Fletching were desperate for a win as they tried to get their league campaign back up and running as they traveled to the Alderbrook, to face one of their bogey sides Crowborough. The signs were ominous though as manager Hyland had to contend with two of his front men dropping out at the last minute. Firstly Davidson, whose troublesome hamstring was causing him problems after midweek five-a-side, and secondly Unwin with a dodgy shoulder. Midfield creative man Chris Hyland was rested, after reports in the press claiming that he is suffering from burnout (but we all really know he was off visiting his girlfriend - aaahhhhhhhhhh!). This led to a recall for Clarke who was back from university to take a place on the bench. He was joined by the big defender Duly who missed last weeks game. Meanwhile Funnell had overcome flu to slot back in at the heart of the defence, whilst Leeves, promoted from the reserves, started in the middle. There was a welcome return for Greg Roberts, starting up front, as he looked to get his career back on tracks following a succession injuries. Apart from that the team remained the same as the one who lost out to Cuckfield the week before, with Beale moving on to occupy the left wing and Duff moving to the right.

Kicking with a breezy wind in the first half Fletching always looked in control of the game and solid throughout the ranks. Any threat from Crowborough’s long ball game were snubbed out from a well marshalled defence. The Archers struggled to adjust early on to the wind, as time and time again their final ball just had too much on it, forcing them to play their natural passing game on the deck. It was from here that they stared to take charge of the game, with Leeves' pulling the strings showing some calm touches and excellent passes. Meanwhile new signing Beale was starting to settle in his new team and was seeing a lot of the ball, as to was Duff who was delivering some great supply for the front pairing of Burchett and Roberts.

It was actually Duff who had the first opportunity, intercepting a loose pass he utilised his pace, storming past two of Athletic’s players only to be denied by a useful Crows keeper. It could have been two or three if not for the keeper being on fine form, making a string of good saves for the swelling crowd (who were waiting for the reserves game to start!). The pressure in the final third began to pay off when Beale scored his first goal for the club mid way through the first half and the Archers could have gone in at half time two or three up with both Roberts and Burchett missing good chances to extend the lead.

The Villagers came out for the second half and continued to play some useful football, although their opponents had obviously had an ear bashing during the break and came out showing much more resolve, battling for the ball and matching the central midfield pairing of Leeves and Wolvey like for like. A much more evenly contested second period saw Crowborough looking dangerous on the break as time and time again The Archers failed to convert from promising positions, after some lovely build up play, as Pat ‘Minty’ Phillips made a couple of fine save to keep Fletching on top. Another injury blow to Roberts meant a re-shuffle as Duly took to pitch, with Duff moving to an unfamiliar role up front where he did a decent enough job, but lets be honest he is definitely not a natural goal scorer!! With the score still only one-nil The Crows inevitably pushed men forward in the later stages as they looked for a share of the spoils. The back four found themselves sitting deeper and really having to dig in, which they did effectively - Bradford using his vast experiences of similar situations to marshal them well and Minty making a fine athletic save from a deflected shot. With the home side pushing, Burchett and Duff used their pace to find the ever-increasing gaps to exploit, leaving the former to wrap up proceedings on ninety minutes when he tucked home to continue his early season form.

This was a morale-boosting win for The Archers and gives them something positive to take into next week’s tough game against East court, who boast a very impressive league record and honors. The Archers have never beaten this relatively new side, but with a performance like today they will be confident of getting something from the game.