This week Fletching entertained local rivals Uckfield Town for the return fixture, having narrowly lost to them 2-1 at New Barn earlier in the season. With ‘Minty’ Philips still out injured, and fellow goalkeeper Darren ‘The Monk’ Bradley returning between the sticks for The Reserves, experienced defender, and third choice shot stopper, Mark Dann deputised in goal. Duly was ruled out after picking up an injury in training, having played through the pain barrier the previous week, and Roberts favored the ski slopes of France to the slope of The Recreation Ground. Neil ‘Nails’ Bradford returned to the holding role with Leeves coming into the squad after missing several weeks, taking a place on the bench alongside Jamie Unwin & Neil Lucey. Davidson had shrugged off his groin strain to take his place up front with Burchett.

With a welcoming, freshly rolled surface, perfect for The Archers free flowing passing game, Fletching lined up against a very young and inexperienced Town side with fewer recognisable faces than usual. Shooting down the hill towards The Field End on what was a clear, sunny day, but with the added bite of stinging chill moving in from The Downs, Hyland’s side got off to the best possible start after only a couple of minutes. A measured through ball, pinged from deep by Funnell, found Davidson who had timed his run to perfection before managing to squeeze his shot in when the visitors keeper let the ball squirm through his hands. The home side’s front pairing of Davidson & Burchett were enjoying a lot of freedom, finding a lot of space against a high Town defensive line, continually thriving off some neat passes from The Archers midfield, and it was of no surprise then when Davidson claimed his second of the game. A long throw from Holford into the danger area found the head of ‘Fatboy’ Wolvey, where he flicked it on to the feet of The Archers second all time top goal scorer. A clinical turn and shot fired past a crowd of players made the score 2-0.

Fletching were now well in control of the match and beginning to dominate. The back three of Cork, Funnell and Holford were rarely troubled, looking accomplished on the ball as they tried to work it through the midfield. Although ‘Field had a lot more youth, pace and skill, they lacked the experience and physical presence of the home side’s battling midfield, whom themselves are no mugs when it comes to the skill and technical ability stakes. Wolvey, Bradford, Cronin and Duff were winning everything, before getting the ball down and working it patiently before involving Chris Hyland, Davidson and Burchett. The Archers may have been a little guilty of complacency, taking their foot off the gas, as Uckfield struck back against the run of play. A routine ball angled into the box from the right caused confusion as Funnell mistakenly assumed Dann would come and rightly claim it in the six-yard box. The big defender should really have cleared his lines, instead it allowed the visitors striker to poke past Dann for the simplest of goals. Fortunately for the home crowd, The Villages responded quickly, restoring their two-goal advantage. Yet another delightful ball from Wolvey, which saw him switch the play to a vacant right position, provided Cronin with acres of room to run on and delicately lob the on rushing goalkeeper, as he continues his impressive return to first team action. That makes it two in two for the injury prone, cramp ridden midfielder. Further chances also fell to Hyland and Burchett in the first half, as Hyland’s men looked to exert their advantage, but Davidson was on hand to complete a first half hat trick when he was quickest to react to blast the ball into the net, making the score 4-1 at half time.

The Archers kicked off the second half in the much same vein as the first, full of confidence and looking to put the game beyond any doubt. Davidson and Burchett both had clear cut chances to score, their immense pace evidently causing problems for the Town backline, but their efforts were fired just wide. Minutes later Darren Wolvey, who had claimed in his newspaper column in the build up to this game that he was definitely going to score, had the perfect chance, the club-footed midfielder blasting well over from the edge of the box. With so many chances missed, the visitors looked to get back into the game and soon pulled it back to 4-2 after yet another Chucklevision-esq mistake at the back. A non-threatening ball threaded through the back line seemed destined for the safe hands of Dann who came to collect, however as Holford attempted to shield the Town striker from getting anywhere near the ball he was bundled over, knocking the ball out of the keepers hands. With both Village players on the ground, The Town striker had the envious task of rolling it into an empty net.

Minutes later, Duff who had an unusually quiet and frustrating game, with everything played down the right, had a golden opportunity to make it five. Running at the visitors defence before cutting in on the edge of the box, only to then woefully spank a wild shot miles over the cross bar. With the score line still seemingly comfortable, The Villagers inexplicably, and much to the frustration of the home fans and management team, began to sit back and defend deep. In quick succession Hyland introduced Leeves, Unwin and Lucey to try and add some extra impetuous to the game, as Hyland, Cronin and Duff made way. This seemed to work as Lucey almost opened his account for the First team only to be caught out by Davidson’s tame ball, and Burchett forced a smart stop from the young keeper. Town continued to gamble and push men forward, looking to the introduction of a late arriving substitute for inspiration. They could have made it three with a break on the left as Town’s striker, who never stopped running, made it to the edge of the box before driving a powerful, dipping shot goalwards only to met by a stunning save from Dann who came off his line to get fingertips on it. With openings being created at the other end, Burchett should have added to his tally for the season, after fine work from his strike partner. A lovely ball across the penalty spot from Davidson found the unmarked front man who spun his shot just wide of the post after it looked easier to tuck it away. The game was effectively ended ten minutes from time when a loose ball fell to Fletching legend Neil Bradford to riffle an unstoppable half volley curler into the top corner, much to the delight of the rapturous home support! Final score 5-2.

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

The Archers were pleased with the result after the game, but on reflection felt we could have scored a lot more, and perhaps we were a little sloppy at the back. However, since our last defeat to Uckfield back in October, we have only dropped points in two games, both away to East Court & Chailey. We have definitely found that ‘winning habit’ so it was pleasing to get another three points, especially as this was our fourth league win on the bounce. Next week we host Ardingly, who we beat at their place in a tight game, but with their recent victory over high flying AFC Ringmer, we will not be taking them lightly!

Team: M. Dann, Holford, Funnell, Cork, Bradford, Wolvey, Duff (Lucey 67), Cronin (Unwin 64), Hyland (Leeves 71), Davidson, Burchett.