Mon 30/04/2007
Div 6 Chance
I urge everyone connected with the seconds to take a look at the league table after Saturday's results. Because of who we play and the fact some teams have already completed their campaigns, if we win our last two games we will finish sixth and in the top half. If we win one we will only go up one place, but due to how close the points spread is in lower mid-table, 6 points would make all the difference. Wouldn't it be great to say we were in the top half in our first season?
Regarding Saturday's game, well done to all. An excellent on field performance only surpassed by the coolness we showed in letting the opposition get on with self-destructing. The referee did an excellent job in the circumstances and from the touchline the difference between the two sides was massive. Extra special thanks to David and Gary for playing with injuries and for Stuart for racing from a prioir engagement in enough time to score a 'true' hattrick.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 29/04/2007
SZTYBER POWER
In only his 2nd game in the first team, 16 year old Max Sztyber knocked in one of the 4 goals that overpowered Burwash in their last geame of the season.
Encouraged to go up for a corner by erstwhile campaigner Gary Wenham, Max got himself in the thick of the action and showed great composure inside the 6 yard box, poking home the third of our goals from close range.
Having not scored in 2 previous games, the 1st team were back in winning form yesterday, the other goals coming from Alan Cowley and Bryan Leggett (2).
In another debut appearance Andy Poulter filled in at the very last minute to cover a sick Grant Lewis. Andy is a much experienced goalkeeper and his prematch pep-talk gave the team great confidence and left the defence in no doubt that they should do what he tells them. Andy is a goalkeeping coach and works with keepers at Westfield FC. Next season he wants to pass on his knowlegde and experience by coaching the keepers at BBFC too.
Without 1st team regulars Williams, Batchelor, Cooper, Rook and Elliott the team played wonderful football on a well-manicured, even pitch. Three goals in a 20 minute first half spell earned us a comfortable cusion on which to enjoy the afternoon. A well-taken penalty when Andy Mills handled in the box, was the only consolation to a young Burwash side now consigned to relegation.
The performances of Ollie Jeffs and Max continue to give encouragement and I'm now looking forward to next Saturday's visit to Eastbourne Dynamos who are finding some end-of-season form having beaten Beulah 2-1 yesterday.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 24/04/2007
FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT!
Well done to everyone who took part in the first team 0-0 game against Cranbrook last night.
It's unbelievable that we didn't win...we were by far the better team! How the match remained scoreless I'll never understand. It sounds a dull game but it was an action packed, edge of your seat encounter...really enjoyable football.
Ollie played tremendously in left midfield for the full 90...'What a guy!'
Max came on for the whole of the second half and was swift and secure in defence (and very loud!)...'What a guy!'
Seb got about 20 mins at left back and showed again how versatile he is...'What a guy!'
These 3 players were fantastic. They show what a bright future we have. We can be optimistic for next season with these 3 (and possibly more) coming through. The last 3 games of the season are an opportunity for them to learn what they can from the older guys (maybe not that much then) and gain some valuable experience for 2007/8.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 22/04/2007
Update
Although I wasn't at yesterday's second team match, Richard reports we put in a higly committed performance with real fight and quality and gave Pelham their hardest match of the season. This is really encouraging, especially with such a young side out.
Our next two games are against teams that are not finishing the season well and Saturday represents our only chance to do the double over someone this season. Lets grasp it and finish well ready to attack next year with renewed vigour.
Though results have not always been forthcoming this season, performances have been excellent and we are improving rapidly. Gary takes a lot of time and interest into the performance of the seconds and has rewarded those who are doing especially well with places in the 16 for Monday's first team match. Ten of that squad have represented the seconds this season and this should be a great source of encouragement for all.
The website is updated to the best of my knowledge, with new pictures in the Picture Gallery. Images from last week's Herstmonceux game are in the 'pictures from our last game' section and shots from the breakfast are in 'pictures from social events'.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 22/04/2007
BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE
The best thing I can say about yesterday's trouncing by Wittersham is that it was a bad day at the office.
I can't believe that the result was 7-0...it didn't feel like that.
That's not taking anything away from Wittersham because they deserved the win...a much improved side from earlier in the season. We fought hard to match their skills in the early part of the match but we gave away goals much too cheaply and that sapped our energy even more in the baking sun.
Teams in our Division must view our results with amazement. How can a team beat the best in the Division only to lose 7-0 to a team near the bottom?
Well without Andy, Alan, Bryan and Pete it was always going to be a tough afternoon. On Monday evening against Cranbrook with 3 of these 4 back in action, I'm expecting business as usual.
