Sat 30/12/2006
TRAINING...AVAILABILITY!
Training is back to normal this week. We'll be at Claverham (3rd Jan) at 6:30pm to work off some of that festive fat.
PLEASE LET STEVE OR MYSELF KNOW OF YOUR AVAILABILITY FOR SAT 6TH JANUARY. Both teams have league fixtures and we'll assume that all players are available unless you have told us otherwise.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 29/12/2006
Jan Fixtures Up
The 1sts and 2nds fixtures for January are on the site now.
As always, please let us know of your availability asap.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Tue 26/12/2006
NO TRAINING WEDNESDAY!
Training has been cancelled this week because we can't be certain that the floodlights at Clverham will be working and because we intend to have a football game at the rec on Thursday.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ANYONE WHO USUALLY GOES TRAINING.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 24/12/2006
CLUB FOOTBALL RE-MATCH!
Following Saturday's successful inter-club game in which the first team narrowly beat the seconds 5-4, here's another chance to play football (weather permitting) and run off some of the Xmas fare at the same time.
Venue:Battle Rec, Date:Thur 28 Dec, Time:2pm KO, Who:BBFC Members
Be at the rec for 1pm and we'll sort out the teams depending on who arrives. Don't be late. £2 each.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 22/12/2006
For your viewing pleasure
Superbly scheduled to end in time for you to get down to the rec for some pre-Christmas dinner exercise is the following:
Football Focus' 'Faith in football' special report on BBC One this Saturday at 1210 GMT. It features a good interview with Jermain Defoe who talks about his faith and the benefit of prayer.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Thur 21/12/2006
CLUB CHRISTMAS CARVERY!
Although I've given final numbers to Coral at the Sqirrel, there are still a small number of tickets left (about 5/6) and Coral says I can sell them.
If you haven't yet booked, give me a call or send an email and I can add you to the guest list - you can pay me when you arrive on Saturday.
Venue:Squirrel Restaurant, Date:Sat 23rd Dec, Time:7:30pm for 8, Dress:Smart-Casual, Cost:£125(£15-members/friends), Meal:Christmas Carvery Fun:Guarenteed!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 21/12/2006
ALL-PLAYER FOOTBALL MATCH
We'll be playing football at the rec this Saturday - 23rd (weather permitting). Any Club member who wants to be involved should be at the rec by 1pm so that we can select the 2 squads.
Please check the website before you leave for the game - if the pitch is soft or wet we'll not risk messing it up, especially since we've looked after it so well in previous weeks.
Steve Mumford will post a message as soon as a decision has been made to cancel. - I'm not around on Saturday to make tel calls.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 19/12/2006
CLUB CHRISTMAS CARVERY!
35 of the 50 available tickets have now been allocated and we have now opened it up for partners and friends.
I'm a little concerned for these players who haven't yet bought a ticket...
...Dom Bryan Alan Jamie Ben Seb Matt Gordon Loksan Luke Josh Stuart Zac Harry Max Joe Jack Anthony etc (and friends).
I spoke to Coral at The Squirrel (Sun) and she must have final numbers by Thursday (latest) so there is one LAST chance to get your ticket at training on Wednesday.
If you don't intend to come, please let me know - then I'll stop being concerned.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 16/12/2006
Matches Off!
It's now 10:10am on Sat morning and Gary Wenham has informed me that the both games are off today.
We tried to get the 2nds game moved to Bexhill Road with no joy. There is a chance now the league will put a game on next weekend. Please let me or Gary know asap your availability for that one.
FInally I know a lot of you were planning to get your Christmas dinner itickets from Gary after today's game. Please await an announcement from him on how to get those now.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Thur 14/12/2006
BUY A TICKET THIS WEEKEND!!!
Don’t forget your £15 for the Club Christmas Dinner a week on Sat. (23rd).
We will take over the restaurant part of the Squirrel and we are planning a great night of food and entertainment for everyone.
