A quarter-final place was up for grabs as the Archers began 2006 with a cup tie against last year’s rivals Plumpton who pipped them to promotion by two points. Hyland had the luxury of being able to pick from a fully fit squad, which saw a welcome return for Ross Davidson who had been out injured since mid November to claim a place on the bench, alongside returning student Barter and Mark Dann. The starting line up was unchanged from the victory over Nutley.

The Christmas break and lack of fixtures (combined with copious amounts of food and alcohol) would have surely given Hyland doubts over his side’s fitness and mental attitude, but he would have been encouraged by The Archers opening twenty minutes which saw them look very impressive. Indeed they were probably the better of the two sides creating a couple of early chances with Unwin and Burchett keeping the visitors defence busy. The Villagers gained a deserved lead shortly before the half hour mark when a ball from the right allowed Jamie Unwin to calmly fire a beautiful first time effort into the corner of the net. It was a smart goal that gave the home side a drive forward as they now looked to extend their lead, attacking The Road End. Against the run of play ‘Ton equalised after a long ball over the top was misjudged by Corke who let the ball slip to the opposing striker allowing him to slot home. ‘Sheepy’ more than made up for this mistake throughout the game, as Fletching’s defence of Holford and Funnell were rarely troubled and looked very solid. The lead was restored on the stroke of half time, when from a resulting free kick the ball fell to Chris Hyland who shaped up to feign a thirty yard screamer before slipping it through to Roberts, who hit a stunning half volley from all of twenty yards into the roof of the net - 2-1 at half time.

In a match that was still evenly poised The Villagers knew they would have to dig in if they wanted to progress to the next round and dig in they did, continuing where they left off in first half. Once again with the midfield of Hyland, Wolvey and Bradford dominant, it allowed the hosts to get forward as Michael Duff and Greg Roberts delivered a steady stream of tempting crosses. Fifteen minutes in and a long ball from the back put Unwin clean through on goal. As he raced into the box with only the keeper to beat he was brought down by a tackle from behind and a spot kick was awarded. The referee adjudged this to be punishment enough as the offending centre back escaped with not even a word said to him. Despite the best efforts to put Burchett off, he dispatched the twelve yarder directly into the corner, leaving the man between the sticks rooted and providing Fletching with a two-goal cushion. Hyland saw this as an opportunity to introduce some fresh legs as Mark Dann, ‘Titch’ Barter and Davidson all enter the field within quick succession. With the game seemingly beyond Plumpton and tiredness setting in the gaps started to open up for the pace of Barter, Burchett and Davidson to exploit. The home crowd were treated to a fourth after a good run from Duff committed his man before laying it off for Davidson, who slipped the ball across for Burchett to smash into the net. Wolvey should have made it five after the visitors keeper turned sweeper decided to go on a run only to lose the ball in the middle of the park. With an open goal begging the big captain decided to selfishly have a go from the halfway line, only to woefully slice it nowhere near the target. On his return Davidson was looking particularly sharp and was managing to find a lot of space. He was put through again as he shot across goal only for the visiting keeper to pull off a fantastic save but Burchett was their to hammer home the fifth and final goal and complete his third hat trick of the season as Fletching ran out 5-1 winners!

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

This was an excellent performance from The Archers who returned from the New Year break continuing their good form. We now have another quarter final to look forward to against division two opposition Hartfield, but with the game being played at The Recreation Ground, we are sure another upset is on the cards. This is now seven wins from eight as we return to league action next week with a trip to Ardingly, and despite their league position at the foot of the table, they have picked all their points at home this season, as well as the fact its always been a close game when we have traveled down there before. We now have another two-week break after this game, so it will be good to continue our rich vain of form going into the Crowborough game at the end of the month.

Team: Philips, Holford, Funnell, Corke, Bradford (Dann 65), Wolvey, Duff, Roberts, Hyland (Barter 68), Unwin (Davidson 60), Burchett.