After last weeks defeat away to East Court, The Archers were eager to go into the Christmas break on the back of a victory as they hosted local rivals Nutley. In a change of tactics, manager Clive Hyland opted to go to 3-5-2 formation, with Holford, Funnell and Corke make up a young defence. Seasoned campaigner Bradford pushed into midfield with captain Darren Wolvey enabling Hyland to play in the free role behind the front two. Fletching welcomed back Roberts from holiday, returning to his favoured right wing, whilst Duff looked to keep up his recent good form on the opposite flank. The in-form Unwin partnered top scorer Burchett up front.

Unlike last week Fletching started the game well and were quick out the blocks as they looked to make amends for possibly their worst performance of the season when they lost in the reverse of this fixture earlier in the campaign. A large home crowd (obviously swelled by the lucrative offer on OAP ticket prices – good to see you Craig, Smuttsy and Bradders!!) could see their side were up for this, against a relatively young Nutley team, and they created a couple of half chances early on with Jamie Unwin making a nuisance of himself. As Artic-like conditions set in at the Recreation Ground, The Archers kept upping the pressure on the visitors, never giving them time to settle on the ball. As usual Wolvey led by example, aided by exemplary work from Bradford who was tirelessly cutting off their supply chain. The central three were working the ball around very well, inviting Duff and Roberts to get forward at every opportunity. Nutley failed to cope with this ‘sexy football’ and the breakthrough came midway through the first half when the home side had a free kick awarded in a dangerous position. In a move straight from the training ground, a ball was swung over to the far post where it was met with ferocity by the head of Darren Wolvey. This woke the visitors up to some extent and the last twenty minutes of the half remained a tight affair with Unwin and Burchett both battling away for chances.

The second half began with the hosts kicking down the hill and looking to extend their lead. Roberts, who looked to be clearly over his injury woes was causing havoc on the right wing and in a moment of inspiration waltzed around three players, showing a great turn of pace as he charged into the box only to be cynically brought down from behind. Amazingly the referee waved away Fletching protests for a penalty, which only resulted in rallying the The Tangerine Machine. It was a brilliant team move and a showcase of flowing football which doubled the home side’s advantage. Hyland did well to win it in the middle and played a simple ball into the feet of the on-rushing Duff, who had started to cut inside. He in turn sent a sweeping cross field ball to pick out Roberts who delivered a measured cross into the box for Unwin to bravely, but brilliantly send a diving header past the keeper. This was a blow to Nutley as they were getting back into the game, but the match was effectively ended as a contest ten minutes later, when once again Hyland, in his new role as playmaker, threaded a ball down the right for Roberts to fire it in across goal for 3-0. With the defence looking very solid, and in particular Steve ‘Sheepy’ Corke who was having an outstanding game, Phillips was rarely tested in the Fletching goal, as Hyland’s team headed towards a much deserved victory and their 100% home record in tact.

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

This was a very satisfying result for The Oranges who avenged their defeat at Nutley earlier in the season with a good solid display. With six wins out of seven we are able to go into our Christmas break happy with our form and next up is Wealden on New Years Eve. We are now up to fifth place, and if we win in two weeks time we will go into 2006 in fourth position with Dormansland and Chailey yet to meet The Archers. With plenty to look forward to this season, roll on New Years Eve for another battle at Wealden.

Team: Phillips, Corke, Funnell (Duly 70), Holford, Duff (Dowding 75), Bradford (Dann 62), Wolvey (c), Roberts, Unwin, Buchett