After only two games it was a break from the league as the new management duo of Clark and Phillips turned their attentions to a first round Parsons Challenge Cup clash away to Ardingly III. The Reserves were in an assured frame of mind having previously posted two convincing league wins, as they travelled to the outskirts of Cuckfield; however Clark and Phillips were devoid of the services of several significant players. The centre back pairing of Dann and Dickens were both out, as were pace men Powell, Newman and Harris. After his goal scoring exploits the previous two games Neil Lucey was recalled to The Firsts, as was new signing Chris Scott who was set to make his debut for the front side. Fletching welcomed back the long serving Stuart Jefford, ‘Sooty’ Brady came into the squad, as did ex-manager Carter. After a difference of opinion, pre-season form guy Ian Dowding dropped down to spearhead the attack, as did ‘Titch’ Barter who played against doctors orders after picking up a hamstring injury the week before against East Court.

The Archers started vibrantly on an expansive Whitemans Green pitch, taking the game to their Division Nine opponents from the very first whistle. Clark’s men enjoyed high-quality possession throughout the middle of the park, stand in skipper Mike Cronin at the heart of everything creative, as, injury prone maestro played some great balls out wide into the channels which began to ask questions of ‘Ly. The visitors should have taken the lead early on when a precision pass once again from the Cronin found the rampaging Dowding down the wing who drilled his cross powerfully across the box for his strike partner Barter, who missed altogether. However a late, cutting running from Carter on left saw him receive the ball before firing his effort straight into the keepers hands.

Piers Carter was seen rolling back the years and was once again at the heart of the action, when he was challenged by Ly’s bulky number seven. Titch called for it and struck the ball with precision and power for the ball to go straight through the Ardingly keeper’s hands.

One-nil up and The Villagers began to dictate proceedings for the remainder of the game, as the hosts afforded them far too much time and freedom on the ball, Fletching looking completely comfortable when stroking it around. It didn’t take long before their lead was doubled, from the most unlikely of sources. The visitors won a corner on the left hand side, which was taken by dead ball specialist Barter. He picked out Cronin who lunged awkwardly at the ball to get an initial head on it, directing it straight into the keepers hands, who proceeded to then drop it straight to Cronin who had fallen down to the ground on the goal line, heading home the easiest goal he will ever get.

Fletching continued to carve chances for the remainder of the first forty-five, but failed to convert. Ardingly saw brief spells of possession, but were chased down by a ravenous and sprightly Fletching team, whose blend at the back of new youngsters and experienced campaigners snubbed out any threat with relative ease to go in at the break with a two goal lead.

Clark saw his side come out from the interval and maintain the tempo and accomplished football they had demonstrated in the first half. Killing the game off within a few minutes of the restart, when a resurgent Dowding broke down the middle with his usual power and pace, bearing down on the keeper before unleashing a ferocity from his boot which the hosts keeper once again failed to deal with, coming off his shoulder and into the net.

The Villagers made it four midway through the second half, when Barter grabbed his second of the game – a good, true strike which flew past a despairing keeper. The diminutive winger was enjoying himself in an unfamiliar forward role as he looked for a hat trick, but in a wise decision on the part of Clark and Phillips, was abruptly subbed to protect his temperamental hamstring.

At four-nil down and with the game out of sight, Ardingly finally began to compete, showing great determination as they started to enjoy their football, forging a few half chances for themselves, but failing to really test Fletching’s veteran number one, who was ably supported by a watertight back four, as the visitors moved comfortably into the next round.

Team: Bradley, Aygate, Jefford, Hill, Fletcher, Barbe (Brady), Bradford, Cronin, Carter (Keoshgerian), Dowding, Barter (Starnes), Subs Not Used: Clark