In scorching weather more suited for a game of cricket, The Archers travelled to the other side of Haywards Heath to face Cuckfield Town in the days late kick off. Hyland’s men had the advantage of Neil Lucey’s live feed from West Hoathly, where the fellow relegation threatened home side lost to East Grinstead Mariners, thus shifting fate back into the hands of The Archers, who knew that only three points from this, their final game, could secure their division three status for another season. If press reports are to be believed, it was Chris ‘Rent Boy’ Hyland’s last game after seven glorious seasons with the village side, and he was evidently delighted to be handed the armband, looking to finish the season off on a high. The Villagers were without influential midfielder Darren Wolvey due to holiday commitments, but were buoyed by the return of ‘Sheepy’ Cork after several weeks of absence, Steve ‘The Turk’ Barbe also came back in to defence, as Bradford pushed forward to partner Chris Hyland in the middle. Duff also returned to the wing, after his adventures in defence over the previous weeks.

Despite the importance of the game, The Archers started slowly and it was a young and sprightly Cuckfield side who made all the early running, looking to the effective combination of their front two’s size and pace. A couple of dangerous cross field balls were causing all sorts of danger, as the hosts looked to get in behind, as Fletching’s back line just couldn’t get organised. Cork having to work hard, but doing a fantastic job on their giant makeshift forward. Mark Dann had to be alert at one point, as a vicious shot dipped wickedly but was tipped over the bar. A couple more chances fell the way of hosts who were finding the ball in from wide areas most profitable, however The Villagers escaped yet again, Mark Dann making another fine one-on-one save.

Fletching gradually began to find their feet in the sweltering conditions, Rider, Duff and Hyland across the middle, working hard for their team to cover every blade of grass, getting forward well to support Burchett and Lucey who saw a couple of half chances fail to trouble the keeper. However, Town took a deserved lead when a long ball the top found the hosts nippy striker who beat Dann to the ball for 1-0.

With relegation staring them in face Fletching really knew they were up against, especially seeing as that at no point this season when they had gone behind in a game had they come back to win. But with everything now on the line, they rallied well. Paul Rider was having an outstanding game and was causing the hosts a lot of problems with his superior running and aerial prowess, and it was no surprise when the veteran himself scored the equaliser moments later. Duff broke with pace down the right wing and crossed the ball in where Hyland challenged the defender. The ball then dropped to Rider on the edge of the box who hit his shot so sweetly into the corner.

This seemed to galvanise The Villagers, particularly at the back where confidence was once gain instilled and they tighten up, as an attacking force too, belief grew and only minutes later Hyland saw his side take the lead. Once again it was Duff as the supplier, firing in a trademark corner, where ‘Northern Boy’ Neil Lucey bravely rose, heading into the roof of the net. Two goals in five minutes had turned it around for the visitors, who went in 2-1 up at the break.

Fletching started the second period cautiously, with Duff and Rider far more restrained in attack as they helped out their back line. That said the hosts afforded them far more time and space on the ball then they expected, giving the two Archers wingers the green light to push ahead, both going close as did Burchett and Lucey who were all guilty of missing good opportunities in the opening ten minutes, due to a combination of wayward finishing and good goalkeeping.

The back line of Barbe, Cork, Funnell and Holford, were by now on top form, and in truth Mark Dann was redundant in the Fletching goal for the second period, only being called into action when he claimed a couple of corners and setting up his wall for a two or three dangerous free-kicks. Well marshaled by Jamie Funnell they snubbed out any sign of the slightest Cuckfield attack, as Bradford patrolled just in front.

The Archers dominated for the remainder of the half and were finally rewarded for their possession in the final third of the pitch with a third. Duff the provider once again from the corner spot who found Rider lurking near the back stick, to put the ball in to the back of the net at the second attempt for his second of the game. The two-goal cushion sparked joyous celebrations amongst the visitors and they began to turn the screw on a weary Cuckfield side, with little to play for. Gaps began to appear across the middle of the park as Hyland, Bradford and substitute Cronin enjoyed an age on the ball, the hosts further stretched when their young midfielder lost his rag and was sent off for dissent.

With a numerical advantage The Tangerine Machine stroked the ball around from back to front with a certain swagger, knowing that they had practically beaten the drop. Cronin missed a guilt-edge chance to open his account for the season, after some neat one touch stuff found the trickster who tamely directed his shot straight at the keeper from a couple of yards out. The Villagers still continued to push and with ten minutes remaining Rider once again burst through only to be brought down by the keeper. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Usual twelve-yard specialist Burchett and Rider who was on hat-trick both made way for Chris Hyland to sign off for Fletching in style, and he didn’t disappoint as he sent the keeper the wrong way to complete a fantastic result for The Archers who completed their Houdini act.

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

Well we finally done it, relegation was avoided and our Division Three status is secure for another year. One thing is for sure, this Fletching team do not like to do things the easy way. As it was pointed out by the gaffer, this was the first time this season we have come from behind to win… well better late than never. There were a few fantastic individual performances, but the most important thing was we played as a team, and that team spirit enabled us to turn the game around and come away with the three points.

Looking to the future, I have no doubt that Fletching can not just compete in this league, but push for promotion. Our problem this year has been consistency, as we have proven we can beat the best with our cup exploits, but if we can add a couple of quality players to the squad, then the future is bright for The Tangerine Machine. I for one was very proud to be captain for the day, and was grateful it could all end with the right result. Good luck for the future lads!

Team: Dann, Holford, Cork, Funnell, S Barbe, Duff, Bradford, Hyland, Rider, Lucey (Cronin), Burchett.