Petersfield U14 Boys posted their first win of the season after overcoming a dogged Southampton team 4-1 at their home pitch at Beadles. After being under pressure for the first 10 minutes the learning from previous matches, reinforced during training, started to tell as Petersfield held possession well and started to dominate possession.

A sudden breakaway goal by Southampton could have dampened spirits but Petersfield stuck to their game plan of trying to make the ball do the work and running into space. They were soon rewarded as Wilf V and Miles P picked up the ball in midfield, moved the ball right to Joe P who crossed for Matthew R to finish at the second attempt after a good initial save from the goalkeeper.

Pressure came on from Southampton, but Petersfield’s defensive line held high; coordinated by Henry M, Xavi A was robust on the right and Leo P composed and instinctive on the left. Goalkeeper Harry M had relatively little to do, as the ball was kept in the opposition’s half for the majority of the match, but as always, was fast on his feet and a fearless and intimidating keeper.

As the game wore on, so the influence of Rupert R grew, he became Petersfield’s playmaker sometimes releasing to Alex S on the right or left to Ben E. Alex P was a key part of the team bringing the ball into the D, and worked as part of the strike force putting pressure on the opposition. Similarly Ben E became increasingly confident working back and made some key interceptions.

Most effective though were Rupert’s passes through to the two centres Miles P and Wilf V who then by passed the defence with deft balls to the forwards. In this way Mathew R picked up two more goals jinking around the defence. Matthew who usually plays for the U12 team put in a memorable performance, well supported by the team, he positioned himself perfectly to slot in his three goals, a spectacular hattrick!

Ben M and Harry F rotated on for their first games for the U14 Boys forming part of a formidable Petersfield midfield which ringed the opposition’s D, pressing high and leaving Southampton no route to escape. A resulting poor clearance saw Joe P receive and drive into the D, find space before dinking a shot into the bottom right corner.

Wilf V had a real breakthrough performance, stamping his authority on the top of midfield whilst the U12s players seemed very, much at home even at this level. All in all though it was a selfless, team performance leading to a thoroughly well deserved victory.