Fletching were able to put the league on hold for a second cup quarter final in two weeks as they faced another trip to Imberhorne School to face league rivals East Court for the third time this season. Although the Archers had narrowly won the home tie 4-3, a 5-1 defeat just before Christmas left Hyland in no doubt as to the task ahead. Greg Roberts was still on holiday, and Marten Leeves was still unavailable for selection, as inspirational old-timer Bradford returned to the squad and youngster Luke Donnelly was called up from The Reserves, both starting on the bench alongside Cronin. The starting eleven was unchanged from the victory over Wealden, as Cork and Holford were entrusted with the man marking duties on ‘Courts dangerous front pairing.

Hyland had stressed the importance of getting to Court right from the start, but in a fashion almost identical to the heavy league defeat Fletching were not up with the speed of play at all, looking extremely sluggish, as East Court moved the ball around simply, putting the Archers defence right on the back foot as they chased a goal. Despite this early pressure, The Villagers held out in what were very wet conditions which saw the ball zipping off a greasy surface. There was element of luck to the hosts opening goal when an attack down the right hand side produced a cross that was routinely headed away falling to their big striker Ross Kelly. However an excellent block tackle by Corke saw the ball spin up and loop over everybody into the far the corner.

Fletching were ruing their misfortune, but it was no more than they deserved and if anything should have spurred them to life, but heads seemed to drop and they were punished for their lack of concentration minutes later when Court doubled their lead. A square ball into a crowded box found its way to top scorer Billy Denyer, with his back to goal and despite three Archers defenders crowding him, he managed to squeeze in a shot which crept past everyone into the corner. Fletching created very little for themselves for much the first half as Davidson and Burchett were left isolated thanks to a well-marshaled Court side who never allowed wingers Duff and Unwin any space. The visitor’s best chance coming after a poor clearance from a wandering keeper fell to Burchett who played a nice one two with Davidson only to then blaze his shot well over. The East Grinstead based outfit also had further chances in a half which saw Pat ‘Minty’ Philips pull off some brilliant saves, keeping his side in the game, and Holford pick up a yellow card for a cynical challenge – 2-0 at the break.

The Villagers came out for the second half in positive fashion and with nothing to loose looked to take the game to their hosts. With the next goal looking crucial, Fletching had to chase the game and were unlucky not to pull one back when Davidson shooting just inches past the post. Court were looking to play on the counter attack as Hyland urged numbers forward and got their reward midway through the second half when the impressive Denyer got his second of the game drilling past Philips, despite an obvious off side that young Donnelly who was running the line failed to acknowledge. EC had further chances to increase the deficit, but wasted some glorious opportunities thanks once again to the goalkeeping of Philips, who was certainly at his best. The big man, despite being unable to kick and clearly playing through the pain barrier, kept some respectability to the score line, denying several one on ones and stinging volleys. With the cup-tie seemingly beyond Fletching, Cronin replaced Unwin and Bradford came on for Duly as the two new comers single-handedly changed the course of the game. Finally The Villagers started playing their passing game thanks to the mischievous Cronin, whose trickery caused no end of problems for Court’s midfield. The lad who has battled back from a serious cramp injury started to link with Wolvey, Hyland and Bradford which allowed space for Michael Duff and the front two as The Oranges started to raise questions of the hosts defence.

Davidson again came close to pulling one back when a sublime free kick delivered by Duff found the striker who smashed his header against the post and was eventually cleared. Center back Funnell made way for Donnelly after receiving a nasty knock to the knee with Bradford dropping to the back and with just under ten minutes remaining Fletching were to turn the game on its head and set up an explosive finish with two goals inside three minutes. The first was a lovely move involving a one-two with Davidson and Burchett, with the latter clinically beating the keeper from close range. Then two minutes later another ball supplied from the deep by Duff caused confusion in the hosts box where Burchett dispatched the ball to make it three-two. The last few minutes saw The Archers throw everything at EC, as the home side nervously defended their slight lead and saw their midfielder booked for lashing out, whilst in injury time Holford was sent for an early bath after receiving his second yellow of the day to compound Fletching’s misery in a poor away day which finished 3-2.

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

This was a disappointing result for Fletching but there are plenty of positives to take from the game. The simple fact is we didn’t start playing until we were 2-0 down, perhaps still affected by the result here last time, but once we started competing for the second balls and playing football, we caused them a lot of trouble. On another day we could of scored more goals, but the same has to be said for the hosts, who also created numerous chances. Its good to see we didn’t lie down after being 3-0 down, and with so many big games to come in the run in for the season, this should stand us in good stead. With the fixture list being revised yet again, we now have two massive games against Dormansland Rockets home and away which will ultimately decide where we come in the league, and with the first encounter being held at The Recreation Ground, we will look gain the upper hand.

Team: Philips, Holford, Funnell (Donnelly 82), Cork, Duly (70), Wolvey, Duff, Unwin (Cronin 61), Hyland, Davidson, Burchett.