 6-4 at Magham Down II.
I would just like to say how proud I am of all the players and supporters involved in the first ever official second team game today. A great effort by all and a cracking game as well.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Thur 17/08/2006
SEPT FIXURES
The schedule for September is now on view on the East Sussex Football League website.
Both teams open with a home fixture. The 1sts entertain Little Common III on Battle Rec whilst our newly appointed 2nd team play host to Herstmonceux at Claverham.
Full details of all Septembers fixture can be found at www.esfl.org.uk
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 17/08/2006
Help Needed!
If anyone can get hold of Rafa can they get him to call me asap. My number is in the welcome leaflet or email me using the contact details in the club info section.
Thanks
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Wed 16/08/2006
TEAM SELECTION
The 2 teams for this coming Saturday are up in the TEAM NEWS section of the website.
After training tonight we held our first selection meeting to decide who will be in the squads for this weekend's friendlies against Battle Rangers and Magham Down.
It's our wish to invite players to become involved somehow in this selection process. I'm exploring the idea of inviting different players from each team on a rota basis to give a match report of the previous week's game. This might include how individuals played and also how the team played. It might also include ideas on how we can improve the practical match day arrangements to help players improve their performance.
In fairness to everyone, I want the selection process to be transparent and I'd value a contribution from individual team members.
The Bible encourages us to build relationships with one another and to communicate well. James Ch1 v19 says 'Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry,...'
If you have an issue with selection I encourage you to come straight out and talk DIRECTLY to some one who is involved in it.
At Battle Baptist FC we only register players who have agreed that they will play for either team if selected. This is one way in which we will avoid the separation of the Club into two squads and prevent unfriendly competition between the 2 sides.
We want to develop players so that they have the opportunity to step up into the first team if it's meritted.
The practical logistics of the idea may cause some difficulties but we shouldn't let that put us off. I'd be interested in your opinions about this subject. email me at bbfcmanager@aol.co.uk
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 14/08/2006
BRAND NEW 2ND TEAM KIT READY TO USE
The brand new kit has been collected and is ready for Saturday's friendly against Magham Down, albeit without numbers 4 and 14.
Ongoing difficulties have occured with the transfer of the NUMBER 4 which has meant that collection of these 2 shirts have been delayed. However we have all the other numbers from 1 to 17, including a wonderful goalkeepers outfit to match.
Brand new match balls have also been purchased and the fully equipped First Aid Kit is to die for!!...excuse the pun.
In fact everything is now in place, from the 16 water bottles to the metallic azure water spray bottle.
Saturday will see the all-new Battle Baptist Second Team take the to the field in a fittingly gleaming and resplendant set of kit...ENJOY!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 13/08/2006
VERTERANS CUP FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
Calling all veteran players (38 and over). We need you to play for the BBFC Veterans Team.
Contact Gary Wenham (Club Secretary) or Gary Walsh (1st team manager) as soon as possible. First game ... Wed 7th Sept.
We've been drawn in Group A and the fixtures look like this:
Wed 7/9 Little Common (A)
Wed 14/9 Robertsbridge (H)
Wed 21/9 Wadhurst (H)
All matches KO at 6pm on Wednesday evenings and in the event that we should win our group, the Final will be played at Sidley United's ground on Wed 4th November.
Group B consists of Icklesham, Westfield, Peche Hill & Tackleway.
Just thinking about it fills my nose with the smell of embrocation!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 13/08/2006
Inter-Club Fixture
Despite the rain and an enforced 10-a-side game, an enjoyable afternoon saw two even teams take on each other in an great encounter that finished 5-4 to the team in Orange.
The Whites went into an early 2 goal lead with a cooly stroked finish from Stuart Calderwood closely followed by a Dom Fowler header. Oranges made a great come back to lead 4-2, the highlight being a Jake Wilkinson stunner from 20 yards after a great lay-off from Josh Mullett who had previously pulled a goal back with a strong turn and shot.
Whites came back to 4-3 with a clinical Andy Mills penalty before the Orange team extended the lead once more to 5-3.
A close finish was ensured when the Whites scored a fourth. Zac Smith broke free and hit a cracking shot from 25 yards. A desperate goal mouth scramble in the last minute of some considerable injury time cruely denied the Whites an equaliser but the end result did not matter.
This was an excellent match with lots of quality play on display. A committed encounter with hardly any fouls, this was an ideal warm up for the pre-seasons to come over the next two weeks.
Some pictures from the game are in the 'Last Match Pictures' section of the site.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 13/08/2006
LOST PROPERTY
Two items of lost property were left after the Inter Club game at the Rec yesterday.
The first is a white Spaces for Sport T-shirt and the second is a cool-looking brown sweatshirt.
Both were left in the WHITES dressing room.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 11/08/2006
PITCH READY FOR KICK OFF
Goal posts are now in place and the pitch is marked out for the first game of the new and exciting Battle Baptist Season.
