ANDERSON SPARKLES IN 2-0 VICTORY

Petersfield travelled away to Swanage whom are yet to pick up a single point during the opening fixtures of the season, thus providing confidence for the Petersfield side as they had won all of their opening fixtures.

Due to issues with traffic Petersfield started the game with some players out of position and immediately ‘parked the bus’ until Petersfield were at full strength after the first 5 minutes passed. Petersfield kept this method and attacked on the counter which proved to be an effective way of frustrating the opposition. Save after save from the away keeper kept the scores at bay. Swanage were not hard done by though as they had a handful of clear cut opportunities which were either over hit by the passer, off target from the striker or saved by keeper Ross. The deadlock was broken after a pass across goal was deflected into the net by Edwards. After this point the opposition made their frustrations clear with their style of tackling and communication. This led to midfielder Alder being sent to the sinbin for his opinion.

In the second half the gritty style of play continued from both teams which led to a further sinbin one after another to Alder and Elms for their style of tackling. During the point of being a man down Petersfield reshuffled sending Grinstead deeper to sweep away any challenge from Swanage. Petersfield at full strength held the midfield with great pressing skills from Edney, Grinstead, Alder & Hughes- Stanton and began to direct the gameplay. Deadly passes were made to the Petersfield strikers Edwards, Elms, Cains & Ramsey yet did not end in success despite wave after wave of efforts. A goal was disallowed for Petersfield as Grinstead’s through ball into the circle was deemed too high along with another chance missed as Grinstead hit the post from Alder’s ball into the circle. Anderson, Atkinson & Rye produced exceptional wing-back play, shutting players down and gaining possession. Anderson’s wing-back play was rewarded after his cross was sent into the roof of the net by Elms where the game concluded. Anderson picked up a second Man of the Match from his performance.

Team: Ross, Anderson, W. Atkinson, Rye, Alder, Edney, Grinstead ©, Hughes-Stanton, Cains, Ramsey, Elms & Edwards.