The Archers welcomed a youthful Crowborough Athletic side to The Recreation Ground on a bitterly cold day, worsened by a vicious wind coming up from the Downs, for a return league fixture on what was a fabulous looking playing surface. Big defender Mark Dann missed out after a serious (grazed?) foot injury the previous week at Chailey, whilst Davidson, once again, was unavailable for selection. Adam Duly and powerhouse Ian Dowding made the step up from the Reserve Team who were fixtureless, with the former slotting in at the back. Biggest cheer of the afternoon came from the Barn End when the return of Cork was announced after a two-week absence. He was joined on the bench by the Paul Daniels of Fletching – midfield utility man Mike Cronin.

Fletching kicked off down the hill with a strong wind at their backs, looking to use this to their advantage, but in truth took too long in adjusting their play to suit the natural conditions. It was Athletic who looked the most dangerous early on, playing it extremely well and keeping it simple against the elements. The away team were spraying it wide, involving their talented young wing back who liked to roam forward with a matured confidence, as several dangerous crosses found their way into The Archers box. One in particular falling to Boro’s impressive young captain and midfield playmaker who forced a fine point blank save from Pat ‘Minty’ Philips. With the danger cleared the hosts began to assert their authority, coming right back into the game with the pace of Roberts and Duff causing all sorts of problems. The two combined for Fletchings first goal after Greg Roberts won a free kick in a dangerous area on the right. Free kick maestro Duff stepped up to deliver a real teaser which was flicked on by Bradford to the far post where it was met by a sliding Wolvey who guided it into the net.

It was a vital goal for the Archers as it was a very close fought game played in tough conditions, but the real blow to Boro’ came on the stroke of half time. A flowing counter attack started from the back as Funnell came out with the ball before giving it short to Hyland, who in turn passed to Wolvey inside him. The captain then chipped the ball to Unwin who cushioned a header back for Hyland. Taking one touch to control the ball, the midfield playmaker delivered a perfectly weighted pass over the top for the breaking Duff on the left flank who drove down the line before crossing for Burchett leaving him a simple tap in, and capping a brilliant team goal. The half time whistle followed seconds later with The Archers going in 2-0 at the break.

The second half started with Fletching playing into the wind as the visitors looked to get back into the game, with still everything to play for. In what was a very tight affair, The Villagers had to defend resolutely as the windy conditions forced them onto the back foot, as they waited patiently for an opportunity to break on the counter attack. As it turned out this opportunity was to be very limited, with Hylands men rarely managing to get out of their own half. Crowborough were limited to only a few half chances, as the back three of Funnell, Cork and Holford looked solid, aided by the fact that the visitors long ball option was just not effective in prevalent conditions. Midway through the half Fletching had a scarce chance to extend their lead when Roberts broke down the right to put in a deep cross for Burchett who put his header inches wide from twelve yards. The striker again was the main threat when he broke clear minutes later with a defender on his tail, this time forcing smart stop from the opposing keeper. All three substitutes were introduced with a view to securing the three points. Cork back in his familiar left back role, as Duly moved in to midfield for the injured Bradford, whilst Unwin and Burchett were replaced upfront with the fresh legs of Dowding and Cronin respectively. Despite the inevitable onslaught late on, in which Boro’ pushed three men up front and a succession of corners and free kicks The Archers never looked troubled, as the game finished with the home side two goals to the good

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

The lads were delighted with another three points and a hard fought victory over an excellent Crowborough team which included some of their reserves. This game could of gone either way at times, but we are looking very solid at the back these days and are scoring at important times. The score easily could of been level at half time, instead we went in 2-0 up and weren’t in the mood to relinquish our lead. We are now fifth in the table and have a week off from league action as we look forward to a cup quarter final against Division Two outfit Hartfield, with all the lads confident we can give the holders a serious run for their money!

Team: Philips, Holford, Funnell, Duly, Bradford (Cork 61), Wolvey, Duff, Roberts, Hyland, Unwin (Dowding 69), Burchett (Cronin 73).