Goat Returns as Petersfield Win 5 in a Row

Petersfield hosted 11th place Chichester in the 16th fixture of the season where Petersfield were looking to claim 3 points as the first encounter finished 9-1 to the Petersfield side where Chichester were out played for the full duration last time around. The Petersfield line-up saw two major changes to the side as last season’s starting striker and club top goal scorer Alex Elms nicknamed ‘the goat’ has returned after missing the majority of the first half of the season. The second change saw youngster Charlie Anderson called up from the development squad to the first XI after a number of outstanding performances.

The game started on the whistle with Elms taking push back, from the start Petersfield aimed to keep possession and show the opposition why Petersfield are fierce contenders for the league title. Despite the possession displayed from Petersfield there was no clear cut chance created to test the nerve of the Chichester defence. Chichester attacked in an organised manner which looked to potentially cause the Petersfield side a number of issues throughout the game yet the defence of Petersfield intercepted Chichester’s through balls calmly despite some loose marking from the midfielders. Petersfield broke the deadlock with a Grinstead goal from a Penalty Corner won by Elms. With the lead Petersfield utilised the speed and skill down the wings, cutting in on the Chichester defence, forcing errors. The errors forced provided Petersfield a further two short corners with Grinstead adding a second to his tally along with Edwards deflecting another past the goalkeeper on the far post taking the lead to 3-0. Petersfield with the 3-0 lead let their standards slip across the pitch and soon found themselves picking the ball out of their own goal after a scrappy goal was conceded. Chichester continued to apply pressure on Petersfield, forcing the goalkeeper into action on a handful of occasions along with conceding two penalty corners which were broken down by the penalty corner defence. Petersfield replied to the Chichester goal with another clinical penalty corner routine which saw Edwards deflect the ball into the goal from the far post once again, taking the score to 4-1 at the break.

After the break Petersfield tightened up the midfield with Grinstead and Martin man marking two players whom created all of Chichester’s play in the first half, hoping to reduce the chances created. Defenseman Alder was implemented as the back-up man in case any man drifted out of their territory. The strategy implemented seemed to take affect with many midfield battles going Petersfield’s way lifting the aggression levels of the opposition. With the match play increasing in tempo and physical presence, Alder was able to utilise his strength well as he blocked the opposition’s path when trapping the ball sending him over his shoulder to the ground. Bott, Elms & Edwards were continually denied by the goal keepers fine display along with missing the target with some wayward shooting. Chichester began to struggle passing the ball along the ground due to the intense marking and shutting down from the Petersfield side cause Chichester to use the aerial route. Many attempts were stopped by the defence of Anderson, Hart, Williams & Alder yet Chichester gained some opportunities with no reward with this approach. Chichester however did not give up and after a cross was sent flying into the circle an unmarked striker found himself in space in front of goal for a tap-in finish. The game continued to be a battle in midfield until the last piece of action which saw midfielder Martin fire a shot past the keeper from the left hand side of the circle, concluding the fixture at 5-2.

Petersfield remain top of the table by goal difference and face joint top Wimbourne away in the next fixture which is said to be the biggest game of the season as when reflecting on the first half season results, this fixture could decide who is to become league champions.

Team: Casson, Anderson, Williams, Alder, Martin, Edney, Grinstead, Atkinson, Bott, Elms, Edwards & Hart