With a fifth promotion achieved in seven fantastic seasons, Fletching had what looked like a hard opening away fixture to Scaynes Hill on the opening day of Division Three. The Archers were without several key players, including Roberts who was on holiday, Duff who missed the signing-on deadline, Bradford (injured) and Unwin who was moving a horse for his girlfriend! In came new signings Paul Rider and Steve Barbe, in the centre and right of midfield respectively, whilst Barter, Dowding and Keoshgerian made the step up from the fixtureless Reserves.

On a rain-drenched day, Scaynes Hill were out of the blocks far quicker than the visitors and had a few long range efforts that were well dealt with by Phillips! The game appeared to be a very tight affair until a break through came from the penalty spot for the hosts. Funnell was very unlucky when he was adjudged to have pulled Hill’s big forward down in the box when the ball was running out of play. The resultant penalty was calmly dispatched and with it went the visitor’s concentration, who were still reeling from the decision. The near neighbours were dominant for the remainder of the first half, demonstrating more pace and movement in the middle of the park, whilst testing The Archers defensive resilience with some dangerous set pieces. They scored a second goal, a real sucker punch, just before half time to take a two-goal lead into the break.

Fletching were by no means out of the game, but were dealt a hammer blow when the hosts scored almost from the kick off. The back three of Holford, Funnell and Cork were caught napping when a long diagonal ball found the striker who expertly tucked it away, and with it surely buried any hopes of an Archers recovery. However, Hyland made some changes to the team and it seemed to have the desired effect as the visitors came into the game, making more of an impact as they got the ball down to play their simple passing game. Rider and Lucey both went close, before club stalwart Burchett pulled one back for The Villagers as he lashed into the roof of the net from a crowded six-yard box. The visitors enjoyed a sustained passage of play, where they were unlucky not to pull another goal back when the industrious Lucey was denied by a fine double save from the home keeper. However the game was put beyond any doubt with a little over ten minutes remaining when Hill scored a fourth on the breakaway. The cross come shot somehow squeezed though Phillips at the near post. Uncharacteristically of The Archers heads seemed to drop and they conceded two more goals in the dying minutes, another from the penalty spot and a gift for the host’s striker who just rolled it into the net. Final score 6-1.

View From The Dancefloor with Billy Elliot (a.k.a Chris Hyland)

This was the worst possible start to the campaign for Fletching after a performance riddled with mistakes throughout! We may have had some key players missing but it was no excuse for the performance that was put in! It’s never easy having to play your first four league fixtures away, but its better to learn now before it’s too late. Nobody can fault the effort and this should stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. We now know that we are going to have to battle like hell in every game from here on in! We were second to bottom after 4 games last year, and went on a terrific run to get promoted, so onwards & upwards!

Team: Phillips, Holford, Funnell, Cork, Rider, Wolvey, Hyland, Barter, Barbe, Lucey, Burchett. Subs: Keoshgerian, Cronin, Dowding.