The ground hasn't absorbed much of the recent rain and is still rock hard with cracks in places and grass that resembles a savanna. The surface is bobbly and uneven.
Yet at 3pm tomorrow, 24 enthusiastic players who have eagerly awaited this day, will turn out in pollished boots to parade their talents for all to see.
many new players have signed for the Club during the closed season and the BBFC management and committee welcome all the new players to the Club and pray that this will be the start of a prosperous and enjoyable season for all.
The Club has been planning and looking forward to these exciting times and the exciting times have finally begun.
May God bless and give fruit to our endeavours!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 10/08/2006
TEAMS ANNOUNCED...ORANGES V WHITES
The two teams for this Saturday's Inter-Club Friendly can be seen in the TEAM NEWS section of the website. (KO 3pm Battle Rec)
The absence of regular BBFC players gives a wonderful opportunity for many other players to show their talents and impress the 2 managers, who have selection decisions to make ahead of the Friendlies against Battle Rangers and Magham Down on the 19th.
A fantastic influx of new players during the closed season has swelled the numbers at training and made the competition for places particularly keen.
Saturday's game will see a mixture of stalwart BBFC players, approaching their 3rd season in the Club, and keen newcomers aiming to claim a regular place in one of the teams.
It should be an interesting spectacle.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 09/08/2006
FIRST FIXTURE FOR THE 2NDS!!
The only fixture currently apearing on the ESFL website is for Sat 2nd September and it involves our 2nds away at Hastings Elite, a new team who play at Bexhill Road in Hastings (Bulverhythe)
It's a great opening match because both teams are new to the League.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 08/08/2006
SATURDAY'S GAME
The fellas were down the Rec this morning to mark the pitch out in preparation for Saturday's Inter Club Game.
The pitch will have benefitted from Monday's rain but be prepared for a hard and bouncy surface.
Building work has started on the New Guide Hut which is being built right outside the door to the changing room at the side of the Pavilion.
This will cause some disruption as we will have to use the glass doors at the front of the Pavillion.
At the moment we have 22 players and I'm confident that we'll gain some more at training tomorrow. The Second team kit however, is NOT available for Saturday's game so we'll have to wait until the 19th to see the brand new kit make it's very first appearance.
I'm still looking for volunteers to help erect the nets for the game...the benefit is that you won't be expected to help to take them down at the end.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 07/08/2006
INTER CLUB MATCH - Oranges v Whites
KO 3pm. Meet at the rec by 2pm latest so that we can get ourselves organised.
There were some early fears that there wouldn't be enough players about this weekend for the Club game to go ahead. But tonight I've been ringing round and I've collected the names of 22 players who want to play in the game this Saturday.
(There may be one or two more names added to the list by training on Wednesday)
With Ian and Richard both away this weekend, it's left to Steve Mumford and me to settle on 2 evenly match teams. We intend to have the 2 sides up on the website by Thursday tea time. Keep your eye on the website for further news.
I'm also looking for some volunteers who can meet me at 1:30pm to put up the nets. Let me know if you can help.
See you all at training on Wednesday.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 30/07/2006
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
The following games have been firmly arranged to be played before the season starts for real on the first weekend of September.
Sat 12th August BBFC v BBFC (inter club fixture)
Sat 19th August BBFC v Battle Rangers (Div 4)
Sat 19th August BBFC v Magham Down (Div 6)
Sat 26th August BBFC v Catsfield (Div 3)
Sat 26th August BBFC v Pelham (Div 6)
With holidays at this time of year, it is difficult to keep track of who is available.
PLAYERS MUST GIVE THEIR AVAILABILITY for these games either to Gary Walsh or to Steve Mumford by Sunday 6th August LATEST. You can do this by telephone, email or preferably at training on Wednesday 3rd August.
If we have any doubt about your availability we will not be able to select you to play...Don't go away without letting us know!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 16/07/2006
SIGNING ON FOR 2006/7
Starting this Wednesday we'll be signing on players for the new Season.
This year we have 3 teams. Our 1st team will play in the East Sussex Football League Division 3 having secured promotion as runners-up from Div 4 last season.
We also have a newly formed side this year with the exciting prospect of playing in Division 6 of the ESFL. This gives the opportunity for even more men to enjor playing in the BBFC colours.
In addition we have entered a side in the Veteran's Cup, a local midweek competition normally played in 2 mini-leagues with the winners of each league going through to a final.
Please feel free to try out Battle Baptist FC by joining us at Training on Wednesday evening 6:30 - 8:30pm. I hope you enjoy it enough that you feel the £10 membership is worth paying for the fun and fellowship that we share through football.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 15/07/2006
Website Update
The website has undergone a redesign for the new season.
Whilst the main format stays the same as it had proved very popular, the colours have been updated and some of the layout has changed.
2nd Team options have been added to the fixtures and squad pages, while the main page now features an updating table with the latest news and scores for both teams.
I hope you like the new style, please feel free to send any feedback to the email address in the club info section.
Posted by: Steve Mumford