Petersfield Mens 2nd XI versus Southampton University 4s

Roscoe Davey’s two quick goals were the difference as Petersfield Men’s 2s overcame a young and energetic Southampton University side.

The away fixture, back in December, was a disaster for us. Southampton Uni had not won any games but beat us 3-1. We were looking to correct that this time out.

It was a super hot day at Bedales and we had the bare 11 so we knew it was going to be tough. Off the back of our 11-0 outing we decided to line up the same with Henry Plewes playing as a high sweeper to hold the opposition in their half.
Once again this worked, with the university side struggling to get out. The pressure resulted in a series of penalty corners the last of which Lee Harris dispatched with a drag flick high and to the right.

Southampton were rattled and came out of the restart with extra zeal. With a series of good tackles from the Petersfield defence the 50/50 balls kept breaking against Petersfield finally resulting in an away goal. 1-1

Then came some individual brilliance from Roscoe Davey. With a long pass from Gavin Marshall on the left Roscoe turned the opposition defence inside out to crash a brilliant shot from the edge of the D into the bottom right corner. From the restart he did it again. This time beating three defenders and skilfully making space as he moved across the edge of the area to slot home another well placed shot. This was minute 21 and 22.

Petersfield continued to press with very little getting out from the midfield of Marshall, Harris, Will Cave and Duncan McDermott. And despite the heat and no substitutes Petersfield saw in half time with energy and control. 3-1.

The second half saw Southampton University change their approach and they had many more chances. Phil Cornelius, Dave Morley and Nick Budden had much more to do. One of the best defensive moments came from Budden, twice block a clear shot on goal from close range with the reverse side of his stick.
Petersfield managed the game brilliantly, slowing down play holding possession, and frustrating the visiting side.

The hard work from Henry Plewes in the high sweeper position eventually led to an over zealous tackle and a green card. But this highlighted the desire for Petersfield to get a result.

A good performance all around setting Petersfield up for a possible 6th place (of 12) in their final game against Alton 3s next weekend.

Well done team.