Vs. Punnetts Town (H)
Starting XI	Substitutions:
Ian Nunn
Owen Davies
Gary Wenham
Andy Frere-Smith (c)
Darrell Hartley
Pat Mammone
Stuart Batchelor
Dale Scowen
Dave Mills
Tom Frere-Smith	(79 Richard Ahsam)
Gary Walsh
Referee: M Baldock
Goals: T Frere-Smith (31), Walsh (54,67).
HT Score: 1-1
FT Score: 3-1

A goal from Tom Frere-Smith and two from player manager Gary Walsh sealed a Baptist home victory in this East Sussex League Division 5 fixture on Easter weekend.

Battle’s early optimism was shattered after only 6 minutes when Nicky Brashell’s thunderous finish from a fine angle left the Claverham fans stunned into silence.

On a bouncy, untrustworthy surface both teams had difficulty creating good opportunities and in the Spring heat players worked hard to gain the upper hand. Within half an hour the Baptists were level. After lofted free kick landed in the Punnetts Town penalty area, Tom Frere-Smith took advantage of defensive uncertainty, controlling the ball on a pinpoint and firing a low shot that skimmed the inside of the post on its way into the net.

The half time whistle brought a deserved break for the 22 players and also referee, Mick Baldock, who did an excellent job, controlling the match throughout with humour and authority.

In the second half, Punnetts Town conceded corner after corner. Eventually the Baptists converted one of them, after the ball was floated to the far post. Crowded by players Gary Walsh directed a firm header back across the goal and inside the post for 2-1.

Ten minutes later the Baptists had a 2-goal cushion. Another well directed Owen Davies corner was skilfully flicked on at the near post by Stuart Batchelor and it was Walsh again who attacked the space in the six yard box, gleefully guiding his shot across the line from 2 yards.

A late surge of pressure from the visitors could not break down the meanest defence in Division 5 and makeshift keeper Ian Nunn was hardly troubled.

This was a welcome return to form for the Battle based side who have managed only a draw from the last 3 games. The three points takes the Church team level on points with Punnetts Town with the teams sitting side by side just behind the promotion race. A quirk of fixtures sees the 2 teams play each other again this week in the return fixture at Punnetts Town (KO 3pm).