Atkinsons and Hind seal a solid Win for the Mens 1's

07/10/17 Petersfield V’s Southhampton 2’s Away
Result: Petersfield 3 - Southampton 2’s 1

Hind Shines in Petersfield Win

After a great start to the season with a win against Chichester, spirits were high along with confidence. Petersfield’s Mens 1’s were once again in the mood to stamp their authority within the league in the push for promotion this season.

Our opponents this weekend, Southampton 2 were an unknown entity, having been relegated from Division 1. Nevertheless, this would not put out the fire in the belly of the Petersfield side whom seek their second win of the season.

Having arrived at the ground, we embarked on the long arduous walk down the hill to the pitch, where we gathered as unit of warriors with a thirst for a win! We began to size up the opposition during our warm up, and they seemed a young side with lots of endurance and acceleration, but this wasn’t going to put us off!

Petersfield gathered together by Captain Dan Grinstead. Strong, commanding yet encouraging words riled the team. The plan of attack set and strategies discussed before the battle cry was unleashed as the Petersfield side set up and awaited the sound of the whistle.

What a start the Petersfield side had. Some solid structure, great movement of the ball, cutting open their defence and midfield, creating some very early chances for goals! Harris, J.Atkinson and Lane making some great movement upfront, causing destruction within the Southampton defense. It wasn't long until Petersfield had Southampton on the back foot as J. Atkinson pulled out the heat seeking missile shot, which was beautifully set up by Harris, as it screamed into the back of the Goal putting the PEEF 1-0 ahead after 10-min. Petersfield continued to play well, moving the ball well through the midfield from the back, with Grey holding the center well with his men in arms on the left and right Hughes-stanton and Grinsted, backed up by Hawkins, W. Atkinson, Marlow and Clay. Petersfield were awarded a green card in the first half as W.Atkinson was sinbinned for being cheeky and breaking the 5m rule! Come on William you know the rules! Ask the Umpire...or not as Lane found out later!

So down to 10 men for 2 minutes, the team stood their ground and held the defence strong whilst still giving their fair share of attack against the strong opposition of Southampton. With Willy returning to the battlefield, we resumed our attack. Petersfield had a defensive wobble when refreshing a handful of troops at once which nocked the structure of Petersfield. Southampton tried to take advantage of this but to no avail, Petersfield stood strong as a team and kept them out. Loud, daunting commands from Grinstead, Clay, Hawkins and Harris settled this, providing avenues for Petersfield to ignight another attack. With the first half drawing to an end Hind, who had been playing beautifully for the game, cutting open the Southampton side calmly and confidently dribbled with his silky skills into the circle, pulled it onto his reverse side and scored the most glorious reverse shot goal Petersfield have seen this year. With this stunner, Petersfield took the 2-0 lead into the first half break.

The second half started very wobbly indeed and Petersfield had lost their structure previously set as Southampton caught out their visitors with a change of press. The change of attack gifted Southampton with a penalty corner which was converted. Southampton played their well oiled routine and only just got it past keeper Smith. Scores at 2-1, Petersfield regained their strength and said no more. Petersfield pulled themselves together and got back to level ground, where control of the game was regained. Unfortunately we lost another player from the 5m rule, this time, Lane fell foul on this occasion, also being told off for asking which apparently is a no no... Oh well Pete your looking good for the wooden spoon prize for the end of year! The team were back to 10, and absorbed the pressure well, after fulfilling his time on the naughty step, Lane was allowed back to play with his teammates. Petersfield had one last moment of the jitters where they were caught on the break, with Southamptons striker firmly striking the ball and hitting the post. Whilst he was celebrating a goal that hadn’t happened, Petersfield reacted as quick as lightening and caught them on the break. J. Atkinson reloaded with missiles from his earlier shot unleashed another from his arsenal. This time sending a screeching ball through the goalkeepers legs and pounding the backboard! With the 3-1 lead, and 5 minutes remaining, Grinstead commanded from the sideline. Petersfield set the defensive play, battering down any attacking attempt from Southampton until the final whistle blew!

Petersfield played well as a team, good passing, good play making, some solid runs and good communication! Yes we had our moments and made our mistakes, but we bounce back from them and played as a team! Another win in the bag and another step closer to promotion!!! Petersfield 3 - Southampton 1.

MOM: Will Atkinson for solid tackling
DOD: Pete Lane for getting yet another card and monking
Champaign Moment: James Atkinson, Henry Hind for top quality Goal scoring

Team: D Grinsted (C), T Clay (VC), J Atkinson, W Atkinson, A Smith, L Hawkins, S Marlow, P Vickers, J Alder, H Hind, G Hughes-Stanton, N Grey, L Harris, P Lane, P Edwards, C Hall. Coach: J Edney