Petersfield Mens 2nd XI host Southampton 3s

Petersfield Mens 2nd team continued their unbeaten run with their first home win against Southampton 3s.

Another glorious autumn day at Bedales, Petersfield got off to a strong start applying early pressure in the Southampton D. This resulted in an early penalty corner. The corner was saved but superb follow up play gave Petersfield the lead with an uncharacteristic open side goal from Ian Pruden.
Petersfield utilised the pace of both Henry Plewes and Josh Bardoe to attack on both sides. Josh was particularly impressive with left and right spins into the D and a deft pass to Duncan McDermott to set up the second goal.
Late to the game, Dan Cleife joined in to provide an early assist to Pruden. It was beginning to become clear that Pruden was ‘in the mood’.
Petersfield ended the half with a series of short corners, none of which we could convert taking us to the break 3:0.

As in previous games Petersfield briefly lost concentration. Despite no obvious change in strategy from Southampton, the opposition took an early breakaway goal. However some outstanding long range passes from Nick Budden, Cleife and Plewes consistently found Pruden on the edge of the D who was able to fire at will, a reverse stick strike completing his hat trick.

The game opened up and Southampton were able to breakaway and attack. But firm defending from Jack Symes, Tim Hickson and Euan McIntosh mopped things up at the back. Southampton did manage to break through and bear down 1-1 to keeper Charlie Weller who was up to the task. He made himself big, positioned himself well and forced their striker to shoot wide, well done.

What followed was probably the best move of the game. From deep in the Petersfield half Henry Plewes passed a long ball to Dan Cleife and then ran like a rocket up the wing to receive the return pass in the opposition half. Henry then picked out Ian Pruden alone in the D with another precision pass. Pruden duly slotted it inside the near post.

Southampton did claw one back, but that man Pruden completed his glut of goals with a superb chipped shot into the roof of the net.
Every man had a great game today, the final score 6:2

Next week we have a break before facing Winchester away on 30th October. Petersfield climb to 3rd in the table.