The Archers second string made the trip north to face fellow division seven opposition Dormansland Rockets Reserves in the second round of the Parsons Cup. A sunny November day produced some excellent football conditions, however the sun was certainly not shining on manager Piers Carter, who faced a selection nightmare, travelling with a threadbare side, unaided by the fact that they had played very few competitive games this season.

Newman, Barter, Cork and Dann were all out, whilst Powell was called up to the first team, giving Carter no choice but to give himself a rare start up front, and handing young fifteen old Caine Harris his first senior call up to the squad as the only man on the bench. Old head Mark ‘The Badger’ Hill returned to an untried defencive quartet including Eastoe, Hartup and ‘Sooty’ Brady who was making his first senior start for The Archers since his summer signing.

On a perfect pitch, but with a problematic low risen sun, the mid-table placed hosts started much the brighter, with youth and pace upfront as they bypassed their midfield, instead firing in long angled balls against an aging and much slower Fletching back four, who were caught flat footed a number of occasions against Rockets front two and wingers who were pushing up alongside in support.

The lack of pre match preparation was clearly evident, having arrived narrowly in time. However Carter’s men were un-phased by this immense tempo and continued to battle away bravely, but failed to maintain any rhythm or retain any possession, looking to the power, pace and experience of Dowding in the forward role, during brief spells of counter attacking football. The big hit man going close with the visitors first effort of the game after driving into the box before firing a low and hard strike into the side netting.

The hosts took a deserved lead early on, before Carter himself had a chance to level up moments later when he received the ball in space on the 18 yard area, his slot however flew well wide. This seemed to encourage the hosts and they enjoyed a good spell of pressure, including several dangerous corners from set-piece specialist Leeves, which the Rockets found difficult to deal with, eventually conceding from a powerful Paul Dickens header.

The Villagers were bravely battling, working extremely hard in midfield and across the back against an athletic side. Neal Head, in an alien left wing position cutting in well, putting himself about as usual and winning most in the air, whilst Hartup was lucky to avoid a caution after scything down one of the hosts youngsters and Eastoe unfortunate when the referee awarded a free kick for a dubious back pass right inside Bradley’s area – Fletching seeing off the danger.

Despite the hard work The Archers found themselves behind for the second time in the game with yet another long defence splitting ball, which their striker tucked away with confidence. With his side still in with a deserved shout Carter opted to sure things up at the back with some pace, bringing Dickens back into a central defensive role along side Hill and pushing Hartup into midfield alongside his old chum Leeves. In spite of this Dormansland sneaked one more before half time with a lucky break, as a dejected Village side went in for their half time tram talk on the receiving end of a two-goal deficit.

Fletching’s lack of consistent competitive matches this season was plainly evident, both physically and mentally on the players, with the first touch and passing certainly lacking, as Rockets looked to pounce and punish at any given moment. That said The Archers never gave up and at times the hosts wobbled. Clark and Dowding, who were both having much more influence this second half, were guilty of missing chances. Another fine set piece from Leeves found the big man Hartup whose goal bound header was tipped onto and over the bar and moments later a corner which was cut back to the edge of the box was met by the well timed run of Dickens whose volley went narrowly wide.

After a short delay in proceedings in which Leeves received the magic sponge treatment to a rather sensitive area (Piers’ face went white when he realised he may have to administer treatment!), young Caine Harris came on to make his senior debut, replacing grafting left back Chris Brady, as Carter switched to an attacking 3-4-3 formation. His introduction as the third striker was instantaneous as the Archers searched out an equalising goal. He looked lively, running at pace and had a chance almost immediately to make a name for himself. A good cross from Dowding found the slight frame of a striker who had burst into the box only to have it snatched off him by the hosts impressive keeper as he was about to connect.

With fifteen minutes still remaining The Rockets looked to sure things up and slow proceedings with the introduction of their substitutions. The interruption put pay to The Villagers momentum as they poured men forward looking for another goal which left the back three stretched and vulnerable. The hosts danger man making the most of the lucky bounce to put another one away with ease right at the death to condemn The Archers second string to another disappointing result.

Team: Bradley, Eastoe, Hill, Hartup, Brady (Harris), Clark, Dickens, Leeves, Head, Carter, Dowding.