Sun 26th Oct 2008
Free Football Coaching!
Blatant plug alert...
Wanted to bring to the attention of those aged between 7 and 16 or those who know people who are, that there is a free coaching course run by Brighton & Hove Albion this Wednesday (29th October) at Sandown School from 11am-3pm.
This is for both girls and boys and was brought to my attention as someone from my church is involved in organising it.
More information and the form you need to take with you can be found at the website RSL Football Courses.
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Sun 26th Oct 2008
GREAT RESULT FOR 2ND'S
Wadhurst II 0-1 BBFC II
Having returned from a whistle stop tour of South West Universities it quickly became apparent that my presence wasn't needed with either the 1st or 2nd team's. Realising that I could only get to the 2nd team game for the last 10 minutes, I decided to visit the rec to watch the 1st's in action. They quickly conspired to loose a 2-0 half time lead.....maybe I should have stayed away??
I was able to contribute effectively a little later, running keeper Andy Poulter to casualty after a nasty knock on the head.
Racing back to the pub to get the news on both games, I wes delighted to hear that the 1st team had held on for a draw and even better the 2nd's had beaten Wadhurst 1-0.
I wanted to thank the whole team for their efforts after last weeks cup defeat, in particular Gordon Lee for running the show in my absence, Ben Garlick for stepping into an unfamiliar centre half role after Max's early injury and Nic Beaney who didn't get on, but did a great job running the line for the team.
We have asked Dave Sitch to write a match report. Check back hear in a few days to read his eloquent match report and impartial account of his winning goal!!
Posted by: Gary Wenham
Sat 25th Oct 2008
JECKYL & HYDE 1ST TEAM
BBFC I 2-2 Hastings Rangers
Battle Baptist 1sts gave away a two goal half time lead to finish with just a point in yeaterday's Division 2 contest with Hastings Rangers.
Playing with confidence and enthusiasm, the home side dominated the first half, scoring first when Jamie Crouch fired in a left wing free kick and Adam Satplehurst converted with a spectacular diving header from 16 yards out.
Ten minutes later Battle extended their lead when the Hastings Rangers keeper miskicked a backpass straight to Pete Cooper in the centre of the pitch. With great composure and skill the left sided midfield player calmly controlled the ball with a touch, looked up and looped his shot 35 yards into an empty net.
Just as they showed dominance and flair in the first half, the Baptists changed their character after the break, failing to see the game out. Hastings Rangers pulled one back shortly after half time when Micka Wright took advantage of indecisive tackling and fired past Andy Poulter.
Unable to keep possession the Baptists now looked vulnerable and it was Rangers who piled on the pressure, equalising with a well-taken goal from Jason Boseley.
The injury woes continue to blight Battle's season and with 20 minutes to go keeper Andy Poulter suffered concussion in a challenge and had to be replaced by Gary Walsh. Although the visitors pressed for a win, determined defending by Battle held them out and at the other end Rangers' keeper Luke Caister made a superb reflex save to keep out a close range volley from adam Staplehurst, whilst hard-working Joe O'Neill carved out a chance that edged past the post.
In a game that the Baptists had dominated in the first half, they were eventually pleased to grab a point.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 18th Oct 2008
DOUBLE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR 1ST TEAM
BBFC I 1-2 Magham Down
This was an unexpected opportunity for the first team having being reinstated in the Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup Trophy after their 1st Round defeat to Ninfield was overturned when it was found that Ninfield had played an unregistered player. However, the Baptists suffered a second defeat in a manner that exectly reflected the first.
Full of optimism, after picking up their first league win of the season last week, the home team suffered two early setbacks. They enjoyed the better possession in the early stages but went behind against the run of play in the 12th minute when a Magham Down counter attack rounded the defence and the striker fired home clinically from a tight angle. Moments later talisman defender Andy Moore fell awkwardly and retired with a knee injury leaving his team to reorganise.
Now in central midfield Jamie Crouch slotted a ball through to Aaron Blackman whose fiercesome shot was turned around the post by the Magham keeper and another Crouch pass saw Joe O'Neill shoot into the keeper's arms. Blackman thumped a shot against the underside of the bar before the home team finally equalised when Ollie Jeffs profitted from a well worked corner drill, firing in the well-deserved equaliser at the back post.
