Chichester Steal Victory in Final Moments

Petersfield restarted the season with an away fixture against 2nd place Chichester.

Petersfield assembled early on, discussed tactics and prepared for the start.
Petersfield began with a bang! Straight into attack, showcasing how deadly the Petersfield forwards can be in the circle. Within minutes, a penalty corner was awarded as Edwards was fouled. Clay unleashed a powerful, unstoppable strike through the oncoming defence and Goalkeeper to steal the lead. Chichester swiftly responded, and appeared to change the dynamics of the game. Petersfield however held their ground firmly. Creating a Midfield battle supported by the defence, Petersfield were able to deny the many waves of attack Chichester formed. Petersfield discovered their own way to near fortune despite the attacks and created numerous chances which pulled the Chichester Goalkeeper into action. Chichester held their nerve and gradually found a way to beat through the Petersfield side to claim two goals. Despite the sudden goal disadvantage, Petersfield reacted with a lightening display if hockey. With four passes of the ball, Petersfield found themselves straight back into the game after a diving goal by Hughes-Stanton, assisted by Edwards. Both teams changed tactics and played a reserved possession style until the half was played out.

During the half time break, Petersfield managed new tactics and refuelled before setting back out for the second half where Chichester were ready with the restart.

Petersfield began the second half off pace compared to a fluid Chichester side, whom with slick passing, found themselves with enough space in the circle to steal the lead. With momentum, Chichester extended the lead further after tapping in a rebound after the initial strike on goal was saved by Petersfield Goalkeeper Smith. Petersfield on the chase, upped the pace of their play and pressed forwards, making Chichester very nervous at times as the ball was sent inches away from the post. Petersfield rebuilt and caused trouble as a Chichester foot was struck in the circle. Petersfield set up the routine... Chichester defenders waiting on the goal line. Ball slipped to Rye who sends the ball into goal on the near post. Petersfield gathered control of the game and pushed on towards an equalising goal yet the battle of two good sides was split by a single goal on the final blow of the whistle, favouring the home side Chichester whom hold onto 2nd place in the league.

Team: Smith, Clay, W. Atkinson, Rye, Hawkins, Gray, Grinstead (C), Alder, Hughes-Stanton, Hind, Edwards, Vickers, Edney and Francis.
MOM: Gray
CM: Smith
DOD: Edney