PETERSFIELD OUTCLASS FAREHAM

Petersfield faced Fareham on a wet windy afternoon which saw the best start Petersfield had made all season. Field were in Fareham’s faces from the off and caused much distraction across the pitch. Field dominated the play for the first 15 minutes and released their pacey strikers Cains, Harris & Edwards at the Heart of Fareham’s defence. The efforts from the team were rewarded after Harris’s reverse strike flew into the top corner. Field continued to press, beating the opposition to loose balls and shutting down any form of attack. The hard work from Field was rewarded with another goal from Edwards. As Field were 2-0 up Fareham began to take more control of the ball, and moving the ball away from any Petersfield player. Field dropped back which lowered the intensity of the break down in play from Field which gifted Fareham with a couple of chances which keeper Ross cleared away from his goal calmly. Field then urgently called for keeper Ross again after being caught on the counter. Ross scattered across his circle to clear the 1v1 chance with no hesitation with an outstanding slide. Field were shaken after this event and looked for revenge on Fareham. The intensity went through the roof and Fareham soon found themselves outnumbered within their own circle. Fareham held on however after a collision between Fareham defense-man and Goal keeper a substitute goal keeper was required just before the half time whistle.

Petersfield regrouped during the break, discussed tactics and plays and then immediately implemented them as soon as possession was gained. Grinstead took charge in the middle of the pitch with Alder, O. Atkinson, Hughes-Stanton & Hulme supporting. Defensemen Rye & Anderson supported the wingers with bursts of runs which allowed the forward line of; J. Atkinson, Cains, Harris & Edwards to press high up the pitch, get between the defense and goal keeper and cause havoc with the extra men in space. Petersfield slotted a further four goals past Fareham which allowed Cains to pick up his first hatrick of the season and Edwards to grab a second. Centre back W. Atkinson stayed strong throughout, working well with defensive mid Alder and his defensive line. The defense commanded from the back and prevented shots on target until the last two minutes of the game where Fareham were rewarded with a string of penalty corners which were well defended by Atkinson, Alder, Rye, Ross & Harding allowing the score to conclude at 6-0 which see’s Petersfield in 2nd place on GD and 3 points clear of 3rd place.
Petersfield face league leaders Basingstoke on the 21st this month at Bedales School, PB 15:00 in what is anticipated as the biggest match of the season.

Team: Ross, Anderson, W. Atkinson, Rye, Harding, Alder, Hughes- Stanton, Grinstead ©, Hulme, O. Atkinson, Cains, Edwards, J. Atkinson & Harris.