An outstanding performance from keeper Nichols

An outstanding performance from keeper Will Nichols was not quite enough to prevent a defeat for Petersfield. The visitors could have been put of sight were it not for a string of excellent saves in the first two periods of the match. Nichols’ fast feet ensured an exciting final period when Petersfield gained the upper hand and were the team applying all the pressure.

The first period stared quickly with the ball flying around the hard semi-frozen Churchers pitch. The powerful Fleet centre half repeatedly crunched big hits through the centre of the ‘Field defence with only Nichols and Seb Gray repelling these attacks. The pressure finally told with Fleet taking a 1-0 lead with yet another ball through the centre.

The second period saw ‘Field launch a few more of their own attacks with Joe Price particularly effective on the right of midfield. Nichols continued to excel but was unable to keep out another Fleet shot with his defenders left bamboozled by a tricky run from the Fleet midfield. The home team soon responded after an excellent run down the left from Ollie Slingsby with Max White getting on the end of a wonderful reverse stick cross with a calm finish. The period finished with Fleet extending their lead to two goals again after another great skilful run from the midfield.

Despite a few more saves from Nichols in the final period, it was ‘Field who dominated the closing 20 minutes. Noah Sykes and Finlay Rushin tackled far more effectively and James Hill was very busy in the centre of midfield, often breaking the defensive line to set his teammates running at goal. The pressure told with White claiming his second after a double save from the Fleet keeper. A cool reverse stick finish just inside the post set up an exciting final 10 minutes. White nearly claimed his hat trick after a great work from brother Elliot on the left but pulled his shot from the top of the D just wide. With all the action around the Fleet area, the final chance fell to Harry Stanbridge who drove into the D and bravely threw himself at the keeper’s feet only to see the ball creep agonisingly wide of the past.

The frustration was plain to see as the final whistle blew but the ‘Field performance in the final period bodes well for future matches. All that was left was for umpires and opposition coaches alike to congratulate Nichols on a save count well into double figures.