Petersfield Under 12 Boys cold walled at Gosport

In bitingly cold conditions Petersfield under 12 boys warmed up slowly in their league match at Gosport on Sunday 1st February. Strong blocking and defensive marking by Henry Plewes and Seb Liddle couldn’t keep Gosport at bay for long and Peterfield fell 2.0 down in the first period. The determination of George Shaxson and an inspired performance from Fred Slingsby bolstered the defence and began to drive pay into Gosport’s half, leading to penetrating balls from Freddie Anderson through to Harry Stanbridge in the centre and a dangerous looking Rory Morris on the left wing. Not to be out done right winger Tom Cooke-Priest flew down the outside and curved inwards behind the Gosport defence before a text book push into the centre of the D that was driven home by advancing left attack James Hill to lift Petersfield spirits. Ollie Slingsby drove forward skilfully but many Petersfield attacks were smothered by a steadfast Gosport defence. A chilling wind and some silky skills from the Gosport forwards repeatedly tested Petersfield and forced a number of impressive saves from goalie Will Nichols; the pressure eventually told and Petersfield had fallen 3.1 behind by half time. Eager for the comeback James Hill received and turned at the top of the D before driving home a second goal against the run of play. Gosport then went 4.2 ahead before new talent Solly Welch drilled into the Gosport net in his debut game from an Ollie Maughan-Taylor cross, pulling the score back to 4.3. As Petersfield tired Gosport’s persistency helped them snatch two more goals to leave a full time score line of 6.3. A spirited effort in very difficult conditions. Well done to all concerned. "