The game was won and lost half way through the second half when a Magham Down corner flew directly into the net leaving Battle rueing the missed chances of the first half. As Battle pushed forward, Magham created other chances to extend the lead and althought the Baptist defence stood firm, a goalmouth scramble was the closest the home team came to forcing extra time.
It's far too much to hope that Magham Down played an unregistered player and we may get another pass into the next round. The fact is that there's a very narrow margin between winning and losing at the moment and we need to convert our chances as well as prevent loose goals at our end.
Still much to be encouraged by and at home to Hasting Rangers next week, we have another God given opportunity to play this wonderful game.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 19th Oct 2008
CUP DEFEAT FOR OUT OF SORT'S BAPTISTS
BBFC II 2-5 Orington
On a perfect afternoon for football, and looking to make their mark in the Hastings Print Co Cup, the Baptists started brightly. Barely 2 minutes had passed when Toby Blackman took the ball of a defender, beat another and scored with a strong shot passed the keeper.
However, the Baptists were not to have it all their own way and shortly afterwards, an Orington corner was dug out from under the crossbar by keeper John King.
On 33 minutes Orington hit the cross bar and 2 minutes later got a deserved equaliser . Following scrappy defending and an inability to clear the ball, an Orington striker found himself unmarked 6 yards out and scored passed the Baptist keeper. The remainder of the half was nip and tuck with both sides creating chances. On 44 minutes Paul Ford was taken out by a crude challenge that rightly earned the Orington player a yellow card. With no time to take the resulting free kick, the half ended level.
The second half started brightly for the Baptists, but with the 2 strikers isolated, and little support from midfield, the threat was quickly snuffed out.
Orington were gifted the lead on 47 minutes when a poor back header from Max Sztyber went straight to the feet of the Orington striker who cooly slotted home. The Baptists looked to re-group and whilst not playing well were still in the game. On 55 minutes a Dave Sitch shot was handled in the box, but the resultant penalty was balsted over the bar by Matt Lee
The tie was put beyond the Baptists on 60 minutes when 2 missed tackles down the right allowed an Orington player to cross the ball and the shot went under the boot of keeper Jon King who was trying to hack away. At 3-1 down the home side looked beaten with too many players now going through the motions.
Worse was to come a minute later when an Orington free kick 35 yards out wide to the left went straight in without a touch from a defender or goalkeeper. The Baptists did keep going and on 64 minutes, Dave Sitch and Toby Blackman combined well for Toby to take the ball round the Orington keeper and strike into an open goal. Despite this small recovery, Orington scored again on 73 minutes when the Baptists defence again failed to clear.
The afternoon was characterised by poor defending (all over the pitch) lack of concentration and a poor attitude when we did go behind. If we are to compete against league leaders Wadhurst next week we need to improve in all areas.
Posted by: Gary Wenham
Mon 13th Oct 2008
OCTOBER FIXTURE CHANGES
Fixtures have changed for the last two weekends of October.
The first team who originally had the 18th off, are now at home in the Wisden Sports Challenge Cup after being reinstated when Ninfield played an unregistered player.
Both League fixtures on the 25th have now been changed by the League.
The fixtures are now as follows...
Sat 18th October
1sts...Magham Down...Home...2:30pm KO...Wisdens Sports Challenge Cup 2nd Round
2nds...Orington...Home...2:30pm KO...Hastings Printing Co. Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Sat 25th October
1sts...Hastings Rangers...Home...3pm KO
2nds...Wadhurst...Away...3pm KO
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 12th Oct 2008
BATTLING BAPTIST'S BEAT BRIDGE
BBFC II 2-1 Robertsbridge II
BBFC 2nd's continued their fine run of form with a hard fought victory against neighbours Robertsbridge. Two changes from last weeks line up saw Jake Wilkinson in for Jo O'Neil, deservedly picked for the 1st's and Matt Turpin making his debut in central defence for the injured Clayton Bennett.
Despite Robertsbridge only winning 1 out of 4 league games, their defeats have only been by the odd goal and they proved very competitive opposition.
