News

Thur 30th Aug 2007

VETS STORM TO FIRST WIN
Tackleway Vets 1-3 Battle Baptist Vets

After 2 seasons and 6 games, the BBFC Veterans side posted their 1st win against a well organised Tackleway side. A Gary Walsh hat-trick gave us the win that ensures we will now remain unbeaten for 12 months!!

Thank you to all who took part. We have played some very good sides and come up against some very talented footballers, but have competed well. Above all, I think everyone got a great deal of fun from the competition. Next year the minimum age requirement is 40….maybe 50 is the new 40??!!

Posted by: Gary Wenham

Wed 22nd Aug 2007

TEAMS FOR SAT 1ST SEPT.

Players should check the TEAM News section to check that we have your availability correrct for this Saturday's games.
Teams will be posted by Thursday evening.
Training this week is on Tuesday on the Rec at 6:30pm. This is the last week of Wed night Veterans Games so next week training will return to its usual slot on Wednesday night.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 25th Aug 2007

HONOURS EVEN IN BATTLE DERBY.

A Dave Sitch goal 15 minutes from time looked to have won the day for the Baptists until Rangers equalised within 2 minutes in the heat of the afternoon at Battle Rec today.
Having been pulled out of retirement, Bob Bluff in the Rangers goal denied his age making several fine saves to frustrate the efforts of Pat Mammone, Dave Sitch, and Dom Fowler.
Paul Ford quickly recaptured the form he showed at the end of last season and played an excellent game at left back. Max Stzyber and Paul Rook were assured in central defence, snuffing out any offence with impressive pace and determination. Ollie Jeffs playing his first game of the season showed great flexibility in an unfamiliar right back position and captain for the day Dale Scowen linked attack with defence, leading by example and working tirelessly in the heat.
Everyone came through without injury and all 16 are raring to start the League campaign next weekend when the return of Mills, Mills, Elliott, Frere-Smith, Cowley and Walsh will cause difficulties in team selection for the manager.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Wed 22nd Aug 2007

ICKLESHAM GAME OFF.

Saturday's 2nd team game against Icklesham has been called off. Very sorry for the disappointment.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 20th Aug 2007

2nd Team match

Well done to everyone last Saturday, although the result did not go our way we played some good stuff at times and kept our heads up.
This Saturday we are due to be away at Icklesham. Please let Ian know of your availability (I am away) as we have a lot of people away this weekend and need to ensure we get a full and balanced squad out.
Thanks

Posted by: Richard Ahsam

Mon 20th Aug 2007

TRAINING AT CLAVERHAM ON TUESDAY.

We'll have to change training to CLAVERHAM this week.(still on grass)
This is because Battle Rangers have a Friendly match on the Rec on Tuesday evening.
Please get the message around as many as you can.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 18th Aug 2007

1sts Get A Great Start

3 Goals from Tom Frere-Smith, 2 from Andy Mills and 1 each from Alan Cowley, Pete Cooper and Dave Mills made for a wonderful start to the new season this afternoon.
After 2 early Andy Mills goals, a plucky Burwash side pulled one back and tested the Battle defence before Tom Frere-Smith's penalty gave Battle a 3-1 half time lead.
Playing talented young players Seb Elliott, Max Stzyber and Ian Rafiti, Battle worked the ball from the back and through midfield in a way never encouraged before at BBFC, Battle dominated the second half and added 5 further goals to the tally.
Next week's second friendly against neighbours Battle Rangers will pose a greater challenge but let's not take anything away from this great start.
Well done fellas!!!
Training is Tuesday this week.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Mon 13/08/2007

Second Team Friendly

Please note the seconds have a friendly this Saturday (18th) at THE REC against Wadhurst. Usual 2pm meet for a 3pm kick off. Please let Richard know of your availablity.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Thur 09/08/2007

A Few Notices for Players

1. This Saturday (11th Aug) we'll be having an inter club game on the rec.
Please come along at 3:15pm for a prompt 3:30 start.
Anyone wanting to play for BBFC this season is welcome. We'll sort out 2 evenly matched teams when everyone arrives.

2. The Veterans start their 3 match season this coming Wednesday with a 6 o'clock kick off at the rec. Anyone 39 or over who wants to play and hasn't yet had a tel call should contact Gary Wenham asap.

3. Because the Vets are using the rec on Wed evenings, it was suggested that we changed training night.
So for the next 3 weeks we'll be training at the REC ON TUESDAY EVENING from 6:30 - 8:30pm.
That is Tuesdays 14th, 21st, and 28th Aug.

4. We'd like you to sign on now for the new season. ESFL Registration forms (available from Gary Wenham at training) are necessary before you can play in a League match. The Club Welcome Sheet is also available and the Membership form at the back needs to be completed and returned with the £10 fee...cheap at half the price!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 29/07/2007

Website Update

Pictures from the Manchester Expedition are in the Social Events section of the Gallery (new NCFF section), or Click Here.
Also we get a picture and write-up in this week's Battle Observer.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Fri 27/07/2007

Back From Manchester!

We're back from Manchester fully refreshed and looking forward now to the new season. The weekend was a series of highs and lows, starting low on Friday afternoon as we heard of traffic chaos on our planned route due to the torrential rainfall in the west midlands. Chippy Chapman sorted us out though, by navigating us up the A1 past his homeland in Nottinghamshire, eventually turning right at Doncaster to cross the Pennines into Manchester. This avoided the real road carnage and got us to our digs in the Tower of Owens Park at about 10pm, in time for a social chat in the student bar.

After a refreshing kip and full English breakfast, we headed off to play football on Sat morning. Despite the slight drizzle, the pitches looked and played great. The well groomed grass and flat ground made controlling the ball and passing easy. Each game lasted just 20 minutes (one way) and was played at a fast pace. In our first match, with Tom and Dave at the point of our attack, we played wonderful attacking football, but went behind when a tame shot was deflected pass Tim. The equaliser came after I headed a cross against the keeper and then smashed in his fumble as I lay prone in the 6 yard box...deadly!!! It felt brilliant!!

Our second game started very badly (about 60 seconds before we did). Our opponents kicked off, knocked the ball down the right wing, crossed it and scored. We defended well after that but lost 1-0.

Determined to put things straight, we played sublimely in our third game. We began to find our feet and the partnership of our 2 attackers looked unbeatable. Dave was cut free and finished cooly with the most sexy goal celebration I've ever seen. Tom tricked his way into the 18 yard box and was hacked down for a clear cut penalty that the ref didn't think was clear cut. We won 1-0.

Lunch came as did the news that play was to be suspended because the rain was still falling. We were so sad, like boys shouted home by their mum. We were on a winning streak of one and we wanted to play more football.
Instead we went into Manchester city centre (a little earlier than planned) where we enjoyed the Jazz Festival and found some very cheap refreshment (£1.36 a pint). With lashings more rain it didn't surprise us to find that the Organisers had cancelled Sunday's programme as well.

Still having found the 'Manchester Curry Mile' the squad settled down to eat together and talk about what was and could so easily have been. After a night cap back at base and a game or two of chase the ace, we finally adopted a horizontal state at the end of a superb day.

Sunday began with confirmation that there was to be a 5-a-side tournament at the JJB Soccer Dome (Trafford Park). Having checked out of the University 'Hilton', off we set to find it with instructions that it was just 2 junctions up the M60 ring road. After about 18 junctions I suggested to our faultless driver Nunny that maybe we'd gone the wrong way around the motorway and we agreed that we'd continue and hope that no-one noticed...

5-a-side wasn't really what we came to Manchester for but it did ensure that everyone who wanted to play got some more fotball. We left Manchester in glorious sunshine about 2pm and the drive home was only interupted by another chance to slob out on junk food and watch the floods in Oxford.

The football was shortlived but the fellowship we shared was priceless and for my own part the weekend was unmissable. One last time I say 'Thank you for coming!' and I'll leave you with some of the highlghts quoted by a few of the players...

Steve Chapman...The highlight for me was just getting to know everyone better, followed closely by £1.36 a pint in the Oyster Pub.
Steve Mumford...I really enjoyed the atmosphere and it is testament to the off-field enjoyment that we had that players like Steve C, Chris and Ian were happy to come along for the ride and not play at all...also, playing for the Redland Rangers!
Bryan Leggett...I cant decide on my highlight so im going for 3! 1)Daves sexy goal celebration 2)Paul Rooks slow motion dive at 5-a-side 3)Getting home, getting my boots out my bag and hanging them up ;-) (Ed. booooo!)
Dave Ndunduma...Gary's whirlwind tornado suffocating fart after eating indian food and Paul's impression of a retard...godbless.
Ollie Jeffs...Gary falling asleep at the student uni bar whilst holding his phone to his ear listening to some dodgy music! Also struggling to do the maths in a simple game of 21!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 15/07/2007

National Christian Football Festival News
Great News! After a week of uncertainty, I've received cofirmation from the Festival Organiser that the festival will definitely go ahead.
Following all the rain this month, Manchester University were concerned that the pitches would be damaged and would not recover for the start of the football season.
I've also received details of the Tournament organisation. We're one of eight teams in the Section A competition which is for affiliated teams. (There's a seperate competition for makeshift teams that don't play regularly in Leagues). The 8 teams will play in 2 groups, each team playing the other 3 teams twice. The game are 20 minutes in duration with no half time.
It's worth noting the strict rules on language, even though I wouldn't expect them to cause us difficulty. All swearing will receive at least a yellow card with a £5 fine payable before the start of the next game. Fouls and abusive language receives an automatic red card with a £10 fine and the player must contact the Festival Organiser before playing in the next game.
Teams will award a sportsmanship mark out of 100 to their opponent after each game and this goes towards the Fairplay Award. A Man of the Match Award is also given to a player from the opposition so that a Player of the Festival can be awarded.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 15/07/2007

CALLING ALL VETS!
Hastings FA have brought forward the Veteran's Cup competition this season. It takes place on Wednesday evenings in August. The group matches will start on Wed 15th August and continue on the next two Wednesdays, 22nd and 29th August. The draw has not been made yet.

We'd like to hear from anyone 39 or older who would like to play for BBFC.
Please contact Gary Wenham, Gary Walsh or Gary Williams for further details.
With holidays etc there should be plenty of opportunity to play this year. See CLUB INFO for contact details.

Posted by: Gary Wenham

Sun 24/06/2007

PRE-SEASON TRAINING PROGRAMME
We are now 1 week into our pre-season training programme, and I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what to expect as the weeks progress.
Each session will be split into 3 parts. Firstly, we will develop an FA six-week programme designed to work on fitness, stamina and speed. These sessions will get progressively more difficult as the weeks progress. We will also spend time working with the ball in groups developing skill levels and set piece organisation. Lastly, the session will end with gameS of football, normally small sided (depending on numbers).

Time keeping is important throughout this period. Please arrange to be at the Rec by 6.30 pm latest. Be ready to start within 10 minutes of arrival. The session will finish no later than 8.30 pm.
Ensure you are dressed correctly for training - shinpads are mandatory.

As players you have certain obligations towards the training sessions and the game as a whole:
* Make every effort to develop your own sporting abilities in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
* Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance in the training sessions and in a game.
* Set a positive example to others, particularly young players.
* Abide by the instructions of the coach and team officials.

We need you to have fun at training, but also to concentrate and take it seriously in order to get the best out of it.

Finally, tell us what's good and not so good. If you have an opinion on a particular session or on training in general, please share it with us. We have 10 weeks before the season starts…lets use them well.

By the way...Great photo on the back of the Battle Observer!!!

Posted by: Gary Wenham

Mon 18/06/2007

BBFC AWARD WINNERS!!!
Thanks to everyone who came to our 2006/7 presentation picnic at Ashburnham on Saturday. We estimate that about a hundred people were there to enjoy the afternoon's entertainment - and thankfully the weather held off.
For those who couldn't make it, here are the award winners...

1sts Goal of the Season............Dave Mills
2nds Goal of the Season............Dale Scowen
1sts Most Improved Player..........Paul Ford
2nds Most Improved Player..........Tim Nunn
1sts Young Player..................Paul Rook
2nds Young Player..................Seb Elliott
1sts Manager's Player..............Owen Davies
2nds Manager's Player..............Chris Mammone
1sts Players' Player...............Bryan Leggett
2nds Players' Player...............David Ndunduma
Club Most Appearances..............Paul Ford
Frere-Play (Sportsmanship).........Chris Mammone
Club Top Goalscorer................David Ndunduma
BBFC Clubman.......................Steve Mumford

Also on display on the Trophy Table were the Tom Britton Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy and the Neville Barnett Trophy.

Training for the new season start this Wednesday (20th) 6:30pm at Battle Rec.
We're planning to follow an FA programme of fitness and training that builds up over the summer, so try to get there if you possibly can.
With the 1sts in Division 2 and the 2nds starting their second full season,we certainly have lots to look forward to.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 10/06/2007

1sts PROMOTED TO DIVISION 2!!!
The first team have been promoted to Division 2 for the forthcoming 2007/8 season.
The 1sts finished fifth in Division 3 (just one win behind an automatic promotion position). However, the East Sussex Football League re-organised the Divisions and placed us Division 2...BRILLIANT!
This continues the record of being promoted every year since the Club started in 2004 and caps a fabulous season in which our 2 teams came first and second in the Sportsmanship League and won back the Neville Barnet Trophy.
Thank You Lord for these achievements!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Tue 05/06/2007

End of Season Awards Update

The presentation event will be at Ashburham Place on Saturday the 16th June from 3-7pm. The afternoon will be completely funded by the club.

Following a meeting on Monday, the afternoon will be structured to include activities for the youngsters such as a bouncy castle and some parachute games, along with some semi-organised games for the adults, including cricket, 5-a-side and a penalty shoot out competition.
A barbecue will be provided, along with squash to drink. You are more than welcome to bring additional food and drink.

To ensure we have enough food and activities for everyone, please let a member of the committee know if you are able to attend and how many friends/family you will be bringing.

For those who have never been to Ashburnham place, a map is shown on this link.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Sun 03/06/2007

END-OF-SEASON PRESENTATION EVENING

Sat 16th June 3pm - 7pm - Ashburnham Place -Battle
Fun, games, awards, BBQ...for all ages...bring friends and family.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Tue 26.05.2007

MANCHESTER TESTIMONIES

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 20/05/2007

5TH PLACE CONFIRMED FOR 1STS

Great news today...the 1sts have been awarded the 3 points for the home game against Wittersham and this means that they finished the season in 5th place in Division 3, just one point behind Magham Down and Mayfield.
Although Wittersham have admitted that the man whose name was on their teamsheet did not play in the game, the League are still seeking clarification on exactly who DID play.
Looking back on a very difficult season that was interupted for long periods with bad weather, we've finished strongly with 22 points out of the last 9 games.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who has played their part in this achievement.
Enjoy your break and I'll see you fresh and ready to train on Wed June 20th.

Yesterday's hastily arranged game against Comet from Hemmel Hemstead was a scorching success (ha ha). Comet scored 2 goals at the tail of the game to win 5-3 but it didn't take anything away from the JOY of seeing a rampant Paul Ford celebrating his first 2 goals for Battle Baptists...the screams were said to be heard in Eastbourne. Both were fantastic goals each in their own way. Just ask Paul, I'm sure he won't mind describing them to you.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thu 17/05/2007

CHANCE OF FOOTBALL

A team from Hemel Hemstead contacted Gary Williams the other day to see if we could host them in agame of football on Saturday.
We would hope to Kick Off early (11 or 12 o'clock) so that we can still watch the FA Cup Final in the afternoon. Gary Wenham has checked and although the goals have been taken down at the Rec, Claverham is available.
ALL WE NEED NOW IS WILLING VOLUNTEERS TO PLAY.
I know this is short notice but if you want to play then please contact me as soon as possible by phone, email or mobile.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thu 17/05/2007

2nd Team Performance

Just wanted to say how grateful I am to everyone who has represented the seconds this season. I have had a great time 'managing' you and hope whoever takes over will have as much fun as I did.

I won't go into detail here but will save my thank yous for the end of season awards afternoon on June 16th. I hope to see you all there.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Tue 15/05/2007

SPORTSMANSHIP SUCCESS

Congratulations go to everyone in the Club as it was confirmed today that our 2 teams have finished 1st and 2nd in the Sportsmanship Table.
Well Done also to Ian Nunn who has won the League's Assistant Referee Award for the second consecutive year and to Gary Wenham who finished second.
THANK YOU TO ALL PLAYERS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION. These awards are great achievements and underline the special nature of our Club.
Take the link to the ESFL website for details of the top clubs.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Tue 15/05/2007

Training Suspended

Steve asked me to post a reminder that Wednesday Evening Training at the Rec has stopped for a 6-week closed season break.
Training will resume with fresh enthusiasm on Wed 20th June - that's the first Wednesday after our Awards Celebration which is on 16th June.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 13/05/2007

Season Closes Successfully
It was great fun down at Bulverhythe yesterday afternoon. Although football was made difficult by the strong wind, the atmosphere was electric with 2 season-clinching games either side of our match against Hastings Rangers II.
On the one side Hastings Rangers 1sts beat Athletico 3-1 to win the Division 2 title and on the other side, an even closer game was fought out with Cinque Ports scoring in the last minute to steal the Division 5 championship from Panako who finished the game with 8 men.
Our afternoon started very tamely, like a family day out to Skegness. In the fiercly windy conditions it looked like we didn't want to get stuck in. When we conceded the first goal Iwondered if we were in for a drubbing unless we bucked up our ideas. Thankfully we levelled within 5 minutes with a good one-two between Pete and Gary who finished well with a left foot strike.
Owen has never gone through a season without scoring and only had this 90 minutes to break his duck. Having already nearly scored direct from a corner he cleverly launched a 35 yard free kick into the air and let the coastal current do the rest. As the goalkeeper flapped and floundered we all rejoiced jubillantly as we watched the ball curl and dip under the crossbar for a 2-1 lead. Paul Ford rugby-tackled Owen to the ground in an unpracticed celebration in which several nipples were politely pinched, before calm was restored and the match got underway again.
So many times our free kick 'set pieces' have lead to a goal this season and so it was again when Alan floated a dead ball into the box where Bryan toed it forward and Gary was there to land a brace this time firing past the keeper with his right.
In a drab second half, we spent as much time watching the ball gust off the side of the pitch and out of view, as we did kicking it. Sub Aaron Dreeling came on for 25 minutes and impressed the masses with his skill and energy - clearly a player to watch out for in future. Jumping left right and centre, Grant looked like a concussed flea, pulling off 2 tremendous saves in a MotM performance whilst at the other end normally cool-finisher Pete missed an amazingly easy chance to go equal top goalscorer with Bryan and Gary when he found himself alone in the penalty area but 'shot' softly into the arms of the thankful Hastings keeper. Gary had a chance for his hat-trick but his volley was tipped wide and Gary Wenham made a cameo appearance for the last 2 minutes but didn't manage to kick the ball.
What a great feeling it was at the final whistle, not just to beat Rangers with whom we've enjoyed some wonderful tussles, but also to finish the season with 3 consecutive wins.
New players like Seb, Max, Ollie and Aaron, all under 20, have come into the side and have given us much to look forward to.
In some ways it's been a difficult season with all the stoppages for weather and the hard pitches, but we've ended strongly and the anticipation for next season will be hightened when we start pre-season training to put in place some tactical strategies and set plays.
This season isn't totally finished for the 1st team. Although the football is over, we still have to wait to be awarded the 3 points that we deserve because Wittersham fielded at least one ineligeble player when they unexpectedly beat us last month. Wittersham have denied the charge even though the player involved had a conversation with Gary Wenham on the very same day he now claims that he was at work.
This means that we will probably finish with 38 points in 5th place.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Fri 11/05/2007

1sts Venue

Hastings rangers change at the Murco garage end of Bulverhythe on Bexhill road. Anyone going straight to the venue please let me know so that we're not standing waitng for you at the church.
Max has gone to help the 2nds out after Paul Rook withdrew from their squad today. His starting place in the 1st team will be filled by Gary Williams.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thu 10/05/2007

Post-Season Meal

After the games on Saturday we'll be meeting in the Bull at 7:30pm to celebrate our season. Please join us.
We've booked tables at Bonani for 9:30pm - please make sure that Gary Wenham knows if you're coming for the meal. We had 11 players at training and there are a few places left.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 06/05/2007

COWLEY CORKER
Centre-half Alan Cowley scored his third goal in four games to sink Eastbourne Dynamos in desert conditions at Old Town Rec yesterday.
From point blank range, the 6 ft 4 in defender volleyed home at the far post after an Owen Davies free kick was headed on by Gary Walsh and Ollie Jeffs saw his header hit the inside of the post and trail across the 6 yard box to where Cowley waited to pounce.
The firsts defended the lead stoutly and kept their concentration for the rest of the afternoon whilst Dynamos self-destructed in the afternoon heat.
I was totally impressed with the tollerance shown by every player in our team and the patient attitude with which we continued to play in these awkward circumstances.

David Ndunduma struck 3 times in the 3-1 win at Hastings Elite to take his tally to 18 for the season and the 2nd team to within three points of a top half finish.
The seconds are playing great now and everyone is lookng forward to our final games next weekend. Hopefully it will be a splendid end to a wonderful first season for our second team.
Special mention should be made to Paul Ford and Stuart Calderwood who played Man-of-the-Match performances for the firsts and seconds respectively yesterday. Well done fellas.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 03/05/2007

PAYMENT DUE
The training kit that was ordered earlier in the season has arrived now. Ask Gary Walsh for your order and he'll be glad to take your money.
Also, players going to the Manchester 2007 National Christian Football Festival need to make payment so that we can secure accomodation.
The squad is:
Pete Cooper, Bryan Leggett, Paul Rook, Owen Davies, Chris Mammone, Dave Mills, Richard Ahsam, Seb Elliott, Ollie Jeffs, Gary Walsh, Tim Nunn, Ian Nunn, David Ndunduma, Steve Chapman, Tom Frere-Smith, Pat Mammone, Steve Mumford.

Posted by: bbfcmanager