With The Reserve team beginning to put a more than decent league run together and a slow rise up what is becoming an increasing tight division, a tricky away game against a Scaynes Hill side that boast a similar record was always going to a real test for Carters men. Billed as an important ‘six-pointer’ and with Scaynes Hill’s senior side without a game, The Archers defence was without regular full back Eastoe, as versatile club stalwart Greg Dann slotted seamlessly into the role.

Fresh on the back of a marvellous win the week before against promotion rivals Felbridge, and with no obvious signs of a New Year hangover Fletching were quick out of the traps. Looking livelier than their hosts, The Archers were first to everything and after only five minutes took a deserved lead. Carter refused to comment of the pre-match rumours that Benton had been out on a large drinking session the night before, sticking by the troubled star, despite looking the worse for wear when he boarded the team coach. The youngster was to repay the faith shown in him by his manager in the best way possible using his electric pace and expert technique to fire past Hill’s keeper.

In what was an evenly contested first half the home side looked to push things on as they gradually began to raise their game. The Archers were certainly overworked but were digging in deep and defending from the front, Dogger tracking back on numerous occasions to help out The Archers big boys occupying the of the middle of the park. Bradley was alert to the potential threat of Hill’s front two who looked impressive, forcing the big keeper into a couple of good saves, whilst The Villagers also wasted opportunities to extend their lead, playing a counter attacking game and looking for the pace of Benton and Dowding, as they went into the break one up.

Carter had seemingly rallied his side who were now beginning to push forward as a team, rather than sitting back on a slender lead as in the first forty five. The result was an end-to-end football match, and much more entertaining and exciting second half prevailed. With both sides looking to play attacking football, The Archers could have extended their lead on several occasions, Dowding managing to find the post every time. Showing the sort of commitment that has got them to within the grasps of division seven, The Archers demonstrated true grit and determination in an attempt to keep the home side at bay, Jefford taking a voice-raising blow to the lower regions as well as an elbow in the face which left him with a lip like Pete Burns, whilst the veteran Smith worked up and down, never showing signs of fading.

As the referees watch continued to tick down, and with still only a single goal in it, Hill looked to their two experienced First Team members on the bench, a clear intent that they wanted more than just a point from this fixture. As usual Hartup roused the sprits of those around him as the visitors continued to play a patient passing style of football. Powell, who had run all game, was replaced Clark as Carter looked to sure things up with the more defence-minded midfielder. As the final few minutes dawned Fletching looked as though they had done enough to come away with all three points, however a cruel blow very late in the game snatched a deserved win from The Archers grasps.

A speculative shot heading towards Bradley in goal took an unfortunate bobble, bouncing back off the Club Secretary to the home side’s striker, who demonstrated the kind of six yard, poaching prowess that Lineker himself would have been proud of, tucking it calmly past a stranded Bradley, much to the disbelief of the travelling Archers support. Player manager Carter saw it fit to give himself a rare run out for the remainder of injury time, coming on for Dann who was suffering from cramp, almost scoring an unlikely winner, as he slid, fully committed for a tempting cross, ending up in the back of the net (minus the ball!), it wouldn’t have counted anyhow, as it was adjudged offside to compound Fletching’s misery.

Team: Bradley, G.Dann, Jefford, Hill, Smith, Hartup, Donnelly, Dowding, Dickens, Benton, Powell, Subs: Clark, Carter, Head