Vs. Northiam ‘75 II (A)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Gary Walsh
Owen Davies
Gary Williams
Pete Cooper
Darrell Hartley	(60 Paul Ford)
Pat Mammone
Andy Mills (c)
Loksan Harley	(65 Dom Fowler)
Dave Mills
Tom Frere-Smith
Bryn Frere-Smith	(70 Luke Graham)
Referee: D Brown
Goals: T Frere-Smith (2,48,64) B Frere-Smith (18,50) Graham (75).
HT Score: 2-0
FT Score: 6-0

Battle’s magnificent start to the new season continued with a second comfortable win, this time away at Northiam. Fielding several new players this season, the Baptists were quick off the mark, scoring in the 2^nd minute of this East Sussex League Division 4 fixture, when Tom Frere-Smith latched on to a pass and stroked the ball past the opposition’s keeper. After brother Bryn doubled the lead on 18 minutes the result began to look certain.

Northiam worked valiantly to match their opposition, and created their best opportunity when a long throw somehow cleared the Battle defence to find a Northiam striker, whose fiercely struck volley was parried by the newly found goalkeeping talent of Gary Walsh.

After this, the Baptist midfield dominated the game, with Zion Man of the Match Andy Mills demonstrating why he’s now the captain.

The youthful Loksan Harley showed experience beyond his years, causing problems for Northiam down the Battle left flank with his skilful dribbling and clever positioning, whilst Peter Cooper’s speed, strength and anticipation in the centre of defence made the side look secure at the back.

Two more goals in the first 5 minutes of the second half killed the home team hopes. Firstly Tom Frere-Smith met a right wing cross in the 6-yard box and cracked his shot in off the post. Not to be outshone, Bryn quickly evened up the scoring, bustling his way through the defence to make it four.

Tom rounded the keeper to score on 64 minutes and, in his debut for the Baptists, substitute Luke Graham finished the scoring 15 minutes from time, collecting the ball with his back to goal, twisting and turning past 3 defenders, dummying a shot twice, before finally burying the ball in the net for 6-0.

The Baptists’ 13 goals in 2 games take them to the top of Division 4 having played one fewer games than other teams. After the game the Baptist’s manager Gary Walsh said “It’s far too early to read form into the Division. We’ve been blessed in both our games so far. We need to keep enjoying our football and look forward to our next game with confidence”.

A large crowd is expected at the Recreation Ground, next week, when the Baptists face a stiffer challenge as they take on Battle Rangers in the first ever Battle derby between these two Clubs. KO 3pm.