Keepers Shine in Local Derby

Petersfield hosted a highly anticipated fixture against local rivals Alton. Both teams still in shot with a chance of promotion.

Petersfield started with possession after a change of ends and soon found themselves under pressure from the opposition.
Alton held a high line in a bid to frustrate the Petersfield defence allowing themselves to capitalise on any mistakes made.
Petersfield held firm with Clay, Marlow, Vickers and W. Atkinson stringing passes together and preventing any trouble towards the circle. Petersfield created counters against Alton with the aerial route from the back which found the Alton keeper on his toes a handful of times where the closest of efforts were deflected over the goal.
Alton broke through the Petersfield defence after hard work and determination yet keeper Smith stopped the Alton strikers in his tracks with a fine display of saves.

Alton were first to draw blood with a penalty corner routine however Petersfield showed their penalty corner prowess as Edwards deflected a Harris strike into the roof of the net, taking both sides into the break tied at one a piece.
A tactical switch of play was utilised and Petersfield set up ready for the second half battle to commence. Petersfield went hard at the opposition yet Alton came back swinging. Both keepers pulled into action time and time again, finger nails bitten with the sound of ooos, and ahhs as the crowd jeer shots saved, crosses thrown across the face of goal and big tackles. Alton stole the lead for a second time with a well worked passing goal in the circle. Petersfield did not allow the goal to dent the determination within the team and instead grew closer together. The strength shown by the squad saw them press forwards with momentum with only the Alton keeper preventing Petersfield from gaining the equalising goal. The Petersfield striking force of; Soper, Hughes-Stanton, Hind and J. Atkinson continued banging on the keepers door and soon were let in for a second time with a Hughes-Stanton flick into the bottom corner.

Within the closing stages both sides were forcing attack. This caused end to end hockey with Smith demonstrating his goalkeeping capabilities with stick saves, strong palms and 1v1 tackles. Petersfield closest hope to claiming victory came as Hughes-Stanton was brought to the floor in the circle leading to a penalty flick. Grinstead stood up to the spot, took his aim and fired to the left of the goal, yet to his dismay, the Alton keeper shone once again and produced another fine save to keep the score at 2-2 where the fixture concluded.
Petersfield face Poole at home in their last fixture of the season where a win will seal a promotional spot.
1330 PB at Bedales.