The carvery meal includes:
STARTER: choice of prawn cocktail, pearled melon, smoked salmon, shell-on prawns, chefs pate, egg mayonnaise, salamis, and salads to which you help yourself.
MAIN COURSE:Traditional Roast Turkey, Succulent Roast Sirloin of Beef, Sugar-baked Gammon, Chef’s Game of the Day (or have some of everything!)
SWEETS: selection of delicious home made sweets or cheese and biscuits.
We’re organising a table quiz for your entertainment and we hope to have a speaker too.
We do need you to buy a ticket so PLEASE buy one this weekend to help us plan the evening.
Numbers are limited and ON MONDAY we will open the invitations to wives, partners and friends in order to fill the tables. I don’t want any players to be disappointed!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 09/12/2006
SPORTSMANSHIP TABLE CLARIFIED
I spoke to Eddie Potter of the ESFL today. There was some confusion about which Battle Baptist team was at the head of the Sportsmanship Table.
Eddie confirmed that it is indeed the 2nds who are at the top.
Having recalculated the scores for both teams he found that both teams were doing slightly better than was first thought with the 1st team averaging 8.40 (5th position) and the 2nds averaging 8.90 points which gives them the clear lead over Burwash.
That's an impressive achievement for the Club...everyone should be congratulated.
It's very important to Battle Baptist FC to show that football can be played in a competitive but friendly manner. I want to thank all our players and helpers.
Keep up the high standards!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 09/12/2006
Wadhurst v BBFC II - Match Postponed
It's now 10:50am on Sat morning and we've just been notified that the 2nds game at wadhurst is postponed.
A Wadhurst player died in a car crash last night (it seems like car accidents are rife at the moment). It would be inappropriate to expect his teammates to turn out to play football today.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 09/12/2006
BBFC 1sts v CATSFIELD - Match Postponed
Despite the good weather today (Saturday) the pitch at the rec is far too boggy to play football.
All the Hastings and Rother pitches were declared unfit on Friday so it's another weekend without fixtures.
The East Sussex Football League are now warning clubs that they may be asked to play fixtures on Sat 23rd December to catch up with the backlog of games. Previously they took the decision not to play on either weekend either side of Christmas.
This afternoon we hope to book the Sports Hall at Claverham so that we can play 5-a-side. £2 per player.
I'll give players a call later on Saturday morning once we know details.
The 2nds are playing at Wadhurst who were due to inspect their Washwell Lane pitch early Sat am. If their game gets cancelled, we may have too many players for 5-a-side and we'll investigate alternatives.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 07/12/2006
SPORTSMANSHIP LEAGUE TABLE
Battle Baptist 1st team are currently joint leaders of the ESFL Sportsmanship Table
They share the lead with fellow Div 3 outfit Burwash, with an average score of 8.82 per game.
The 2nd team are also high up the Table. They sit in 8th place with an average of 8.30
(Unfortunately the ESFL website has got the 1sts and 2nds the wrong way round at the moment).
The League is reporting 100% returns from match referees who score each team out of 10 and send the scores to the League.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 05/12/2006
SUPPORT FOR STEVE
Steve Spicer remains in a delicate condition in Westminster Hospital after several operations following his car crash last Saturday morning.
Your prayers for Steve are still very much needed (and appreciated).
Steve's family also require some financial help to enable them to stay at his side up in London.
On Wednesday night at Training, at Motspur Park and at the First Aid Course we will ask all BBFC members to contribute to a collection for Steve's family.
Please help to support our friend and brother by giving as generously as you can.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 03/12/2006
TRAINING WEDNESDAY
I need a volunteer to pick up the equipment and balls before training this week. There are 8 players going to Motspur Park and another 6 doing First Aid Training.
Please get in touch if you can help.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 03/12/2006
MOTSPUR PARK ARRANGEMENTS
8 of us are going to see Fulham v Spurs on Wednesday night.
