In absence of ‘Champagne’ Sol, this week’s match report is brought to you by Richard ‘Ping’ Clark… So as the early afternoon sun was blinding over the Recreation ground, the Fletching contingent gathered, for what promised to be a tough encounter with second in the table Hartfield. As always the mood in the dressing room was high, and banter was flying at a similar height, with recent results not going for The Archers you would be hard pushed to gauge that in the atmosphere.

‘Berries’ Hartup was late into the fray and elevated this to a whole new level. It was time to get serious as the boys surveyed the team sheet which highlighted the return of several familiar faces, including; ‘Titch’ Barter, ‘Big’ Dave Eastoe, ‘Squealer’ Dann, ‘Dogger’ Benton and a surprise second start for Piers “Come on number 9” Carter. As the team talk went on in the changing rooms I was busy securing the top goal for the warm-up so couldn’t tell you what went on there. I was told that Barter would start the game to make sure if he got injured he could be replaced and so as to avoid the sub on, sub off situation. The warm up began in a haphazard Fletching manner we have become accustomed too. Last words from the gaffer Carter and captain marvel Hartup and it was time to begin.

Fletching started the game kicking down the hill and into the sun, and immediately from kick off the boys looked up for this one. Quick passing and good movement soon lead to Carter playing a ball through the middle for Benton to latch on to, forcing the first corner of the game. Followed by huge praise for the pass, shouts of “great ball number 9” were heard coming from, you guessed it, the number 9 himself Carter. The resulting corner was dealt with comfortably but it wasn’t long before the second corner followed from yet more incisive passing and the link play from the home sides front two. This time the set piece was not so well defended, as Barter sneaked in on the left hand side, latching on to the loose ball and skipping past the opposition before cutting the ball back for Benton who calmly slotted home for 1-0.

Not to be outdone Hartfield began to attack, but the back line held up well with Dann cutting out though balls and Dickens defending sternly with his no nonsense style the middle was a no go for the visitors. Eastoe and Jefford were equally up to the job out wide, winning the ball and releasing to the pacey wing men of Barter and Newman. Ten minutes played and Villagers suddenly had a problem, Barter felt his troublesome hamstring injury flare up, and Carter’s foresight was about to pay off.

Barter continued but had to be replaced by Clark after twenty minutes. The game settled and the poor playing surface began to show, as a midfield struggle for supremacy ensued, Hartup and Leeves doing well to win and distribute the ball on a soggy infield. The game became a battle and Fletching worked hard closing quickly all over the pitch and putting in some big tackles. Breaking well but only managing to create half chances, Hartfield had been relatively quiet so far and frustration was showing. Dave Eastoe was to take a free kick and ever quiet Carter continually heaping praise on the number 9 had another gem, as he told Eastoe to hit the channel from the free kick just inside the half. After which he decided to “direct” the free kick, waving his arms in the air and screaming “through here!”. He could have done a job on an aircraft carrier with those arm actions and may have missed his calling. Eastoe did what was asked and Fletching had another half chance collected by the keeper. Hartfield created some long-range efforts and corners but never really troubled Bradley in goal. 1-0 at half time and Fletching in control.

The second half kicked off and the message was much the same, both teams evidently maintaining the high tempo and work rate seen in the first period. Some nice movement and passing being snuffed out by both defences, the ball was being won in midfield and spread out wide, Carter still linking well and Benton running at the defence, never letting them rest when he had the ball. Even when he didn’t have to ball he was hassling well and forcing errors, the boy was on fire. He got a deserved second after the ball was released from midfield, latching on to it, shrugging off the last man and slotting home effortlessly.

2-0 and Hartfield made some anticipated substitutions. Having been on the back foot for most of the match it was their time to have a period of possession. Running with the ball on an ever-worsening pitch led to slip-ups and ‘Field started creating opportunities. Fletching got men behind the ball, and seldom broke with numbers. Dann carried the ball forward on occasions relieving the pressure, before Hartfield would come again, and again. Fletching would break and a cross from Clark almost lead to a third for Benton. The team dug in and Brady was introduced to sure things up, replacing Carter.

The visitors broke quickly and continued to press, carving out further half chances, but The Archers defence, well marshalled from the experience of Dann and Dickens put in the effort and stopped any real danger. All the boys dug deep as a hard fought game came to an end, both team looked tired and Fletching fully deserving of their win.

Clarky’s Champagne moment:

A great performance from all the lads, effort in abundance and some great football from both teams; Caine unlucky to get on in such a tight game, but he will undoubtedly get his chance to shine. The Hartfield manager summed up the day, when asked by yours truly if their boys were knackered because we were f***ed, his reply came…”you certainly f***ed us!”. Both teams stayed in the bar till fairly late and exchanged banter which, summed up what was a great match and atmosphere. Up the village!

Team: Bradley, Eastoe, Dickens, Dann, Jefford, Newman, Leeves, Hartup, Barter (Clark), Carter (Brady), Benton. Subs not used: Harris