Carter’s men travelled over the other side of the Ashdown Forest for only their second league game since the beginning of September to face strong promotion favourites Hartfield Reserves, who boast an impressive 100% record having won all five of their games, scoring 21 goals in the process.

The team were in confident mood though after last weeks morale boosting cup demolition of Danehill, but were dealt a real blow with the news that Cork, who had travelled with the team, failed a (very) late fitness test, complaining of severe stomach pains. Regulars Powell and Benton were unavailable, and with the departure of Donnelly to Uckfield Town a couple of weeks ago The Archers were certainly lacking in youth, which they made up in droves with Mid-Sussex experience. Eastoe found himself a starting right back role in place of ‘Sheepy’ Cork, ‘Titch’ Barter was still back from University to retain his place in midfield, as last weeks captain ‘Fatty’ Clark was dropped to the bench. Heavy downpours during the night and on the morning of the match had left the notorious Hartfield surface in a sodden state and Dickens must have been cursing his luck – the only certainty of the match was that his sparkling new boots were going to take a pasting in the mud!

The Archers took to the field in front of a large crowd of ‘Field First Teamers whose game had become a victim of the weather. But The Villagers brought their own travelling contingent in the form of Mark ‘The Badger’ Hill – single handily cheering on his beloved team as they began to dominate the first fifteen minutes. The pace of Barter, Newman and Benton and the powerful running of Dowding in an attack minded formation were causing problems for the hosts as they began to create a few close half chances, Dowding narrowly missing the target with a bullet header after good work on the flanks. Meanwhile the victors back four dealt with what little Hartfield had to offer with a poised assurance. The versatile and vocal Greg Dann, and experienced Paul Dickens, both relatively new to defensive roles this season are enjoying a new lease of life with their responsibilities. Along with Jefford and Eastoe they defended resolutely and looked organised at some dangerous set pieces as the hosts began to impose themselves on the game with some smart passing and movement off the ball, as match became a much more evenly contested affair, with some over exuberant challenges which eventually earned ‘Fields striker a caution.

On the half hour mark the sprightly Barter who was having an immense game and had run his man ragged, pulled up after his hamstring went. It was a real blow for The Villagers but he was replaced by the dependable Neal Head who found himself on an unfamiliar left wing position. Meanwhile the hosts spread the play well, looking for space on the wings only to be thwarted by an in-form Jefford and Eastoe who showed much enthusiasm and were hard in the tackles. Hartup and Leeves also rolled back the years to enjoy a midfield partnership of days-gone-by, the old flames imposing themselves, controlling the tempo and dictating the play, in their chalk and cheese way.

Fletching enjoyed two further chances to get their noses in front before half time, both coming in the form of quick counter-attacks starting in their own half. Firstly Benton broke clear down the right only to be squeezed wide by some fine defending as he entered the box, the hitman firing his shot just wide of the post. Then the veteran Dowding exploiting his power and determination by forcing himself in off the left wing and smashing a thunderbolt into the side netting, which worryingly aggravated the abdominal injury he is carrying, as the sides went in at half time all square.

Unfazed by the interval to proceedings both teams carried on in much the same positive manner as the first period. Early on The Villagers were denied a goal by the post, after Leeves planted a corner straight on the head of the struggling Dowding, which was to be his last action of the game, the big man failing to shake off his first half injury as he was replaced by Richard ‘Ping’ Clark, with Newman pushing up alongside Benton.

The forced tactical changes seemed to work as Newman handed ‘Fields defence a new problem with his sharp pace and trickery, finding his first opportunity of the day swerve just off target. The Archers continued to press when handed the opportunity and the good work paid off when on the hour mark they took a deserved lead. Newman again the tormentor as his nifty footwork wrong footed the defender allowing the summer signing the freedom to stride into the danger area before slotting the ball across the box to strike partner Benton who calmly finished past the keeper.

The reply from Hartfield was instantaneous, setting out their stall by introducing all three of their First Team substitutes, one of which equalised only five minutes later. A swift move down the left caught the visitors knapping as a teasing cross to the far post found ‘Fields player who coolly nodded home after some slack marking. The midfield battle was heating up as tired Hartup was struggling to cope with the superior fitness of the first teamers, who were on the receiving end of several late challenges from the big midfield man, evading a booking after several warnings from referee when a resurgence of his toe injury forced him off – Brady the replacement. Neil Head moved into a familiar central position, whilst the natural left footer was on obvious choice for the left wing.

The three subs were a real handful as the game entered the final fifteen minutes. Field seemed to be lifted by their introduction, but Dickens and Dann dug deep, whilst Leeves and Head stood firm, the former pushing forward for a winner seeing his effort well saved by the hosts shot stopper. At the other end too, Hartfield had a chance to wrap up proceedings in the final minutes. A curling shot in the dying moments, seemingly had Bradley beaten as it rose towards the top right corner, only for the Fletching pioneer to produce a massive save and push it round the post. It was to be the last significant action of the game, as the resultant corner was seen away to safety and the referee blew for the final whistle. A fine result for The Archers having played very few games this season, against a good experienced side who will certainly be pushing for promotion this campaign.

Team: Bradley, Eastoe, Dickens, G.Dann, Jefford, Newman, Hartup (Brady), Leeves, Barter (Head), Dowding (Clark).