Fletching went into this round two clash on the back of an encouraging second half performance away at Scaynes Hill the previous week. It must be the fifth time in as many seasons that The Archers have faced their bogey team in all cup completions, as they travelled to Lingfield for the second time this season, knowing that a preserved, generous playing surface awaited them at Notre Dame School.

Once again Williams was forced into team changes – Funnell was away on holiday, Fingerneissl, Douglas and Egleton were also still absent. However Darren Wolvey found a starting berth in the centre of defence, having made his the comeback the previous week. Dean Harper, signed earlier this week by Williams from Uckfield Town took a place on the bench with impressive youngster Sam Fletcher who was called up from The Reserves. Chris ‘Scotty’ Scott who was also promoted started out on the left.

The open ten minutes were a fairly drab affair with neither side creating much. Duff and Dowding have formed a useful partnership after coming together this season, but they were restricted to the occasional lump forward from deep. Still early on and Court looked to have found a way into the game when they were awarded a penalty after a suspected push from Cork, however after consulting rookie Fletcher who was running the line he reversed his decision. This seemed to boost the young Archers side who began to play some of their best football witnessed this season. They were rewarded midway through after a fine, flowing passing move involving Donnelly and Duff was finished off by Holford, whose late venture into the box saw him fire past the keeper for a rare goal. The reply from the Surrey-based side was instant; having applied pressure up top the home side were awarded another penalty this time for an apparent hand ball, again by Cork, who was in the thick of the action all afternoon. Denyer stepped up to level his side, Phillips in The Villagers goal unlucky not to keep the ball out after getting close to it. The remaining minutes of the half were ill tempered with Marcus Barbe picking up a yellow card after losing his cool with the referee, as the teams went in at the break one a piece.

For the second period the visitors maintained the tempo and creativity of the first half, everyone working for one another to put pressure on a somewhat surprisingly shaky Court defence. However it was the home side who took the initiative with prolific talisman Denyer breaking to score his second of the game. Moments later and Fletching hit back with a storming reply this time through in-form striker Duff who struck one of the best goals of his career with a thirty-five yard stunner. This intriguing cup tie was still in the balance, but Williams made a couple of changes, handing Harper and Fletcher their First Team debuts, as Barbe (jnr) and Cork giving way as Barter moved into the middle of the park. Still, with a little under half an hour remaining plus the possibility of extra time, it was risk which looked to have backfired when a heavy collision left Steve Barbe and Pat Phillips on the ground. The tough tackling defender was clearly shaken up, but with no other replacements the pair soldiered on, Barbe holding the line well with taskmaster Wolvey calling the shots. However, the tactical decisions were to pay dividends as utility player Barter popped up with two fantastic goals late on to win the game and send The Archers through into the quarter-finals, in what was a true all round team performance.

Team: Phillips, S. Barbe, Cork (Harper), Wolvey, Barter, Holford, M. Barbe (Fletcher), Donnelly, Scott, Duff, Dowding