Both sides started strongly, but with defences on top, chances were few. Max Sztyber continued from last week, organising the defence well and the experienced Robertsbridge defender John Smith kept any Baptist attack at bay.
Battle took the lead on 30 minutes. A throw out by the keeper was mis-controlled by a Robertsbridge defender. Rhys Bennett nipped in and his shot from wide on the right sailed into the top corner. The remainder of the half continued in the same vain with both sides pressing but not creating many chances.
Robertsbridge started the second half the stronger. With long spells of possesion, but they still could not break down a well organised battle defence. On 55 minutes Battle increased their lead. Breaking from defence and with the Robertsbridge defence outnumbered, Dave Sitch realeased Jake Wilkinson on the right. One touch took him into the area and a shot low and hard pass the despairing keeper, doubled the lead.
This seemed to spur Robertsbridge on and the Baptists were forced to endure further spells of pressure. Their efforts were rewarded with 18 minutes to go. A loose ball on the edge of the area was despatched low into the Baptists goal past a desperate dive from keeper Jon King.
By this time Dom fowler was on for Jake, running hard at the tiring Robertsbridge defence and Ben Garlick came on for the tiring Phil Broom. A huge defensive effort from the whole team for the last 20 minutes ensured that the Baptists goal was not breeched again and they came away with all 3 points.
Robertsbridge proved themselves one of the better teams we have played so far and can feel a little agrieved that they came away with nothing.
We look forward to the visit of Div 5 outfit Orington next week in the cup looking to extend our unbeaten run.
Posted by: Gary Wenham
Sat 11th Oct 2008
DESPERATE DALLAS DASH DELIVERS POULTERS PENALTY PANACHE!
BBFC I 2-1 Peasmarsh & Iden I
Battle keeper Andy Poulter raced home from Heathrow yesterday to play in the Division 2 clash with previously unbeaten Peasmarsh and Iden. Having spent two weeks in Dallas on business, Poulter donned the keeper’s jersey at half time and pulled off two brilliant penalty saves that sealed Battle’s first points of the season.
The afternoon started well for he determined Baptists who were keen to make up for their disappointing display against Northiam last week. Back from illness, Aaron Blackman immediately forged an impressive partnership with in-form second striker Joe O’Neill. Both players had early chances to score as Andy Mills and Jamie Crouch dominated the midfield.
Battle’s reserve choice keeper Gary Walsh looked strong in goal until a foul was conceded on the left flank and he could only palm resulting free kick into the top corner to give Peasmarsh a very unlike lead.
Twice the visitors had to clear off their goal line as Battle continued to press forward and create scoring situations. Pete Cooper made the most of some extra space, travelling with the ball and curling a left footed shot agonisingly over the bar whilst Dave Mills and Barry Crouch worked the right flank successfully, producing several crosses that frustratingly found a defender rather than an attacker. It was no surprise when Aaron Blackman finally equalised just before half time bustling through tackles before knocking the ball past keeper Justin Smith.
Although buoyed by Poulter’s introduction, the home side started the second half slowly. Recognising a bad habit of conceding goals during this stage of the game, the Baptists showed a gritty determination to come through this poor patch. When a drop kick from Poulter found its way through to Aaron Blackman, the striker coolly struck his second of the afternoon and the home team dared to contemplate their first win of the season.
With ten minutes left the drama heightened when Peasmarsh were gifted an opportunity to equalise after a thundering shot hit substitute Paul Rook on the hand from point blank range. Saving the first attempt low down to his left Poulter had to face a retake when defenders encroached into the area. Showing no signs of jet lag, the experienced keeper dived the other way to block the second attempt and the ball was cleared to safety.
Coming on for the hard-working Joe O’Neill, youngster Tim Walsh showed great promise feigning a shot before sliding the ball to Blackman for a hat-trick chance but the ball was smothered to leave Poulter to take top prize for heroics.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 4th Oct 2008
2ND'S WIN AGAIN
Eastbourne Athletic 0 - 2 BBFC II
A goal in each half secured another win for BBFC against unbeaten Eastbourne Athletic.
On a really windy afternoon in Eastbourne and with the wind against them in the first half, the Baptists started the stronger.
