Expectations were high amongst the Fletching camp after and impressive pre-season campaign which saw only one defeat. With several players still unavailable, including influential captain Darren Wolvey and current ‘Most Improved Player’ Stephen Pearce, the Archers welcomed back former crowd favourite and much travelled winger Michael Duff, who gained a place on the bench after shining in pre-season. Head, Benton and Cork also made the step up from reserve team football after inspiring displays. Lack of personnel, notably in midfield, and new additions to the squad gave Hyland a headache and meant a shake-up as versatile defender Jamie Funnell stepped up to give some presence in midfield, as Smith and Benton slotted in at centre back and upfront respectively.

A gradually swelling crowd witnessed Bridgeview have the better of the early exchanges as they went close several times. Despite the strong travelling support urging them on Fletching were slow starting and just couldn’t get into the match, playing a long ball on what was a very confined pitch. With the midfield duo of Hyland and Funnell chasing shadows it was inevitable that the normally prolific Burchett and Benton were restricted to only a couple of half chances, as Bridgeview played a classic patient, counter-attacking game, which thankfully for the Archers yielded nothing as the went in level at half time.

Fletching responded to Hyland’s pep talk and looked a totally different team in the second half, as they started the brighter. With Funnell reverting back into defence and the introduction Head in the middle of the park The Villagers started to string some neat passes together. The lightning pace of Dogging Dan, the tireless engine of Greg Roberts, who showed some class touches, and the introduction of Duff started to ask questions of the ‘View defence. Before long the persistence paid off as Burchett loomed down on the panicking defender who proceeded to deflect the ball against Pete and beat his own keeper.

The Archers were firmly in control by this point and should have doubled the lead when a pinpoint cross by Roberts was met by Duff at the far post who calmly scuffed his shot allowing the keeper to make a fine save on the goal line. With Fletching still pressing they always looked exposed at the back, as a mix up late on between Sheepy, Funnell and Minty led to a thunderous volley of an equaliser. Despite a late surge by The Villagers the game descended into a scrappy affair as it finished 1-1, with Fletching thankful for a point.