Petersfield Secure 5th Promotion in 6 Years.

Petersfield hosted Poole in the final fixture of the season where a victory would secure 2nd place within Hampshire Division 2, but also the reward of promotion to Hampshire Division 1, however any result other than a win may put the spot in jeopardy due to Southampton Uni and Alton closing in on theeyed prize.

Petersfield members were gathered by Captain Grinstead where the plan of attack was set out and pre-match nerves were calmed. Petersfield took to the pitch and limbered up before the pre-match routine was completed whilst members of the public and club gathered for the first whistle of the match.

Petersfield unleashed a rumbling battle cry of 1,2,3 FIELD! Petersfield began with possession and calmly passed the ball around all members in a bid to ease any remaining nerves, yet also to anaylse the lines in which the opposition applied pressure. Once comfortable, Petersfield forged an attack with a high press against the visiting side. Petersfield, with the objective of an early goal were on the back foot as Poole sprinted forward with a counter attack which pulled defender Vickers into action. An outstretched stick across the goal line prevent the visitors stealing an early lead and the Petersfield side knew it. With the close call, Petersfield increased the intensity of the game came close to breaking within the circle yet were able to connect with the final ball on a handful of occasions, a warning sign to the visitors. Petersfield created further attacks, yet the defense of Poole battled with Petersfield, preventing any clear chances to be struck home. Poole were defending well and carried the ball out of their own half, yet in turn, met the barricades of Petersfield. First off, the midfield of Grinstead, Terry and Hind all challenging for 50/50 balls, pushing their opponents wide for the defence of; Marlow, Hawkins, Clay, Vickers and Gray to sweep up loose play and redistribute. Petersfield began overloading the wings, which caused the Poole defense havoc. As a result, Petersfield were creating a number of chances on goal whilst also gaining penalty corners. Forwards, Harris (2), Hughes-Stanton (1) and J. Atkinson (1) added to their tally with efforts from close range to take a 4-0 advantage into the half time break.

Petersfield analysed their first half performance and set out the plan of attack to keep Poole away from their goal, aiming for a clean sheet for the defense and goalkeeper whilst still controlling the game and increasing the gap between both sides.

The second half saw much of the same, except a more clinical display of attacking play. Petersfield dominated across the field of play, yet Poole remained resistant and continued to test the defence of Petersfield. Poole had close efforts denied by keeper Smith along with penalty corner routines disrupted by the speed out to the ball carrier of Marlow and Hawkins. Petersfield added a flurry of goals as J. Atkinson grabbed a further 2 goals to complete his hatrick. Poole increased the battle efforts within the midfield, yet Petersfield responded to the rise. With the harder tackles and aggression levels rising, both teams saw players heading for the sin-bin to cool off. Fortunately, Petersfield were able to hold off Poole during the power-plays with a change of formation, ensuring no gap was free to exploit. Once back to full strength, Petersfield began passing the ball into every corner possible, this caused chaos for the Poole defence as gaps were being created and exploited. When Poole has possession, fast breaks were the tactic which looked only to tire the Poole side. With the all-out attacks created by Poole, Petersfield on three occasions were able to hit Poole where it hurts... scoring a goal on the counter. Petersfield in one scoring move made two passes beginning within the defensive quarter with Hawkins whom propelled the ball to Harris in the attacking left corner, Harris picked the ball up at pace, changed direction and then slipped the ball across the face of goal to a diving Hughes-Stanton on the far post, deflecting the fine effort into the net before the supporters demonstrated their own appreciation with an eruption of cheers and applause. Harris was involved yet again as his square pass found Hind, whom then dribbled past the oncoming defender before hammering the ball into the net. Hind now fuelled with the taste of goal added a second to his name after a low paced clearance from a goalmouth scramble was picked up by Hind and sent straight back towards goal untouched and adding another to the scoreline where the fixture concluded 9-0 to Petersfield.

The determination and fight displayed by Petersfield saw victory against Poole, securing promotion to Hampshire Division 1 for the 2018/2019 season. This years promotion joins the list of achievements from the Petersfield squad, yet achieving a 5th Promotional spot within six years will always be one to remembered.

Team: Smith, Marlow, Hawkins, Vickers, Gray, Terry, Grinstead (c), Hind, Hughes-Stanton, Harris, J. Atkinson, Clay, Alder and Rye.