Fletching looked to make it nine unbeaten league games in a row as they welcomed fellow high flyers Forest Row to a cold and very wet Recreation Ground. Row had narrowly beaten the Archers earlier in the season and were sitting second in the league, Carters men just behind them, level on points, making it yet another important ‘six pointer’. With an extremely strong squad to choose from, Carter opted for a familiar 4-5-1 formation, as Gary Smith came in at the back for Mark Dann who received a nasty leg injury the previous game, which will see him sidelined for several weeks. Lucey replaced Powell who was ruled out early in the week when he came down with ‘Man Flu’, the new signing making his debut on the left wing after receiving international clearance only a few days previously, whilst James ‘Titch’ Barter returned from university to claim a place on the bench alongside Keoshgerian and Stevens.

The Villagers were well aware of the importance of such a big game, looking extremely focused as captain ‘Berries’ Hartup won the toss an elected to defend The Field End first. A tremendously tight fifteen minutes ensued as both teams tentatively traded moves, not wanting to give anything away. Fletching were sticking to a clear game plan and were continuing to play an eye pleasing passing game. New boy Lucey looking very impressive, running at the opposition with drive and intent, to which they struggled to cope. The former Burgess Hill hitman looks a decent prospect, linking with lone front man Dowding, making some intelligent runs and creating openings for a couple of shots on target.

Carter’s side were playing with a revered confidence, looking comfortable on the ball, stroking it around neatly, with the whole team wanting to be involved. Gregg Dann continuing to excel in his new right back role, found space to push forward on the right as he began to link well with Eastoe in front of him, both showing a great understanding, allowing each other the freedom to roam as The Archers incessantly looked to switch the play and whip some tempting balls into the Row danger area. With the half hour mark passed Fletching were clearly looking the better side, The Recreation Ground witness to some of its best ever football with the well established, creative midfield trio of Dickens, Head and Hartup remaining as solid as ever, the latter big man pulling all the strings, as Row began to demonstrate signs of frustration after Jefford was coarsely taken down in a nasty challenge.

The diligent running of Ian ‘The Natural Athlete’ Dowding was continually causing problems for Forests experienced defenders, inviting Dickens, Lucey and Eastoe to join him, eventually paying dividends with little of the first half remaining. A neat move which saw work colleagues Dowding and Lucey combine, the new boy demonstrating his prowess, cutting in on his man to fire a lovely curler around the visitors keeper to give The Villagers a one nil lead going into the break.

Carter made no changes, sticking with the personnel and formation that had accomplishedly done their job in the first forty-five, as a tight midfield battle began to commence. A once zippy playing area had been transformed into a sodden mess after several down pours had littered the afternoon, with The Archers in advantage of the slope, as Row found it increasingly difficult to play their natural game on a tacky surface, any potential threat being cleaned up by the talismanic duo of Mark ‘The Badger’ Hill and Gary Smith. Fletching were unlucky not to double the lead when Dowding expertly lifted a delicate ball over the keeper, only to see it dramatically cleared off the line by the last man, as the referee waved away the home side’s penalty appeals for an arguable handball. This was to be the forward powerhouses last contribution of the game, having run out of juice he was replaced by fan favourite and Armenian international Keoshgerian with almost half an hour still to play. The veteran’s impact was instantaneous, as he turned the screw on a fatigued Forest defence, utilising his pace and low centre of gravity to turn his men and hold the ball up for support.

The visitors demonstrated the kind of resolve that has taken them to second spot in the league, coming back strong, causing the Fletching management team concern when the breakaway forward was brought down right on the very edge of the box – the resultant free kick frivolously wasted. Shortly after, Eastoe was replace by Barter, who injected his usual youthful exuberance and electric pace, which began to worry the visitors. Smith then went on one of his trademark runs deep from the back, doing extremely well to work an opening for himself in the box before finding the post with a bending shot. With some tired legs in The Archers midfield and Dickens playing through the pain barrier (cramp), Stevens came on for the injured Lucey, who gratefully acknowledged the standing ovation he received from The Barn End after a fine debut performance.

With an energy zapping pitch and only ten minutes remaining in the game Carter opted to sit back on a slender lead, pumping it forward into the channels for Stevens, Barter and Keoshgerian to hold up. Time wasting tactics followed which infuriated Row and a scrappy few minutes ensued, the air turning blue when Barter was taken out. The game restarted after much pushing and arguing, which was really nothing more than handbags, as the home side held out for the final whistle. It was the only sour note on what was a very entertaining game and a fine win for The Archers Reserve Team.

Team: Bradley, G.Dann, Smith, Hill, Jefford, Lucey (Stevens), Dickens, Hartup, Head, Eastoe (Barter), Dowding (Keoshgerian)