We set off from my house on Caldbec Hill at 4:30pm
The cost is £5 and you need to give the money to your driver as a contribution for fuel. Don't forget to bring some cash for your hot pie at half time a maybe a drink on the way home.
We'll travel up in convoy and keep in touch by mobile.
Car 1: ANDY MILLS, Dave Mills, Ollie Jeffs, Adam Johnson
Car 2: GARY WENHAM, Gary Walsh, Simon Hockley, Paul Rook.
Last year it was very cold but we had a great time and saw some excellent football (and great goals).
As you see there is still room for one more in the car (we have 12 complementary tickets). So if you fancy it get in touch NOW.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 2/12/2006
Steve in Hospital
I've received terrible news that Steve Spicer was involved in a car crash on Friday and is in hospital with critical injuries.
Our thoughts are with Steve's close family who are by his side offering prayerful and loving support.
Steve has only recently started playing with BBFC and has featured in both 1st and 2nd team squads. His energy and cheerful spirit has made a big impression within the Club.
He needs all the prayer we can possibly offer now, to pull him through this accident. Please pray at every opportunity for Steve, for the doctors, surgeons and nurses looking after him, for his Mum and step-Dad, and for Aaron and the other close family that surround him.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 2/12/2006
BBFC II v Hastings Rangers CANCELLED
The Claverham pitch is unpayable. The game was called off this morning after it was discovered that we couldn't switch the fixture to Bexhill Road.
Details for Wednesday's trip to Motspur Park to watch Fulham v Spurs Reserves will be posted this weekend...WATCH THIS SPACE!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 1/12/2006
BBFC v St John's CANCELLED
A day of persistent rain has put paid to all our plans to host St John's this weekend.
With the Rec waterlogged we tried to get an astroturf to play a full match but none was available.
Sorry everyone!!!No football this week.
Details for Wednesday's trip to Motspur Park to watch Fulham v Spurs Reserves will be posted this weekend...WATCH THIS SPACE!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tues 28/11/2006
FULHAM V SPURS Wed 6th December
If you want to come on the trip to Motspur Park to watch this Reserve team game, you need to let me know as soon as possible.
I'll be sorting out the final arrangements during the next few days.
If we have enough volunteer drivers, we'll travel by car leaving Battle at about 4:30pm. The only cost is £5 to cover the petrol.
Reserve your ticket by contacting me NOW.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 26/11/2006
BBFC I vs St Johns (Ealing)!
This Saturday (2nd Dec) we have no league game. Instead we've arranged a friendly against St Johns Church from Ealing.
The KO will be 11am (yes!..in the morning) at the Rec.
I pray that some really good friendships develop from the day and that the weather allows everyone to have a great game of football.
The second team have a home game against Hastings Rangers III and Steve has already named his preliminary squad.
For us it's a great chance to play again, having missed last week because of a waterlogged pitch.
I'll keep you upto date with the news as the week goes on. Please check the Team News to make sure that I've got the availability right.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 25/11/2006
2ND TEAM OFF TOO!!
Claverham pitches are also unplayable today.
Ian Nunn is leading a football session on the tennis courts at Claverham for ANYONE who wants a kickabout. Start 2pm.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 25/11/2006
BBFC V BURWASH POSTPONED
The 1st team game against Burwash - Sat 25th Nov - had been postponed because the pitch at Battle Rec is waterlogged after the rain we've had this week.
We asked Burwash if it was possible to switch venue but thier pitch is also in a similar condition.
I know how you all look forward to your football - but today is a good chance to get all your Xmas shopping done.
Next week, I'm in talks with St John's FC (Ealing) about a friendly fixture at the Rec. It's likely to be a morning game.
LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOU AREN'T AVAILABLE!!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 19/11/2006
BBFC 2nds v PHS
Although we were beaten 4-0, we must draw on the positives and I though our second half performance showed a lot of courage and commitement.
Despite the scoreline, the defence played well with Tim Nunn and Chris Mammone defying their lack of match practice recently. They were helped by the excellent Steve Chapman, who was, as always, a rock at the back for us.
