PETERESFIELD FORTRESS BROKEN FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2012/13 SEASON

PETERESFIELD FORTRESS BROKEN FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2012/13 SEASON

Petersfield welcomed league leaders Basingstoke whom were separated by goal difference in their 8th fixture of the season. The fixture was highly anticipated by all involved as a win for either team would see the top spot claimed.
Petersfield started the game and passed the ball around to each team member with purpose yet also to calm the nerves of the starting XI. Basingstoke however began the game in an all out attack method, pressing Field in their own half, disrupting their play and not allowing the Field players to have any time on the ball. Basingstoke attacked with venom however exceptional defending at the back from Anderson, Rye, Alder & Grinstead prevented the Basingstoke attackers coming into the circle with the ball, preventing any shot to be struck. Field continued looking to create space on the pitch and get out the half however a strong Basingstoke defence prevented this on many occasion with the Petersfield defence remaining as strong. Basingstoke pulled keeper Ross into action on a handful of situations when they were able to overload the defence in an intense few minutes of play. Petersfield were the first to break the deadlock after a swift counter attack down the right wing involving Edwards, J. Atkinson saw Harris hit the scoreboard. Field were unfortunate to extend their lead when Edwards sent a volley inches wide from an aerial ball into the circle from Harris. Basingstoke replied with a tight deflection within the last minute of the half to keep the score level.

In the second period, Petersfield started the stronger team and dominated the first 15 minutes of the half. In this time Harris added a second goal to his name and after Basingstoke were down to 10 men after a sinbin, Field made use of the power play with Anderson & Edney over lapping down the right side to set up a sensational team goal finishing with Cains at the far post, extending the lead to 3-1. Field became comfortable with the lead and soon found themselves level after loose marking in the circle gave Basingstoke striker enough time to steer the ball into the near corner, and a penalty corner strike was saved by Ross however was unable to deal with the rebound strike which flew into the roof of the net. Field jeered each other on and restarted the game and began their hunt towards the goal of Basingstoke where the intense build up play caused many frustration for Basingstoke. This lead to sinbin offences for Basingstoke as two players were cautioned for; swinging out at defender Rye as he past him skilfully and secondly with Basingstoke’s striker’s opinion not being appreciated by the officials. During an attacking move from Field, Basingstoke managed to clear the ball away and obtain a side-line ball near the half way mark. Appeals were made instantly from the midfield and right hand side attackers for an alleged illegal restart whom protested whilst play continued leaving the defence outnumbered. Defensemen Grinstead and Alder were able to shut down the right hand side of the pitch but a switch of play left a 2v1 with defender Harding. The initial strike was saved by Ross yet once again Basingstoke sunk the rebound to steal a lead of 4-3 with 5 minutes to go where both teams’ efforts were closed down and ended with a final blow of the whistle. Captain, Dan Grinstead was awarded man of the match for his defensive efforts and organisation during this fixture.

The defeat see’s Petersfield loose at home for the first time since the 2012/13 Season when Grinstead and Bridges began recrafting the Men’s First XI into ‘The Invincible’s’ before Bridges stepped down at the end of Season 2013/14. This outstanding achievement was driven forward with the recruitment of Alder as Grinstead’s assistant and aided the progression of the Petersfield First XI further.
Petersfield’s next fixture is away against mid-table team Poole where Petersfield will be looking to bounce back after this week’s defeat and obtain 3 points to add pressure to Basingstoke’s fine form.

Team: Ross, Anderson, Alder, Rye, Grinstead ©, Edney, Martin, Hughes – Stanton, J. Atkinson, Edwards, Harris, Cains, Harding & Hulme.