Vs. Northiam 75 (H)
Starting XI	Substitutes:
Simon Cutler
Owen Davies
Doug Morris
Darrell Hartley
Paul Ford
Pete Cooper
Andy Mills (c)
Dave Mills
Adrian Gaylon	(78 Gary Walsh)
Tom Frere-Smith
Dom Fowler
Referee: A Apps
Goals: Frere-Smith (14,75).
HT Score: 1-1
FT Score: 2-2

Even the 90 minute long April shower that lasted throughout this East Sussex League Division 4 game couldn’t dampen the spirits of the home team, for whom the single point earns the runners-up spot and promotion.

The celebrations would have been even greater had the away team not equalised in the last minute of the game, earning them a reprieve from relegation and giving small hope that a win next week might keep them in Division 4.

The away team adapted quickly to the testing conditions and drew first blood from a corner in the 8^th minute. Untidy marking allowed a far post header to be planted back into the 6-yard box for a second Northiam attacker to head home from close range.

Battle were spurred into a response on this Easter Weekend, and Northiam sacrificed the lead just 5 minutes later when Tom Frere-Smith cut past three defenders and hammered in his shot from 10 yards.

As the rain teamed, neither team reigned as the game looked evenly balanced for the remainder of the first period. On a day that favoured attackers, both defences worked hard to prevent further scores, whilst

Dave Mills and Pete Cooper on the flanks of Battle’s midfield always looked dangerous and Dom Fowler played with great energy in his partnership with Frere-Smith.

After half time the home side started to take control and Frere-Smith put them into the lead on 75 minutes just when it looked like a substitution would be needed to break the deadlock.

As the game drew to an end with the Baptists looking good for a deserving win, the wind was taken from their sails when a 20 yards free kick was floated into a crowded area and glanced in for the equaliser, leaving no time for a response before referee Alan Apps brought the game to a conclusion.

After the game, news came through that the Baptists pitch sharers Battle Rangers had drawn against Hawkhurst making it impossible for the Kent side to claim second place.

“We’re overjoyed at the way we have developed this season,” said Gary Walsh the Baptist’s manager. “Having only lost 3 games all season, we are a difficult team to beat. We’ve a great defensive record and this has been the foundation for our success. There’s a wonderful mixture of experience and youth. The youngsters are learning very quickly and the veterans have played beyond themselves. Next year will be another exciting season for the club.”