Fletching looked to make up for last weeks disappointing result against highflying East Grinstead outfit, Felbridge, when they travelled to Balcombe for another tough away test. The hosts are on a fine run of form, whilst Carters side have won only twice in their last six games and suffered a three-nil defeat at the hands of Balcombe earlier in the season. Playing a standard 4-4-2 formation, The Villagers welcomed back, in what was a real coup by manager Carter, former Archer Martin ‘Kangaroo’ Craig, the left footer returning after a break from the game. The first half belonged to the visitors, as Fletching began much the stronger, shaking off the shackles of their poor league form.

The Archers went ahead after the Balcombe boys failed to cope with the fine work of Dowding, who was brought down in a dangerous position. Quick thinking by Mark Dann caught the hosts napping to put Fletching one up. Martin Craig was looking highly impressive on his return, showing no signs of having not played for a couple of years, as he worked tirelessly up and down his favoured left flank and won everything in the air. The central midfield pairing of skipper Hartup and Head were bossing the middle and strong in the challenges as Fletching went on to extend the lead. A pinpoint corner found the dangerous Dickens who made no mistake, putting his header firmly past the keeper. Balcombe hit straight back with a spectacular overhead kick, which spurred Carters side to up their game and moments later Dowding restored the two goal advantage, calmly slotting past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner, as The Archers went in 3-1 up at half time.

The second half lacked the goals and excitement of the first period, as Carter was evidently content to sit back on the advantage. In previous weeks this has been The Archers downfall, conceding silly goals as opposing teams pushed them deep on the back foot, however the back four of ‘Jaffa’ Jefford, Eastoe, Mark ‘The Butcher’ Dann and Duly demonstrated great composure, control and organisation to limit the hosts to only a couple of half chances, giving them no time to settle on the ball. The best chance of the half fell to Balcombe, who were denied by an inform Bradley making a Gordon Banks-esq save as he got his fingertips to a stinging goal bound shot. A trio of young fresh legs came on in quick succession, as Carter looked to unsettle Balcombe with pace and energy in the closing stages. Pearce came on for Donnelly who had been a real handful down the right, whilst Benton and Powell replaced Dowding and Craig respectively. The remaining action was divided equally between both sides, as a midfield battle ensued and the game petered out, the visitors coming away with all three points at the final whistle.

Team: Bradley, M.Dann, Eastoe, Duly, Jefford, Craig (Powell), Head, Hartup, Donnelly (Pearce), Dickens, Dowding (Benton).