After last week’s narrow victory against bottom team Ardingly, The Archers knew they would have to significantly raise their game for the visit of an inform Lewes Bridgeview side who sat one place below them in fourth before the start of play, having shared the spoils in a one all draw in the first game of the season at Lewes. ‘Sheepy’ Cork was unavailable which meant a reshuffle at the back, Duff coming in alongside regular pairing of Funnell and Holford, whilst there was a start for Leeves on the right wing as Lucey reverted to the left after playing upfront the week before. Mark Dann kept his place in goal, as Phillips continues his recovery from a knee injury and there was a much welcome return for Roberts after several weeks holidaying, he claimed a place on the bench together with Mike Cronin and Jamie Unwin.

A ferocious biting wind, similar to that against Dormansland, provided another testing factor as Wolvey won the toss, electing to attack down the hill and with the wind for the first half, Hyland stressing the need to make the most of this advantage, expectant of at least two goals to defend for second period. The Archers started very well and were unfortunate not to take an early lead with Davidson and Burchett’s movement causing endless trouble for ‘Views defence. Chris Hyland was treating the crowd to his Michael Jackson dancing feet and pulling the strings in the middle, Lucey & Leeves were offering good support and after some fine interlinking play gained a corner. The resultant set piece found main aerial threat Bradford unmarked at the far post, his header rebounding off a defender and straight back to him, only for the experienced campaigner to widely blaze over at the second attempt.

The breakthrough followed shortly after when a clumsy challenge on Wolvey in the box gave Fletching the chance to score from twelve yards. Despite the best efforts of the captain who was looking for his second successful penalty kick in successive weeks, Burchett grabbed the ball before calmly slotting home the spot kick, in spite of the best efforts of the keeper who had guessed the right way to get fingertips on it. From this the home side began to dominate, and were playing some lovely flowing football but could not find the second their play so richly deserved. Burchett hit a stinging volley from the edge of the box was heading for the top corner, only for the keeper to make an astounding acrobatic save. He was back in action moments later when Davidson fired in a thunderous effort from fully thirty-five yards; the shot stopper this time brilliantly pushing round the post.

The Villagers continued to adapt well to the adverse weather conditions, unlike the visitors who found it hard to get out of their half, that said though they looked dangerous on the few breaks they did have. View’s striker found room in the box to forge a couple of half chances for himself, but Funnell was on hand to make a brilliant last ditch challenge, just as he was about to pull the trigger, whilst Duff was shining in his adopted defensive role, but frustrated at the lack of freedom to go forward, unlike the ever-reliant Holford who was roaming up the park with an assured confidence (mainly to take the throw-ins of course!). The Archers continued to play a smart mix of footballing styles, knocking it long when they needed to but mainly playing a patient and controlled passing game. Chris Hyland found Neil Lucey, who continues to impress, cutting inside before skillfully beating two defenders only to be blatantly brought down in the box, but this time however, the referee dismissed Fletching’s penalty appeals. Minutes later though Hyland’s men gained a deserved second goal, right on the stroke of half time. Leeves, who had drifted out wide, chipped a lovely ball right into the danger area where Davidson was lurking to direct his point blank header past the keeper, as The Archers took cushion going into the break.

Fletching were always going to be on the back foot in a half which saw them battling hard and tirelessly against the elements, but to their credit stuck to some simple football as Lewes found the contrast hard to cope with, with many of their long balls swept out of play, without causing any real problems. Burchett went close with a header shortly after the restart, but it was Bridgeview who began to peg The Villagers back, putting pressure on Fletching’s back three, as Dann was tested for the first time in the game with a couple of long range shots that he did well to hold in the swirling wind. His towering goal kicks against the breeze were a real bonus for Fletching, as he managed to gain good distance and give his side time to settle, as View tried to pick holes in a solid back line. Some sterling work from the midfield of Bradford, Wolvey and Hyland kept the visitors at bay, allowing Lucey and Leeves out wide to push on. Bradford was linking well with the back three and Hyland tracking back from his more forward position to cover the injured Wolvey who found himself in good goal scoring positions.

‘View had several threatening corners that caused the home side real problems, eventually being scrambled out of the box, as well as a dangerous free kick right on the edge of the area, but Dann was on hand to parry the effort. The Archers introduced their fresh legs within quick succession, Cronin’s skill, Roberts pace and Unwin’s determination providing Fletching with a new lease of life against an increasingly frustrated Lewes side. The Tangerine Machine were unlucky not to increase their lead as Roberts rampaged down the right wing setting up chances for Lucey, Burchett and Davidson, all of whom failed to convert. Jamie Unwin then missed a gilt-edged opportunity, smashing a volley against the crossbar with his weaker left foot from only eight yards out. The visitors pulled one back with minutes remaining to set up a tense finale. Their striker, who had been plugging away all game, found himself in space before running on and chipping the advancing Dann from an acute angle in what was a fine goal, despite Fletching protests for a clear off-side, which Darren ‘The Monk’ Bradley failed to acknowledge with his flag. However, the final whistle followed shortly after to give Fletching another deserved three points.

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

This was a great result for Fletching and a fantastic performance to match. It was again very difficult conditions to play football in, but we kept the ball on the ground, and created lots of chances, and if it wasn’t for an inspired visiting goalkeeper, it could have been more. We now sit second in the league, but have played three more games than East Court who are three points behind us. All we can do is continue our outstanding run by picking up victories, and at the end of the season anything can happen. Team: M Dann, Holford, Funnell, Duff, Bradford, Wolvey, Hyland, Leeves (Cronin 67), Lucey (Roberts 70), Davidson, Burchett (Unwin 76). Unused sub: Bradley