Vs. Red Lion (H)

Starting XI

Dale Scowen

Owen Davies

Andy Frere-Smith (c)

Gary Wenham

Darrell Hartley

Pat Mammone

Stuart Batchelor

Andy Mills

Dave Mills

Tom Frere-Smith

Gary Walsh

Referee: J Brown

Goal: Batchelor (58)

HT Score: 0-1

FT Score: 1-3

Despite losing this East Sussex League Division 5 fixture Battle can take great encouragement from an excellent display of football.

Both teams entered the game knowing that the winner would be in an excellent position for promotion to division 4. It was Battle that started the stronger with early chances falling to the striking duo of Tom Frere- Smith and Gary Walsh. With the energetic Stuart Batchelor supporting from central midfield, the home team looked most likely to open the scoring, but the home fans were stunned when a Red Lion striker found space at the back post and slid an acute angled 6-yard shot past Dale Scowen in goal.

Showing resilient character, the Baptists midfield dominated the second half. Pat Mammone found oceans of space on the right. Andy Mills worked industriously to win possession in central areas and distributed his passes accurately to the forwards. Playing with an abundance of energy, his twin brother Dave utilised the full width of the Battle Rec. pitch, and the back four defended efficiently against a lively Red Lion attack force.

The game turned in Red Lions’ favour in the space of just 1 minute. At one end Frere-Smith calved a clever pass through to Walsh and when his effort rebounded off the keeper, Red Lion went immediately downfield and struck a venomous shot into the heart of the Battle net for 2-0.

Lesser teams would have capitulated but the home side reacted positively and within 3 minutes had pulled a goal back. Walsh volleyed an Owen Davies corner towards goal and Batchelor made sure it beat the defensive cordon with a cleverly headed flick.

With the Baptists now delivering a barrage of attacks on the flagging visitors, it seemed like a comeback was inevitable. Firstly, from a corner, Walsh hit the crossbar with another well-directed header. A miraculous save from the Red lion keeper prevented Frere-Smith’s brilliant back post header from levelling the scores, after Dave Mills had measured a superb left-wing cross. Then a fiercely swerving 25-yard strike by Frere-Smith squirmed under the goalkeeper’s body and somehow trickled out of play on the wrong side of the post for Battle.

When the Lions broke up field and a defensive mistake enabled them to score their third, the result was assured. Further courageous efforts proved fruitless for the Church team whose superb defensive endeavours and creative attacking deserved a greater reward. Left to ponder on what might have been, the rookie Baptist team drank their post match cup of tea with that satisfaction of having totally entertained their loyal home fans.