Petersfield travelled on a wet, rainy Saturday morning to face 10th placed Salisbury. Petersfield set the objective of victory due to the performance earlier in the season which saw Petersfield race to an 8-2 victory.

Petersfield warmed up, discussed tactics and unleashed their battle cry before the starting whistle was blown.
Petersfield started the fixture off pace which saw a wave of attack built by the home side yet no attacker could grab hold of the many through ball attempts. This caused a Midfield and defensive battle for possession until Petersfield found their feet. At this point, the table began to spin round as Petersfield created a handful of chances yet no real attempt to pull the home keeper into significant action was made. The closest effort came from a Hind deflection from a J. Atkinson ball across the face of goal that narrowly missed the target.
Petersfield controlled the later stages of the half with accurate changes of play which allowed space to be exploited by wingers Hind and Hughes-Stanton whilst the Midfield of Alder, Grinstead and Terry supported. Two penalty corner attempts from J. Atkinson were both denied due to a well organised defence whom were resilient throughout the half and kept the score tied at 0-0 for the break.

Petersfield set the targets for the second half and began with a controlled attacking style of play which Salisbury were battling to keep Petersfield at bay. Despite Petersfield's efforts, Salisbury built an attack on the counter and were able to steal the lead.
Petersfield held their heads high and continued the style of play set, aiming to bag one of the chances created. A well timed substitute between the Midfield allowed for the turning moment to take place. Alder had swapped with Captain Grinstead seconds before J. Atkinson was brought down by the Salisbury keeper in the circle, resulting in a penalty flick. Grinstead stood by the spot, and leveled the score after the keepers efforts were not enough to keep the ball out of goal.

The goal lifted the Petersfield spirit further which only ignited a higher level of attack, constant waves were thrown at the Salisbury attack yet Salisbury held on until an untimed strike at goal from J. Atkinson saw the goal after deflecting through defenders sticks.
With the one goal advantage, Petersfield switched the style of play and bolstered the Midfield to increase the breakdowns of play against the opposition. A tactic which was well worked by the whole squad and saw great amount of determination and fight across the pitch until the final whistle was blown for victory in the favour of Petersfield.

Petersfield lie within 3rd place within Hampshire Division 2 and look forward to the remaining three fixtures before the league concludes. Will Petersfield steal a promotion place?

Team: Smith, Vickers, Clay, Marlow, W. Atkinson, Terry, Grinstead, Alder, Hind, Hughes-Stanton, J. Atkinson, Hawkins and Soper.