Remember:We're playing at the Rec in Battle because Cranbrook can't play on their usual pitch.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 17/04/2007
MESSAGE CAUSED CONCERN
Due to some feedback from our opposition and the League, I've taken off the message posted here on Sunday following Saturday's game against Little Common.
This is not because I've been asked to, just that I think it's appropriate until the matter has been discussed with our committee.
I've never set out to deliberatrly annoy, upset or insult anyone by the comments that I post on the BBFC website. If my words have caused discomfort to any individual then it was purely accidental and certainly not maliscious.
I BELIEVE PASSIONATELY THAT FOOTBALL CAN BE ENJOYED BY EVERYONE, not just by the winning team. This is the cornerstone of the Club's phylosophy. I hope it's reflected in the way we conduct ourselves both on and off the pitch.
It's ironic that my observations caused a stir when far more offensive and insulting comments are so readily dished out on a Saturday afternoon...yet these go largely unchallenged by many people involved in our beautiful game.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 13/04/2007
New arrival
Unfortunately Jake will not be playing tomorrow as he is now a very proud father to a healthy baby girl. Many congratulations to the mother and father from all at BBFC.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Tue 10/04/2007
Various items
What a great weekend, culminating in two fantastic performances by both sides yesterday.
For the seconds, this was something we have truly deserved after our recent efforts and in truth the result was never in doubt. I felt the confidence before the match throughout the side and this is something we should be feeling at every game. We should fear no-one and we have 5 games left to get ourselves as high up the table as we can.
I can't single anyone out for their performance, everyone was truly magnificent and has set themselves a high stadard they should aim to achieve every week.
The website is now fully updated, with all stats and reports in from the last few weeks. I have also dug out a few phtos taken at the lat few games and put them in the pictures section under 'Last Games Pictures'. My congratulations to Tom Frere-Smith, who in scoring yesterday became the first player to notch 50 goals for the club.
I would like to get some new pictures on the site and some head-shots of the players new to the club this season, so please assist me with this on Saturday if you can.
A reminder to the 2nds - we are away at Herstmoeux this Saturday and it is a 1PM kick-off. Directions will be on the site with the team sheet on Thursday.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Tue 10/04/2007
NEVILLE BARNET RECLAIMED!!!
God has realy poured out his blessings on the Football Club this glorious Easter weekend!
The first team toppled Division 3 leaders Catsfield on Saturday 4-2 with goals from Stuart, Tom and Bryan (2). It was also great to see David N playing in the first team for the last 20 mins of the game.
Resting a few older players on Saturday gave opportunity for more youthful players to get a game for the second team. Although they lost 3-1 they put in a really good performance. We have some very talented young footballers and several are close to a 1st team promotion.
SUNDAY WAS MY FAVOURITE DAY OF THE YEAR AS EASTER SUNDAY REMINDS US OF THE NEW LIFE WE HAVE BEEN GIFTED BY JESUS.
Sunday also brought the wonderful news that Battle Baptist football teams currently top the Sportmanship Table. The 2nds hold the lead with the 1st team just 2 hundredths in front of Burwash who are third.
In the Assistant referees Table BBFC also have the 2 leading scores. Ian Nunn heads the table whilst Gary Wenham is hot on his heels.
Finally, on Monday we regained the Neveille Barnett Trophy with the first team beating Beulah 1sts 3-1 and the 2nds going one better with a 4-1 victory away at Beulah 2nds. The 7-2 overall aggregate score reflects brings the Trophy back to Battle.
Alan, Tom and Gary Walsh scored for the 1sts whilst Stuart Calderwood and David N (3) got the 2nds goals.
What an Easter Weekend!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 08/04/2007
HAPPY EASTER!!!
JESUS IS RISEN!
His is the only name through which we are saved. His victory is ours.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 01/04/2007
LITTLE COMMON FIXTURE REARRANGED
Our first team fixture away at Little Common has been rearranged from Wed 4th April (ie this week) to Saturday 14th April 4pm Kick Off.
Reason:The ESFL are having difficulty fitting in all the outstanding fixtures for Little Common IIs and IIIs because the County League does not permit another game to take place at Little Common Rec when the first team plays.
However, Little Common have gained permission to have a 2pm KO for their first team, enabling their second and third teams to play at 4pm on Sat 14th April.
The late KO gives us a few more hours to let the breakfast digest after the Players' Breakfast on the morning of Sat 14th!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager