Sun 21st Oct 2007
WHITE KNIGHT INFLICT CASUALTIES!
BBFC I 0-0 White Knight
Within minutes of the start of Saturday's game against second-placed White Knight, a late tackle on Dale Scowen left the midfield talisman reeling in ankle agony. Unable to continue, he had to leave the field and the team reorganised with Dave Sitch taking up the midfield mantle alongside Ollie Jeffs.
In midweek, Battle had already lost the services of captain Andy Mills who was rushed in for emergency cartridge extraction after his Parker pen ran out of ink.
Unprotected from merciless challenges, Battle suffered more grief when Owen Davies was grounded by 'a fair attempt to play the ball' that was really as late as November blossom. Later Davies also had to leave the field with a medial knee ligament damage that may keep him out of football for a while.
The bemused White Knight chappie responsible for most of the damage was eventually cautioned for his scything recklessness and things settled down but these two guys will be carrying their pains well into November, possibly December too, and I do wonder if it could have been avoided.
Substitute Sitch, who ran his heart out in central midfield, himself had to be substituted late on as cramp set in to his weary pegs.
In terms of actual football action, White Knight enjoyed the majority of possession, but the best chances all fell to the Baptist strikers. Unfortunately, like Monty Python's Black Knight, the White Knight custodian was in no mind to let anything past.
Tom Frere-Smith played his usual effervescent game but couldn't pop the cork, and Gary Walsh fired a back post shot straight at the keeper after another great run by his striking partner.
Battle hit the post in the second half but couldn't get the leather in the net to collect all three points. Nevertheless, the defence stuck out for a well-earned Persil-clean sheet and a performance that again gives great confidence to the home side as they lick their collective wounds and enter the November fixture book with a home tie against Little Common next week.
Fans and friends should pray expectantly for a speedy recovery to Dale, Owen and Andy.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 21st Oct 2007
BATTLE BEAT LEADERS!
Catsfield 2-3 BBFC I
Two goals down at half time, Battle Baptists front side achieved an amazing second half come back with a goal by Dale Scowen and two from Tom Frere-Smith, to lift them off the foot of Division 2 and totally reverse the table form.
Resuming the form that saw them defeated by Robertsbridge the previous week, the Baptist fell behind and looked as though they were in for another disappointing result. Whatever was said during the half time interval worked miracles as a goal was pulled back within minutes of the restart. Two futher goals then secured the win that restates the quality of the church-based team.
Unable to beat the easier teams, Battle will relish entertaining second-placed White Knight next week at the rec.
In the meantime they can sit back and enjoy the great feeling of winning.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 14th Oct 2007
CONSIDER IT PURE JOY!
Robertsbridge 6-0 BBFC I
The first team suffered a demoralising 6-0 defeat at the hands of a strong Robertsbridge side in this Wisdens Cup tie. Going into the game full of optimism after knocking Hollington out of the Super Stitch Cup, the team started poorly and were given a footballing lesson by the home team.
Hopes of a win were rocked within the first quarter of the match as uncharacteristic defensive errors led to the first 2 goals. At the other end attacks were easily thwarted by the sound Robertsbridge defence and when opportunities came, Gary smashed his shot over the bar and Paul's thunderbolt was tipped over the cross bar by the keeper.
This was worse than just a bad day at the office. There were further chances to score in the second half when Battle passed well to create space in the home side's defence but Robertsbridge didn't let the screw unturn, scoring regularly to extend the lead.
One game doesn't make good players bad, and the Baptists will reflect on this awful experience in the context of their Jeckel and Hyde season. Whichever team turns up to next week's contest with Div 2 leaders Catsfield will remain a mystery.
If anyone seeks scriptural help in understanding how these trials and tribulations build our individual character and makes us complete, they should read James Chapter 1.
James tells us loud and clear what we need to do if we are lacking in wisdom, maturity or anything else.
Perseverance is key and we must lift our heads high in the knowledge that we are better now for the experience of Saturday.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 8th Oct 2007
PLAYING MEMBERSHIP FEE
The two managers are coming under increasing pressure from the BBFC Committee to pick only from players who have paid their £10 playing membership fee.
Of the 53 players registered to play in the ESFL, less than half have paid so far.
The Committee have asked that we don't pick non-members after the end of September...this puts Richard and me in a bad place for this weekend.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 6th Oct 2007
1sts CONQUER HOLLINGTON
Battle Baptists won through to the last 8 of the Super Stitch Challenge Cup today knocking out Division 1 side Hollington. First to qualify for the quarter-finals, Battle now have to wait for the remaining 1st and 2nds round games to be completed before discovering their next opponents.
Having already beaten Ticehurst from Division 1 in the 1st round, Battle's Cup form is in amazing contrast to their League results.
Hollington, who are sitting in fourth position in Division 2, were beaten for the first time this season by 2 Tom Frere-Smith goals, one in each half.
Making his season's BBFC debut, Andy Poulter astounded the home crowd, pulling off several superb saves to keep his side in the game, including a penalty save ten minutes from time.
Although Hollinton threw everything forward to froce an equaliser and extra time, the home defence resisted, with last ditch tackles and goal-line clearances to earn their quarter-final place.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed 3rd Oct 2007
PLAYERS' BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY!!!
Any friend or player of the Club is invited to the Players' Breakfast this Saturday.
You're welcome from 9am at the Manor House (the building attached to the Baptist Chapel on Mount Street). These events are usually well attended and great fun. This one also takes in the Clubs's AGM at which Chairman Gary Williams will be attempting to beat his PB.
There's no charge for the food but we normally take a collection if you'd like to donate a small ammount to a charitable offering.
We'll be finished and fed up by 11pm and anyone wishing to stay in Battle over lunch is welcome to waddle up the road to watch Football Focus at my house.
Don't make any excuses why you can't come...just rearrange your plans and get out of bed for the best food in the South East...Just take a look at the front page photo!!
I look forward to finishing the plate off with you on Saturday morning.
Posted by: bbfcmanager