Steve Spicer had an excellent debut, full of energy and passion in midfield, while the last word must go to Rafa. Though he didn't get on the scoresheet he came very close and will long be remembered by all those at this club, particularly those in the 2nd team who had the pleasure of playing with him. His 4 goal salvo in BBFC2's first ever game sticks out in my mind, with none of the goals being closer in than 25-yards! Distance strikes in the win against Herstmonceux and the draw with Wadhurst underline his importance and influence in the side.
Rafa, it has been great fun having you with our club. Best of luck for the future and have a safe trip home.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 19/11/2006
CINQUE PORTS 2-1 BBFC I
Yesterday's exit from the Hastings FA Junior Cup was a painful experience, having been just 40 seconds away from a 1-0 victory before CP fired in an unstoppable volley from 18 yards.
We weren't firing on all cylinders but when Pete ended a fantastic team move with a pin-point shot inside the post after about 60 minutes, it looked like we might hang on for the win.
There was plenty of passion but not much composure in the way we finished the game. I feel we gave the ball away too cheeply, inviting the opposition to attack us. Two things we mustimprove:
1) We need to put our body between the opponent and the ball to protect possession, even if this means facing our own goal.
2) Head for the corners when attacking. It's a weakness in our game at the moment that we continue to play straight through the middle of the defence, heading directly for goal. CP had 2 strong centre halves - they were content to see us play up the centre but struggled when we went round the back where the full backs were not so good.
God works in mysterious ways but I know he always has a purpose. I believe He wants us to become better players and we MUST reflect on our performance and seek to improve our skills and ability. This defeat is hurting but it will make us stronger if we learn from it.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 16/11/2006
BBFC in the paper
Remember to get the Battle Observer tomorrow for a report on our two wins last week. I am also reliably informed we may have a picture in there as well.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Mon 13/11/2006
XMAS REMINDER
Tickets go on sale this Wed at training for the Club Christmas Dinner at the Squirrel on Sat 23rd December...price £15
Numbers are restricted so bring your money to training and secure your place at the table.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 12/11/2006
DIV 3 RESULTS
There were some strange results in Div 3 yesterday. Did you notice that Cranbrook (2nd bottom without a win so far this year) pulled out a 4-1 win over league leaders Little Common. There's not a lot of difference between top and bottom.
To get a picture of who's doing what, I always add together the drawn and lost columns. These are an indication of points dropped by teams. Notice that in Div 3 the best teams have dropped points in three games...usually there's at least one team that hardly drops any points (see other divisions). We have dropped points in only 4 games so far...so we're not far off the running.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 12/11/2006
Seconds Win!
At last we did it! A fantastic team performance from 1-11 made sure we got our first points away from home.
We truly beat Belmont, this was a well deserved victory. Some good finishing got us the goals but the big difference was the defending. Not only was it committed but it was good. To keep a clean sheet in the second half was a top top effort.
Big mention to Ian Nunn for putting up with streams of abuse from the staff and supporters of Belmont while running the line.
Next week we have a cup game and though I was tempted to keep a similar team to maintain our form, it is likely I will change things to give others the chance to sample the glorious feeling that we all got at 3.45pm! We have the week off on the 25th so unity would be disrupted then anyway, so lets use the next match and the training game on the 25th to further improve our match play.
Well done to all again, and lets not make it so long since we experience this again!
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sat 11/11/2006
FIRST 6-POINTER EVER!!!
Praise the Lord for a spectacular afternoon. Not only did both teams win their league games but Torquay and Mansfield both won as well!
Congratulations to everyone who played in the first team's 4-2 victory. We started against a team that passed the ball around confidently and made it difficult to keep possesion but I was impressed with the way that the team stood firm and the midfield began to impose itself on the game.
The team spirit was noticeably higher than previous games. Players did their job for the team and gradually our quality and fitness overcame our opposition.
