Fletching traveled to New Barn in a much-anticipated derby, determined to make up for the dyer performance the week before against Nutley. Several personnel changes were required, from the previous week due to the absences of ‘Dogger’ Benton, after playing with a slight injury the week before, along with Neil ‘Nails’ Bradford, Davidson, and eldest Dann brother, Mark. A rejuvenated Jamie Unwin, was called up from the reserves, after recently being coaxed out of early retirement to return for his second spell with the Archers! Whilst Jamie Funnell bravely decided to play, despite suffering from illness all week, as did Roberts, who was rushed back from injury to take his place on the bench. The biggest boost was the return of the captain Wolvey, who passed a late fitness test to take his place in the middle of an attacking 3-5-2.

As expected the derby started in explosive fashion, at a high tempo as both teams looked to seize the advantage with some meaty challenges going in from both sides. Fletching started well and had the better of the first twenty minutes with Burchett going close, and then had a glorious chance five minutes later when Unwin raced through with support from Hyland, however the usually assured striker was caught in two minds and his cross come shot drifted wide. The Archers were to regret the miss, and the pressure began to mount from Uckfield with their midfield starting to find their feet and supply the young front two with some dangerous through balls. The breakthrough arrived for the hosts ten minutes before the break, a long ball from the back found its way to the Town striker, who finished well from the edge of the box. Fletching responded well, and got their reward on the stroke of half time when superbly flighted free kick from Duly was met by captain Wolvey was left unmarked at the back post to mark his return with a headed goal which powered into the corner.

The Villagers started the second half brightly, showing a real drive and new confidence as they looked to take the game to Town. Early on The Tangerine Machine had a big shout for a penalty turned down from the referee when livewire Unwin was caught from behind. It was yet another example of the sort of decisions that have haunted The Archers so far this season. With the match evenly poised going into the last twenty-five minutes self-proclaimed ‘midfield hardman’ Wolvey clattered Town winger Gibson with an earth shattering challenge. This seemed to rally the home side, as the resulting free kick found an unmarked Hickman at the far post who calmly netted for Uckfield to take the lead. Fletching tried everything to find the equaliser, Burchett again went close late on with a thirty-yard free kick which struck the bar, but Uckfield held on for the win to claim bragging rights until the two teams meet again at The Recreation Ground.

“This was a disappointing result for us, but all the players can take heart from the fact we put 110% in and on another day, could have taken the spoils. This match really could have gone either way, and considering our long injury list, we have a lot to play for this season. Next week we return to the village for a cup game against Cuckfield Town who lie mid-table in Division Three. We have nothing to loose in this fixture, and with us being so strong at home, we all hope for a morale-boosting win.” – Fletching Assistant Manager Darren Wolvey