Fletching went into this fixture looking to make it five wins on the bounce, and with the top two missing out due to weather conditions, The Archers had the chance to put a little bit of pressure on them by closing the gap at the top. Philips and Roberts were still unavailable for selection, so Mark Dann continued in goal, whilst Duly dropped down to The Reserves as he recovers from injury. In a change to tactics, Lucey was rewarded with a first start since his move from Burgess Hill Albion to take his place up front with Davidson & Burchett, whilst Duff dropped to the bench as the hosts lined up in an adventurous 3-4-3 formation.

With captain Wolvey loosing the toss, The Archers were asked to kick up the hill in the first half as Ardingly looked to gain the advantage. The game started with both teams measuring each other up, a ‘Ly side which was very different from the one that Fletching played in this fixture’s reverse, as the veterans experience and pure physical presence caused the hosts some problems. Despite this, Hyland’s men looked to move the ball quickly up to the front three, and were unfortunate not to take the lead when Funnell dropped a trademark shoulder to send the forward the wrong way before powering into middle of the park delivering an audacious flick to Lucey in acres of space. The front man ran clear, only for the visitor’s defender hot on his heels to make an amazing last ditch tackle to keep the scores level. Davidson also had a good opportunity when put clear by a superlative ball from Wolvey, but as a goal looked destined he managed to put the ball inches wide. The back three of Funnell, Holford and Cork were rarely tested, as they defended well against the slope, but The Villagers found themselves a goal down with ten minutes of the first half remaining. A race to the ball between the diminutive Ardingly winger and the on-rushing Dann was won by the Village shot stopper, but the referee adjudged he had gone through the opposing player, despite obviously winning the ball. The resulting penalty was tucked away for the visitors to lead 1-0 at half time.

After the hairdryer treatment from an irate Hyland at half time, Fletching knew they would have to come out all guns blazing if they were going to turn this one around, and from the very start looked for a direct all out attack on The Field End. As in the first half the home side looked to break with the scorching pace of Burchett and Davidson against a high Ardingly defensive line, but the experienced back four had a devilish off side trap, catching the front three out on more than several occasions. With no success here, Fletching looked to a breakthrough via alternate means, playing a more patient build up game, inviting Hyland, Cronin and Wolvey into the game as they pushed ‘Ly back, eventually coming by way of another controversial penalty. A long throw in from Holford towards Wolvey, found its target where the big man failed to win the header due to a push in the back. Having promised his wife he would not shave until he scored, the bearded captain immediately picked the ball up, pushing the other, more reliable, natural finishers aside and placed it on the spot. He promptly stepped up to dispatch the spot kick, albeit an awful toe punt, down the centre and just past the keeper to make the score one all with much of the second half still remaining. This was to be his last contribution of the game, limping off with a pulled hamstring because of the tremendous power and effort put into the kick, as sprightly and resourceful midfield man Martin Leeves came on.

With the game becoming more and more open, both teams had chances to score, the visitor’s striker beginning to cause problems at the back, slipping away twice, only to be denied by outstanding saves from Dann on both occasions. Mike Cronin, who had weaved his footballing flair continually, was replaced by Duff. Fletching’s leading appearance maker this season, and authoritative figure on dead ball situations, injecting some much needed pace to the right wing. Unwin then went on to replace Burchett, showing his usual commitment and relentless chasing, giving some tired Ardingly legs no respite. The Archers still pressed away looking for a winner with Davidson & Lucey going close yet again, the former failing to lob a stranded keeper when he looked certain to score. The Villagers eventually snatched a late winner with five minutes remaining. A signature Duff corner flighted in from the right hand side found Bradford at the far post where he rose highest amongst a crowd of players to power a header in off the post, much the delight of his rapturous teammates. A frantic few minutes followed which saw the home side go close to extending their lead and ‘Ly nearly pinch a well deserved point from the game, but Fletching stood firm for a good win, and their best league run for four years.

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

Its safe to say the lads were delighted with the result after the game, as this was a real battle from start to finish. In hindsight we didn’t actually do much wrong, we played well but didn’t get our noses in front, so when we fell behind we had it all to do! Ardingly were a very well drilled and organised team, and it was definitely one of our sternest tests we have had at The Recreation Ground this season. Next week we now host Lewes Bridgeview who are having a fine season in what will be another massive game, as they are only just behind us in the league.

Team: M.Dann, Holford, Funnell, Cork, Bradford, Wolvey (Leeves 54), Hyland, Cronin (Duff 64), Lucey, Davidson, Burchett (Unwin 77)