I want to particularly mention Adam, who is playing an unfamiliar position and had to work hard to close down thier defence. It's not glamourous work but he did it fantastically. Paul Ford had the best game I've seen him play. He always plays with a smile on his face and his defending get more mature week by week - he also had a couple of forawrd forages.
Pete Cooper opened the scoring with a superbly executed right-foot curled shot from the edge of the box. Bryan extended our lead, ending an excellent move in which Adam and Dave made greta interchanged passing. 2-0 became 3-0 when Adam shot low past the keeper from 25 yards. Finally in between 2 consolation goals by Wittersham, Bryan made it 4 when he snook round the back of the defence and fired home at a free kick.
Dominic, Simon and debutant Steve Spicer all came on as subs.
The win makes us all happy and that's great. But what's I'm most pleased with is the way we do not get involved in the poor behaviour that our opposition showed. The referee was courageous and booked players who gave him verbals or made reckless tackles. I was disappointed in the way our opposition responded and thankful of the way that we kept our composure.
Next week we play Cinque Ports at home in the cup and we can approach this game with confidence. WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 09/11/2006
NOTICES
If you missed training, here are a few of the notices that were given.
1) The Club Christmas Dinner has been arranged for Sat. 23rd December at the SQUIRREL.
Numbers are limited to 50 and tickets (£15 each) will only be on sale at training - on a first come first served basis. No money...no ticket! Please get yourself organised because I don't want you to be disappointed! Bring your money to training next week.
2) Sat 23rd November...currently the 2nds don't have a game so we're planning on having an organised Club game to enable loats of players to have a game. Book it in your diary.
3) Some players have still not paid there £10 membership or returned their Code of Conduct / Membership details. It's stretching the limits of politeness now and some are starting to suggest that players shouldn't be allowed to play unless they have paid.
We will be chasing up the money but it would be much more pleasant if you came forward and coughed up.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 08/11/2006
Pictures
I have put up some of the action shots taken from the second team game on Saturday. In order for them to load ok and to not taake up too much space they are of reduced quality to what I have on my computer if anyone wants a copy. I will change the pictures that are up there every few days.
The pictures are located here: Last Match Pictures.
Many thanks to Julian Black for taking the time to come and take them.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Mon 06/11/2006
Reflections
Having had a day or so to think about the game there are a couple of areas I would like to mention.
1. 5-3-2 worked well for us and I know a lot of those playing it agreed. Having the extra man in midfield often confused the other team with who to mark and gave us space in the centre. I may revert to 4-4-2 over the coming weeks due to the personnel available, but if we can play 5-3-2 and get used to playing it against a 4-4-2 setup then it will be to our advantage.
2. Loksan proved what an impact substitutes can have and did the right thing against a tiring defence - run at them and either beat them or draw fouls. He has shown that you can come on and make a difference so I will be looking to use the subs wherever possible to have the same effect.
3. Well done for exercising restraint in the face of bad sportsmanship from the other side. Referees do not give out commendation's often so we should take this as a real positive.
A quick admin matter. A few have still not paid their £10 subscription and a few people owe money for appearances in recent weeks where they have not paid. I have written off the debts of less than a couple of quid, but some of you owe a few pounds and the club is budgeted to take in this money. If you could bring some extra with you on Saturday to cover this I will explain what is owed. There are four of you who are in credit and I will take this off your next match fee.
Finally, some of you may have noticed we had a professional photographer at the game. He took hundreds of shots and has given the best ones to me. I will aim to put them up on the site in the coming days and weeks, but if any of you wanted shots that were of you then send me an email and I will forward them on.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 05/11/2006
2nds
In summary I thought we were very unlcuky yesterday. We dominated the second half and should have had more than 2 goals to show for it, and first half we should never have been 3-1 down at the break.
Aside from the Hastings Rangers game, I can honestly say we have improved each match. This is a development season for us all and we are all learning together. Keep the faith and one Saturday soon it will come together gloriously.
See you at training.
Posted by: Steve Mumford