A shot from Clayton Bennett on 5 minutes was cleared off the line and on 10 minutes Paul Ford saw an angled shot hit the upright. The baptists continued to press and with the defence on top form in a swirling wind, our goal was rarely threatened.
BBFC took the lead on 30 minutes when from a throw in wide on the right, the ball was cleverly worked across the Eastbourne area. Rhys Bennett laid the ball back to Dave Sitch, who shot low and hard to leave the keeper flat footed.
Turning round 1-0 up and with the wind in their favour, the Baptists continued to play well. The opposition were never out of the game and the next goal was to be crucial. With 25 minutes still to play, Clayton Bennett pulled up with a groin strain. An urgent re-organisation brought Jake Wilkinson on into attack. Jo O'Neil dropped back into midfield with Matt Lee back into defence.
The next corner was floated in by Owen Davies and Jake scored with his first touch. An inspired substitution by the coach I think you'll agree!!.Further chances came and went with Rich Gurr in the Eastbourne goal making some good saves.
Dom Fowler came on with 5 minutes to go causing havoc in the oppositions defence, having a shot well saved by the keeper and being brought down when through 1 0n 1 with the keeper. The resultant penalty was missed by Owen Davies, pulling his attempt 6 inches wide, but this did not put a dampner on a great afternoon for the Baptists.
A good all round performance by the Baptists with special mention for man of the match Jo O'Neil, Jon King filling in at the last moment in goal and for Ben Garlick, who whilst he didn't get on opportunity today, remains totally supportive of the team and an important part of the squad.
There was a great team spirit today during and after the game. In some ways it's easy to show good spirit when things are going well. We need to ensure that if and when things aren't going our way, we show the same togetherness and spirit. As the Great Billy Ocean once said "when the going gets tough, the tough get going"
Posted by: Gary Wenham
Sat 4th Oct 2008
NORTHIAM BENEFIT FROM OFF DAY
Having played and lost 4 very close games in which we've created lots of chances and competed strongly, Northiam took advantage of an average performance by the first team.
Injuries to Aaron Blackman and Gary Walsh forced us to field a new look attack and Adam Staplehurst's unavailability was particularly noticed. Nevertheless with the comebacks of first choice centre halves Alan Cowley and Andy Moore, the Baptists felt that this was the game that would kick start their season.
With the wind blowing end to end the game was wide open in the early stages, and chances fell to both sides as defenders struggled to cope in swirling conditions. Goalmouth scrambles in both six yard boxes ended without a score but it felt like being a 6-6 kind of a game.
Our best efforts fell to Toby Blackman. In one attack he fired a cracking volley into the stomach of the grateful Northiam keeper when either side would have proven impossible to save. The talented youngster made another chance for himself when he dazzled a path through the Northiam defence and saw his shot stray wide of the target.
Northiam were denied a chance to open the scoring when their attacker was brought down outside the box and the resulting kick came to nothing.
After the break stalemate was eventually broken when a Northiam attacker was felled, this time in the box, and Tom Cusden stepped up to convert the spot kick.
As Andy Moore pushed into midfield to try to get the home team back into the game, the result was sealed ten minutes from time when Battle lost possession in midfield and a clever passing move carved through the Baptists defence for James Playford to score Northiam's second.
This was a disappointing performance in which the first team lacked the creativity and courage that they have shown previously this season. Next week there is a tougher challenge awaiting them when unbeaten Peasmarsh and Iden visit Battle Rec.
It would be just like us to beat them!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Fri 3rd Oct 2008
FIRSTS GET CUP REPRISE
We were advised by Kevin Bray of the ESFL today that Ninfield played an unregistered player in our 2-1 Wisden's Sports Cup defeat two weeks ago so the League have reinstated us in Ninfield's place.
Ninfield's next round match was to be Magham Down at home on Sat 18th October. I know I told all you first team players to enjoy the week off but it looks probable that we'll have to play that weekend. Great News!!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 2nd Oct 2008
FIRST AIDERS WANTED
We are required to have a qualified 1st Aider at every game. Would you like to get more involved and put yourself forward for 1st Aid duties on match days.
If you have a work based qualification or would like to take the NHS Save a Life course (only 1 week day evening locally) please contact myself or one of the committee.
Posted by: Gary Wenham