MARTIN GRABS HATRICK IN PETERSFIELD WIN

Petersfield faced 9th place Hamble on a miserable day which seemed to favour the away side, Petersfield. Field started the game with precision, pace and vasts amount of communication yet this was hindered by a substitution error by forwards Edwards & Ramsey which saw skipper Grinstead sent to the sinbin as Field were deemed to have too many players on the pitch. This action only seemed to jeer Field on and were soon rewarded with two quick penalty corner goals from forward Harris and midfielder Martin. Field maintained their dominance towards goal with dangerous attacking displays but none were converted. Field pressed Hamble high up the pitch which Hamble capitalised on after breaking through down the wing with blistering pace and outnumbering the defence. Despite the goal Field continued to press high, pushing Hamble into their own third of the pitch. This caused frustration leading to many fouls outside the circle. Edwards took full advantage with an immediate restart which allowed him to break into the circle and strike the ball into the bottom corner to take the lead to 3-1 at half time.

Field came out from the break like a new team, refreshed and rearing to go. With the midfield of Grinstead ©, Martin, Edney & Alder now positioned closer together the game was completely in control of Petersfield. The defence; Anderson. Rye & Harding found themselves able to charge up the wings to support more frequently however the attack, attack, attack method saw Alder & Rye booked for late challenges which left Field with only 9 men on the pitch after Hamble countered. Hamble did not gain any advantage despite the 2 man deficit and soon found themselves a man down after receiving a yellow card for a foul on Edwards. With Field back to full strength a further 3 goals were added by Edwards & Martin (2) to leave the score at 6-1 which sees Petersfield in 2nd place on goal difference. Petersfield face third place Fareham where a tough contest is highly anticipated.

Team: Ross, Anderson, Rye, Harding, Alder, Edney, Martin, Grinstead ©, Hughes-Stanton, Edwards, Harris & Ramsey